Martina Arroyo, NYC - Martina is old school. We shot in her apartment overlooking Central Park. I had intel that she’s a self-proclaimed diva, and in a sense, I found her to be that way. She was affable, self-deprecating, funny, and present. She was also gregarious and fancy. She was in the vanguard of the first African American Opera singers to gain popular success. For fans of opera, she's an icon. She performed for decades in NYC, being a leading Soprano for an amazing 12 years
OVEREXPOSED // JORDAN PETERSON, NYC - My philosophy is that if I can make the image I want, I take the portrait regardless of politics. Dr. Peterson’s public persona is polarizing, combative, and misogynistic. In person, I found him polite and relatively introverted. I took this in front of the New York Public Library. Jordan is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
Cuba Gooding Jr., NYC -Photographing Cuba during a hectic shoot for FX's The People vs OJ Simpson was a thrilling challenge. With limited space in a cramped boardroom at the Four Seasons Hotel, I had to capture an 8-person group shot and individuals. The trick was shooting through the doorway to fit everything. Despite having only 5 minutes, I managed to snap a couple of frames of Cuba. toward the end of the session, opting for his shot over others like John Travolta due to time constraints.
Lupita Nyong’o, NYC - Capturing Lupita's natural beauty in the midst of challenges at NYC's Public Theater. Despite unexpected limitations to the lobby for our shoot, we created an intimate setting amidst the public space. With strategic setups and a bit of improvisation, we kept distractions at bay, allowing for precious moments to photograph her. Lupita's grace and intelligence made her one of my most cherished subjects, and I've since followed her incredible career journey.
OVEREXPOSED // LAURIE ANDERSON, NYC - I photographed Laurie at her studio in Tribeca. She exudes history. She's been a part of "it" (whatever it is) in the New York City art culture since the 1970s. She's a performance artist, musician, inventor, and director. Hanging out in her space and taking her photograph felt special. There was magic to it. Laurie's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
Bob Mankoff, NYC - Bob was a character. I’m a huge fan of the New Yorker Cartoon. He embodied what the personality of the most influential cartoon editor in the country would be. He signed me a copy of his book and introduced me to some key people in the office. Bob transitioned to the humor editor at Esquire. He’s a basketball lover and has a stellar head of hair.
OVEREXPOSED // STEVEN PINKER, NYC - I enjoyed Steve's authentic and comfortable presence. He's genius-level smart, but his likability alongside his intelligence sets him apart from other brilliant individuals I've photographed. Most tend to be awkward, but when you come across someone who is both smart and personable, It's a treat to be around them and laugh. Steven's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
Silas Farley, NYC - A member of NYC Ballet’s corps de ballet, I photographed Silas and two dozen other young dancers in NYC, highlighting diversity coming up the ranks of the ballet. I enjoy photographing ballet dancers specifically because they have an uncanny ability to move into desired postures effortlessly. That opens up options and allows more play with form than I typically get. On top of it all, we got to shoot in the impeccable grand hall of The New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.
OVEREXPOSED // EVE HARLOW, NYC - First time photographing Eve was in LA for a Fox show, all glitz and glam. A year later, a more casual portrait session in New York. Crew and styling matter, but making the subject comfortable is crucial for a good picture. That's my aim.Eve's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // MASIH ALINEJAD,NYC-Masih is most known for her crusade against the law of compulsory hijab in her native Iran. After meeting her, the idea of a law forcing her to wear anything to cap her most notable feature, and analogy of her personality, was absurd. In front of me, she treated the world and its problems with an infectious positivity. Masih's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // ANDRAYA YEARWOOD, NYC - Andraya is amazing. To capture her speed, we rode alongside her in a car as she sprinted, and I shot out the window. We matched her pace for focus and to blur the background. Her trans identity sparks public controversy, but spending a day with her reveals she's just a typical teenager. Andraya's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
Hoon Lee, NYC - I get a lot of people to play with their buttons, collars, ties, and tops to mix up their hand positions. This also doubles as a trick to get them to stop thinking about their posture. People often drop their arms and shift more naturally after I’ve asked them to try this. This picture of Hoon buttoning up his jacket, which happened naturally, is probably my favorite example. I love the twist in his wrists and the dichotomy between the delicacy and masculinity in his fingers.
OVEREXPOSED // JULIANNA MARGUILES, NYC - I end up in the Bowery Hotel a lot. That is where I photographed Chris Rock, Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Julianna. I recall that she stood like this naturally while we were talking, and I found it to be the perfect pose. Julianna is the thirteenth portrait in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
Shep Gordon, NYC - Capturing the essence of Shep Gordon, Supermensch and Alice Cooper's manager, was a delightful solo adventure at the iconic Plaza Hotel. Going solo for intimate shoots always yields unique moments, and Shep's vibrant spirit made the experience even more enjoyable. This photo session followed Mike Myers' documentary on Shep, providing ample material for our conversation and connection, resulting in moments like this.
OVEREXPOSED // JON RONSON, NYC - When I headed to Jon's NYC apartment to take his portrait, I was excited to speak to a guy who has written about psychopaths, cyberbullies, extremists, porn stars, and environmental greed. Like many writers, Jon was a natural in front of the camera. I've been a fan ever since. The Guardian put our double exposure on their cover. Jon's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
While testing the light, it looked too crisp. My assistants came up with a good solution by taping flags and rough cuts of paper over the front of the umbrella to break up the light source. After we honed the light, Gary and I had a quiet conversation about music, basketball, and fatherhood. Gary is the seventh portrait in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // JENNA DEWAN, NYC - Fox TV wanted a diverse photo booth for their new talent. I tackled the challenge of variety by using posing cubes as adjustable structures. Jenna's radiant pregnancy glow was beautifully highlighted in a thoughtful pose. Jenna's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // CYNTHIA NIXON, NYC - Around this time in 2018, I had been photographing many people with whom I politically differ, so when I got the chance to photograph a candidate more up my alley, it was a nice break. I liked Cynthia because she was genuine. I walked away with a sense of her intelligence, sharpness, and determination. Cynthia's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // JULIE KENT, NYC - When photographing, people often feel self-conscious and hesitant to pose as directed. I prefer making them forget it's a photo to capture natural poses. Dancers like Julie are amazing subjects; they can easily adjust their bodies to create the perfect shot, regardless of their life stage.Julie's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed
OVEREXPOSED // JONATHAN VAN NESS, NYC - Stylists, PR reps, clients, and assistants hover, disrupting comfort and natural vibes during shoots. For Jonathan, I built a v-flat maze, guiding people where I wanted. It helped and as a result we had fun talks about Gay of Thrones, fashion, and Midwest upbringing. Jonathan was funny and gregarious. Jonathan's portrait is featured in my new coffee table book, Overexposed, available now: https://overexposedthebook.com/store/p/overexposed