October 31, 2018 (revisiting a cherished memory)
It's truly a special kind of magic when a photograph you captured years ago resurfaces in a new and significant context. Back in the early days of his meteoric rise, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph fashion designer Zac Posenfor New York Times Magazine. He was already a force to be reckoned with, but this was still early in his journey, a pivotal time in his burgeoning career.
I vividly remember that shoot, aiming to capture the essence of his creative spirit and the passion that was already so evident in his work. My goal was to create a portrait that conveyed not just his image, but the artistic soul behind the designs.
Fast forward to October 2018 (and still a thrill today!), I was absolutely delighted to discover that my portrait of Zac Posen was featured in the new documentary, "@houseofz", which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and later found its home on Netflix. Directed by the talented @sandy_chronopoulos, "House of Z" offers an intimate look into Zac's world, charting his remarkable career highs and lows.
To see my work, created so early in his career, become a part of his documented history, appearing on a global platform like Netflix, was a truly humbling and exhilarating experience. It's a testament to the longevity and impact that a well-crafted portrait can have.
And what made the moment even sweeter? A personal thank you to Zac Posen for the repost! It’s always wonderful when subjects appreciate the art and connection formed during a session. It closes the loop on the creative process, from behind the lens to being seen by millions.
This full-circle moment with "House of Z" really underscored for me the enduring power of photography – how a single image can not only capture a moment in time but also become a piece of a larger, evolving narrative. It’s a reminder that every portrait tells a story, and sometimes, those stories find new life years down the road.
Have you seen "House of Z"? What portraits have stuck with you over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Michael Benabib
