NY Times Feature

A Dream Came True

Images and article by William Drumm

My underwater photography from the Hit Me Hard and Soft cover shoot was featured in the New York Times!

Some moments in an artist’s journey feel surreal, and this is one of them. I’m beyond thrilled to share that my underwater photography of Billie Eilish has been featured in a recent New York Times article, right alongside some of the most iconic album covers in music history, including Nirvana’s “Nevermind.”

To read more about this incredible shoot check out my Hit Me Hard and Soft Cover Shoot blog.

A Vision Beneath the Surface

From the moment I stepped into this project, I knew this shoot would be special. Billie’s album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” isn’t just music—it’s an experience, an emotional plunge into raw artistry. And what better way to capture that than submerging her world beneath water?

Underwater photography is unpredictable. The way light bends, the way movement slows, the way emotions translate in weightlessness—it’s pure magic. Every moment of this shoot was about embracing the fluidity of Billie’s sound and the depth of her storytelling.

From Behind the Lens to The New York Times

Seeing these images now, not just on an album but featured in a New York Times article, alongside legendary album covers, is an honor I can barely put into words. This is the kind of recognition that reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Seeing my phototgraphy alongside images that were a big part of my own childhood is sureal. My sisters are both older than me, so they were always up on the latest music and would share with me. Of course the Nirvana “Nevermind” cover is etched into my core memories. But so is Cake’s “Comfort Eagle” – my nextdoor neighbor was a big fan and we would play pool in his dark basement and listen to it. My parents love the Beatles, and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was another album cover that I loved checking out. Hopefully kids will gaze at the images from Billie’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” in the same way I looked at these albums. 

As Billie takes center stage at the Grammys once again, this album cover marks another chapter in her already groundbreaking career. To have my work be a small part of that journey? It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Learn More About William

If you’re curious about the creative process behind Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” album cover or eager to learn how I captured these underwater shots, I’d love to connect! I have countless stories to share, and I can’t wait for my next project.

Thanks for reading. To learn more about my mission visit my about page. To see my favorite images visit my portfolio, and if you are interested in purchasing prints (a portion of each sale goes to marine conservation efforts) then take a look at my fine art prints. Plus, to see even more of my images and to connect with me, make sure to follow me on Instagram!