Through the Lens: A Retrospective on Photographer Eric McCarthy’s Journey from Seattle to Hawaii

In the fast-evolving world of photography, few names capture the essence of both nature and fashion with equal mastery. Eric McCarthy—photographer, traveler, and founder of Digital2pop—has carved out a name for himself by blending raw landscape beauty with bold fashion storytelling. His journey began in the rainy, reflective streets of Seattle and took a transformative turn when he relocated to the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii. This retrospective offers a deeper look into the life, lens, and legacy of a creative nomad who continues to redefine visual storytelling.

Eric McCarthy 2023 @Digital2Pop

The Seattle Roots: A Gray Canvas for Color

Eric McCarthy’s career began in Seattle, a city known for its moody weather, tech-driven culture, and vibrant arts scene. It was in this unique environment that Eric first honed his eye for contrast and detail—capturing the juxtaposition between the city's urban geometry and the untamed nature of the Pacific Northwest.

What started as a passion project photographing mountains, forests, and rainy streets soon evolved into something more layered. With time, Eric began collaborating with local fashion designers and models, finding ways to merge organic backdrops with human expression. This fusion of fashion and environment would become his signature style.

Seattle’s natural terrain gave Eric a deep appreciation for composition, light, and mood—elements that would carry through every chapter of his photographic journey. The Move to Hawaii: Color, Culture, and Clarity

In search of a fresh perspective, Eric relocated to Hawaii—an environment that could not be more different from Seattle. Here, the stark grays and blues of the Northwest gave way to vibrant greens, ocean blues, and golden sunlight. This shift in geography brought a vibrant new energy to his work.

Hawaii’s landscapes offered Eric an unlimited playground: volcanic rock formations, lush waterfalls, and surreal underwater realms. But what truly sets Eric apart is his ability to layer fashion into these dreamlike backdrops. Whether it’s a model draped in flowing silks against the sharp edges of lava rock, or high fashion pieces immersed in tropical downpours, Eric’s photos blur the line between editorial and environmental art.

Hawaii also allowed Eric to explore themes of identity, nature, and cultural reverence. His work began to reflect deeper narratives—stories of transformation, rootedness, and belonging, all told through color, fabric, and form. Digital2pop: The Vision Behind the Brand

At the heart of Eric McCarthy’s creative output is Digital2pop, his production house and visual platform. The name itself reflects a transition—from digital precision to something emotional, powerful, being a nod to the feeling of something vibrant bursting into view.

Digital2pop is more than just a portfolio; it’s a visual diary that chronicles Eric’s travels, collaborations, and evolving philosophies. The platform is a curated intersection of fashion photography, nature documentaries, and conceptual editorial work. It serves as a bridge between his commercial endeavors and his personal vision—a place where clients and fans alike can witness the unfolding story of a nomadic artist.

Through Digital2pop, Eric has worked with brands, stylists, and creative teams across the globe, often bringing a distinct island-meets-industrial aesthetic to his projects. His work is known for its intentionality—each shot a meditation on time, space, and sensation. A Timeless Eye in a Transient World:

What makes Eric McCarthy’s journey so compelling is not just the physical distance he's traveled, but the creative evolution he’s undergone. From the misty coasts of Seattle to the sun-kissed cliffs of Hawaii, his camera has remained a constant—a tool of exploration, truth, and beauty.

His photography doesn’t merely document the world; it interprets it. It shows us what happens when fashion is not confined to studios or cities, but allowed to roam wild across landscapes, sky, and sea.

In an age dominated by instant content and fleeting trends, Eric McCarthy reminds us that photography can still be an act of reverence—an invitation to slow down, look closer, and feel deeper. Follow Eric’s journey and view his latest work at Digital2pop Instagram: @digital2pop Location: Currently based in Hawaii, available for travel worldwide.

Artify Magazine – Artist Retrospective Series Written by: Nathan Jackson Date: June 12, 2025