Ines Rau, a transgender person, fully nude for a spread in Playboy magazine called "Evolution." In recent years, McGinley has become well known for the circle of successful younger artists surrounding him and his studio, prompting the New York Times to refer to him as, "The Pied Piper of the Downtown Art World". McGinley describes his mentorship practices as, "In a way, it's a curriculum, as I can give people advice because I’ve been through it." In 2014, McGinley delivered the commencement address at Parsons School of Design. To graduating students he offered the advice, "Say yes to almost everything and try new things. Don't be afraid to fail, and don't be afraid to work hard. Do your pictures—don't try and do somebody else's pictures. Don't get lost inside your head, and don't worry what camera you’re using." He continued, "I once heard the legendary indie director Derek Jarman had three rules for making his art films: 'Show up early, hold your own light, and don’t expect to get paid.' That always stuck with me. Approach art like it's your job. Show up for photography every day for eight hours. Take it as seriously as a doctor would medicine." Since 2005, McGinley has periodically lectured and done critiques with MFA photography students at Yale University. He has also been a member of the School of Visual Arts Mentors program. Music McGinley is credited for the formation of the New York City based band The Virgins after introducing and photographing two of its members in Tulum in 2004. McGinley said of the band, "Their lyrics are really poetic and very much about New York and the life that we live." In 2008, the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós used one of McGinley's images for their fifth album Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust. The video for the first track from the album, "Gobbledigook", was inspired by his work. In 2012, McGinley reunited with the band to direct the video for "Varúð". The non-profit Art Production Fund partnered with the NYC Taxi Commission to show the film in 3,000 cabs. The following year, it was screened in Times Square as part of Art Production Fund's Midnight Moment series, in which every night at midnight for one month the video played simultaneously on electronic billboards and newspaper kiosks throughout Times Square. McGinley has photographed musicians for both album artwork and editorial projects.