Craig Cutler is no stranger to creating striking, high-contrast black-and-white images that carry a deeper meaning. In his self-initiated projects “Jo 2” and “Race Study,” Craig draws the viewer in with a distinct aesthetic and storytelling that transcends mere portraiture and still-life photography. In “Jo 2,” his long-time muse is a dog with a knack for striking poses, captured in dramatic portraits that evoke the elegance of iconic studio photographers. In “Race Study,” Craig uses the contrast of black and white mannequin hands coming together as a powerful metaphor for unity, diversity, and equality. These self-initiated projects reflect Craig’s ability to provoke thought and emotion through simple yet profound imagery.
By: Craig Cutler, Photographer, Craig Cutler Photography
Jo 2
I started taking portraits of Jo many years ago at my studio in Santa Monica. I probably take at least two portraits of her a month, and she comes to the studio regularly. She knows immediately that if the backdrop is up, it will be a work day for her. What is even more fun is that she has a few poses that she knows will get the strobes flashing, and this image is a perfect example of that. She understands head angles, eye contact, and paw positioning like no other. We have a lot of fun together.
What started out as a few portraits has become a collective series that keeps growing with Jo as my muse. What makes it fun for me is that I try to create a dramatic and serious portrait. Being in B&W is a must, as well as having deep contrast in the shadows. She is my supermodel in my pretend Irving Penn/Richard Avedon-inspired set creation. Of course, I am joking about this, but I am not interested in creating silly dog pictures.
When I shoot an actual job, she has a bed she sleeps on at the studio, always ready to swing back into action if called upon. Jo is a great dog, and she travels everywhere with my wife and me wherever life takes us.
Race Study
A photograph of a black hand and a white hand intertwined offers a powerful visual metaphor for the idea that “diversity is our strength.” In these images, each hand represents different backgrounds, histories, and experiences—distinct yet complementary. Just as these hands work in harmony, different people from various backgrounds—whether they differ in race, gender, culture, or belief—can come together to create something far greater than what they could achieve individually.
The beauty of diversity is seen in how these hands—one black, one white—come together to create a balanced composition. In photography, contrast often adds depth and meaning to an image, drawing attention to the richness in differences. Similarly, in a diverse society, contrasting perspectives bring various ideas and experiences that enrich the whole, driving innovation and fostering empathy. The differences between individuals, like the contrasting tones of the hands, enhance the collective rather than diminish it.
However, the power of these images also relies on the idea of equality. The hands are not in opposition; they are clasped in mutual respect, as equals. This equality is essential for diversity to be a true strength. Without equal rights, the images would shift—one hand dominating the other, breaking the sense of harmony.
In this photographic metaphor, the black and white hands together show us that diversity, when paired with equality, creates something enduring and powerful. It’s a reminder that our differences, when respected and supported by equal rights, strengthen us as a united whole.
I wanted the images to make you think about what people can do to help stamp out racism and to understand that it is still a major concern yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Craig Cutler‘s meticulous combination of craft and style brings an element of art to his work as a director and photographer. Conceptual thinking lays the foundation for both his print and film approach. Each of his projects, editorial or commercial ads, begins with concepts that take shape initially as sketches and evolve through a series of revisions and additions until a final direction is honed. Craig’s work is further differentiated by his focus on lighting. He strips each piece of its setting and uses lighting to evoke the message integral to his concept.
A frequent recipient of awards, Craig blends his experience with contemporary vision to create timeless art. He frequently collaborates on projects with his creative agency, CutlerBremner. An avid swimmer, Craig travels around the country with his wife and their dog.
Clients include Samuel Adams, National Geographic, American Express, IBM, The New York Times, Lululemon, Glossier, Neutrogena, Barron’s, and The Atlantic.
