Moving to Europe in 1992 to pursue his career, McPherson met the fashion editor Isabella Blow who became a close friend and an invaluable source of inspiration.
McPherson returned to New York City in 1998 and was introduced to Stephen Sprouse, who further influenced his photographic style.
McPherson contributes to fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, New York Times Magazine, Vogue Nippon and Russian Vogue.
His clients include Valentino, Lacoste, Barney's, Max Mara, Paul Smith, Levi's, Hanes, Estée Lauder, Fila, Canon, Sony, Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Lux and Badgley Mischka.
McPherson has worked with numerous celebrities, including David Bowie, Beastie Boys, Gwen Stefani, Ashton Kutcher, Matthew Modine, Grace Jones, Duchess of York, Jason Schwartzman, Sophia Bush, Ashley Tisdale, Adrien Brody, Sophie Dahl, Maggie Gyllenhaal, A Tribe Called Quest, Tom Cruise, Carolina Herrera, Fisherspooner, Chingy, Hanson, Keira Knightley, New Order, The Strokes and Stephen Sprouse.