Thom Kerr is known for his bold experimentation and vivid use of color. His work acts as a bridge between the realms of fashion and fine art.
 

In 2005 Thom Kerr graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specialising in writing and directing. He initially freelanced as a stylist, set designer, and writer for numerous publications - collaborating with an eclectic set of photographers & directors whilst developing his own direction. In 2007 he decided to step behind the camera officially and developed a successful photographic career taking him around the globe. 2017 saw him relocate to Los Angeles, translating his stylistic imagery into directing with eye catching visuals for artists including Christina Aguilera, Doja Cat, Bebe Rexha, Quavo, Iggy Azalea, Kim Petras, Kehlani, Brooke Candy, Jason Derulo, Rico Nasty and Kimbra. 

His dynamic folio has attracted an international audience with advertising and magazine commissions worldwide. With experience working across all aspects of imagery he is often asked to consult with brands, personalities, and publications on the creative direction of each assignment.

Whilst many artists follow a more conventional path of working within the defined aesthetics of music and fashion, Thom continues to break away from industry expectations by delivering visuals that are bold and forward thinking in their approach.

Thom Kerr’s photography is a visual exploration of identity, transformation, and the artifice of fame, drawing on cinematic influences and a distinct surrealism that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. His work often showcases high fashion, celebrity portraits, and editorial shoots that fuse commercial aesthetics with a fine-art sensibility. Central to his imagery is an arresting use of color, light, and symbolism, which not only enhances the emotional impact of his photographs but also invites deeper reflection on the complexities of modern identity.

A defining feature of Kerr’s work is the bold, often exaggerated use of color. Vivid hues and dramatic contrasts create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, imbuing his subjects with an ethereal quality. This approach aligns with his cinematic style, which evokes both a sense of nostalgia for classic Hollywood and a contemporary sensibility rooted in surrealism. In many of his photoshoots, color functions as a symbolic tool, conveying the emotional intensity of his subjects while highlighting the tension between reality and illusion. The saturated colors serve as a metaphor for the bright, glamorous surface of fame, which contrasts with the darker, more complex truths beneath. These vivid palettes are not just visually striking but also add layers of meaning that enrich the narrative of the imagery .

Light plays a crucial role in Kerr’s work, particularly in his use of contrast and shadows. Drawing on classic cinematic techniques, he often uses lighting to create a sense of mystery and duality. His compositions, marked by dramatic highlights and deep shadows, symbolize the divide between the public persona and the private self. This interplay between light and shadow invites viewers to look beyond the surface, questioning the truth behind the image. In shoots featuring celebrities or musicians, this symbolic use of lighting suggests the tension between the constructed image of fame and the vulnerability of the person behind it. Kerr’s work prompts a reflection on the facade of perfection that the public is often presented with, and the shadows that lie in the background.

Symbolism is integral to Kerr’s photographic narrative—whether celebrities, musicians, or models—who are constantly navigating the ever-changing landscape of public image. This thematic undercurrent is paired with the visual symbolism of reflective surfaces, mirrors, and frames that suggest the duality of identity. The polished surfaces represent the constructed self, while the reflections hint at a deeper, more complex truth lurking just beneath.

By blending these elements—bold color, dramatic lighting, and rich symbolism—Kerr crafts images that are not only visually stunning but also conceptually rich. His work transcends the realm of fashion photography, offering a commentary on identity, fame, and the tension between the self we project and the self we hide. Through his lens, he explores the complexities of modern life, questioning how much of what we see is truly real, and how much is carefully orchestrated for the eyes of others  .