Jacob Sawyer

The other day, I found myself sitting alone in my studio, the place where I’ve spent countless hours crafting images that used to capture the imagination of the fashion world. The light coming through the windows was perfect, but there were no models, no stylists bustling around, no assistants adjusting the reflectors. Just me, a few leftover props, and the faint echo of the past.

I’m 34 now, living in New York, and it feels strange to say that like it should be some kind of milestone. A decade ago, I was hustling through the streets of New York with a camera slung over my shoulder, eager to prove myself. And I did. Covers, campaigns, editorials—my work was everywhere. The rush of those early successes was addicting. The late nights editing, the thrill of seeing my shots blown up on billboards, and the invitations to parties where everyone seemed to know my name. It was everything I dreamed of.

But lately, the calls have slowed down. AI-generated images are now good enough to grace magazine covers, and clients are noticing. Budgets are shrinking, and I’m feeling the squeeze. It’s funny, in a sad sort of way—just a few years ago, I was turning down gigs that didn’t meet my rate. Now I’m calculating how many shoots I need to cover my rent, my studio lease, my team’s salaries.

I think about the way I used to spend money, almost recklessly—on the latest gear, designer clothes, dinners at the hottest restaurants. It was easy to get swept up in the lifestyle, to feel like it would always be this way. But nothing is carved in stone, right?

So here I am, adapting, trying to stay afloat in a sea that’s getting harder to navigate. I’m not giving up—far from it. I’ve been looking into new directions, maybe personal projects or teaching workshops. I’m even exploring what I can do with this AI stuff, seeing if I can blend it with what I do best. It’s a different game now, but it’s not over.

There’s a strange kind of peace in that realization. Maybe the party is over, but there’s still music playing somewhere. I just need to find the rhythm again.