When I get an assignment to photograph executives in dark suits against a black background, the challenge is to make them more of a portrait than a headshot. By shooting them off-center and giving them something to lean against, the tension makes the portrait more distinctive.
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It's incredibly rewarding when a professional relationship blossoms over the years, built on a foundation of trust and quality work. I've had the distinct pleasure of photographing Dr. Jennifer Ashton for over a decade now, a truly remarkable physician, author, and television medical contributor. She's the Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News and Good Morning America, and a columnist for Cosmopolitan Magazine – a true powerhouse.
Our collaboration began in a pivotal moment for her, and for me. When Dr. Ashton needed a captivating image for her book cover, "The Body Scoop for Girls: A Straight-Talk Guide to a Healthy, Beautiful You," she came to me. That initial project was more than just a photoshoot; it was about capturing her approachable yet authoritative voice, perfectly suited for a guide designed to empower young women.
That first book cover proved to be a catalyst. The team at Penguin Books, her publisher, clearly saw the value in our work. Since then, I've been honored to be called upon for half a dozen other book covers and author portraits for their diverse roster of talent.
This ongoing partnership is a testament to a simple, yet profound truth in any profession: it pays to do good work.Delivering high-quality images consistently, understanding the client's vision, and creating a comfortable, productive environment in the studio are all key. When you do that, clients not only return, but they also become advocates, opening doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Working with Dr. Ashton has always been a collaborative and inspiring experience. She has a natural grace and a genuine presence that translates beautifully through the lens. My aim is always to capture her authentic self – intelligent, compassionate, and relatable – qualities that resonate with her audience whether they're watching her on "Good Morning America" or reading her insightful books.
It's been a privilege to play a small role in the visual representation of her impactful career, and I look forward to many more years of capturing her evolving journey.
What collaborations in your own professional life have blossomed from that initial "good work"? Share your stories below!
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
Photo Credit: Michael Benabib
When I photographed David Bowie for Blender Magazine I was told I'd only have 15min. The magazine wanted him shot against basic white background. I didn't want to blow my shot with Bowie so I saved a slice of time to shoot this abstract background. CEO photography is a race against the clock to produce an iconic photo - always be ready to capture that moment.
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