Capturing André: Photographers Hunter Abrams + Sam Lee

What this episode covers

In this episode of the Different Leaf the Podcast, photographers Sam Lee and Hunter Abrams discuss their long-running creative partnership and their approach to shooting one of the book’s most striking visual stories. Having worked with leading outlets including Vogue, Interview Magazine, The New York Times, and GQ, Lee and Abrams reflect on how they first met, how their collaborative process evolved, and what it means to build trust behind the camera. The conversation centers around their Different Leaf photo shoot with André De Shields — Tony Award–winning actor, singer, and cultural icon — whose presence, movement, and history informed every frame. They break down the role of styling and wardrobe, and how thoughtful choices allowed De Shields’ creative energy to lead without overpowering the image itself. Lee and Abrams also speak to Bob Faust and Nick Cave’s original vision for the book, and how they translated that vision into photographs that expand the narrative while honoring its spirit—adding texture, rhythm, and humanity to a world built on art, cannabis, and storytelling.

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