TJ McGhee Turns Any Moment Into Something Divine

TJ McGhee

TJ McGhee’s camera work is more than just a tool. It’s a way of freezing authenticity before it fades. Whether documenting his crew’s day-to-day, filming music videos, or building visuals for brands, TJ’s lens is less about glamour and more about truth. “I like showing the actual authenticity of what’s happening,” he says. “In the moment, it’s one thing, but later on, it’s the long road that counts.”

That instinct came from studying the raw energy of creators like Pink Flamingo and Joy Division. Their work showed him how atmosphere can be brought to life, not just staged. Over time, TJ’s VHS visuals transitioned to full-scale videography, building a reputation for being everywhere the action was. For many, the first question they ask when they see him is: “Where’s the camera?”

But TJ is quick to remind people that he’s more than a cameraman. “I’m fully human first,” he says. “If I don’t have the camera, I’m just here to interact and know you. It’s not always work.” That balance allows him to capture people more deeply, allowing him to read their energy, see potential before they see it themselves, and frame their story in a way that lasts.

Movies also shape his craft. Wong Kar-wai’s Fallen Angels and Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar taught him the power of mood, pacing, and subtle details. “When I watch a film, I figure it out super fast,” he explains. “That helps me know the kind of shot I’m looking for in the moment.”

Outside of the camera, TJ has carved out a space in vintage resale. Selling one-of-a-kind band tees and coveted Chrome Hearts pieces, he applies the same eye for detail — knowing what has value, not just now, but down the line. “I want people to know I’m reputable,” he says. “Whether it’s a video or a sale, I put in the full 10 yards.”

Recent highlights include documenting Vandy the Pink’s 2023 summer campaign, shooting Midnight Rodeo at New York’s Georgia Room, and piecing together a St. Patrick’s Day video that became one of his favorites, especially since his good friend Larry was DJ’ing. Now based in D.C., TJ continues working with Y’Ours Archive while plotting new creative drops through his own project, Divine.

His advice to young creators is sharp but straightforward: “All effort, all mindset. If you’re going to commit to creativity, stick to it. Keep pushing, keep putting out your energy.”