The Society Shooter 

From the swankiest soirees to the catwalks of Fashion Week, on the beat with New York’s hardest working party photographer.

by Emon Hassan

If you’ve ever picked up a magazine or a newspaper filled with photos from celebrity galas or film premieres, chances are you’ve noticed the photo credit “Patrick McMullan.” Patrick McMullan Company is actually comprised of a roster of photographers, including McMullan himself, who cover an average of 50 events per week. Clint Spaulding is one of PMC’s busiest photographers.

Growing up in a small town near Ann Arbor, Michigan, Spaulding dreamed of becoming an actor until he discovered photography at age thirteen. He received his first camera as a Christmas gift and went on to shoot for his high school newspaper, work at local photo labs, and eventually pursue a degree in journalism at Michigan State University. During a visit to New York City, an opportunity came up to photograph a few shows during Fashion Week of Spring 2003. Some months later, a McMullan photo book inspired Spaulding to seek out and interview for PMC, which lead to a summer job as a receptionist, and eventually a full-time gig as a photographer. His colleagues, says Spaulding, still make fun of him for being the worst receptionist they’ve ever had.

Watch the short film here.