Henry Leutwyler

If I had to describe Henry Leutwyler in one word, what would I say? Archivist? Storyteller? Tenacious? He's funnier than Jerry Lewis.

Henry is deeply interested in objects, and rarely relies on a prop stylist — he prefers to arrange things himself. He's seasoned, and quick. This image from 2002, photographed on Polaroid Type 55 PM 4x5 film, features chef Rocco DiSpirito's most important tools. If you follow Henry on Instagram, where he's an avid poster, you'll see that he arranges his flea market findings in similar fashion — a cross between a magpie and a bower bird.

Henry also loves people, and has photographed musicians, writers, politicians, actors and performers. He has a soft spot for ballet — Misty Copeland in particular.

He has published a staggering dozen books with Steidl alone, and he told me that a thirteenth one is with the binder now. He's based in New York, but constantly jetting around the world. Frequent stops are made in Switzerland, where he was born and raised; Italy, where his mother is from; and Japan.