Photographing Carl Solomon was an exercise in finding the balance between raw authenticity and refined classical influence. With his deep-set eyes and time-honored features, Solomon perfectly embodied the themes of Selah. His modeling during the workshop allowed me to guide him into moments of reflection and vulnerability, harnessing the same emotional depth that Ribera so masterfully depicted in his saints and martyrs. Solomon's portrait, with its chiaroscuro lighting and expressive composition, invokes a sense of timeless meditation, seamlessly blending the Renaissance past with the contemporary present.
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah Project. It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other forms of art, and as many of you may have noticed, my portraiture is heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Drawing inspiration from these iconic artists, I strive to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings in my work. This influence is particularly evident in Selah, my latest and most ambitious project to date.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since my portrait sitting with Sir Patrick Stewart. Capturing his likeness was not just a career highlight but a transformative moment that propelled my work into the international spotlight. In celebration of this milestone, I want to revisit that memorable session and reflect on its impact.
In my latest project, Selah, I've drawn deep inspiration from the Old Master painters, particularly those from the Renaissance Italian period. This influence is vividly apparent in my portrait of James Purefoy, where I sought to evoke the light, atmosphere, and tonal qualities reminiscent of artists like Rembrandt and Caravaggio.
As the golden hour casts a gentle glow over the city, I sit, enveloped in the warmth of an incredible announcement: my portrait of the extraordinarily talented Michael James Shaw has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Masters 2023 competition. Amidst a vast sea of 85,000 submissions, to be selected among the top 10 in the portrait category is an honor that leaves me both humbled and elated.
