Clay Cook

I’m a commercial photographer and director based in Louisville, Kentucky.

I like to tell stories with light, color and composition, and to find the emotional depth and empathetic details in a subject so they can share their story with the world. My years in the music industry shaped how I approach the relationships I’ve built throughout my career, and I value those connections above all.

My work explores human connection in all its forms, whether that’s a humanitarian project on another continent or a tourism campaign for Palm Beach. I’ve worked with Maker’s Mark, Tempur-Pedic, Wild Turkey, History, Lifetime, Comcast, the NFL and even Papa John’s Pizza. On the editorial side, I’ve completed assignments for National Geographic, Time, Forbes, Popular Mechanics, The Guardian and W Magazine.

My personal project Stitched In Strength, became a solo exhibition at the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum in 2024. I also coach photographers at claycookcoaching.com.