Mat Szwajkos’ celebrity portraits
We checked in with New York photographer Mat Szwajkos and asked him how he managed to get the celebrities that he photographs ultra close up portraits of to agree to an un-retouched photo: ‘When I started shooting the project, it was a bit hit or miss. After the first couple months shooting everyone that would let me, I figured out how to approach the talent and have them agree to the portrait. I first introduce myself and explain the project and that I am (usually) the house photographer. Then I tell them that I am working on a group of close-up portraits at events and that I would like to do one of them. If they say yes, I show them with my hand in front of my own face how close the lens is going to be’.
‘Out of the hundreds of people I have asked, only a few have actually said no. I have photographed close to 400 people this way in two and a half years. Almost all of the women I have photographed for this project have had their make-up done before they arrived at any of the fashion shows, parties, concerts or private events. The guys usually have had a stylist work on them as well. I am capturing these portraits in an editorial environment and want to keep them that way. You get to see how celebrities are just like us. They have bad hair days, tired eyes, and, yes, blemishes on their chins. We all do. I am not trying to show anyone in a bad light. I am only trying to show them how they are’.
Tagged: jenna jameson, lil jon, Mat Szwajkos
Also by ALISON ZAVOS
In early 1965, LIFE photographer Bill Ray spent several weeks with The Hells Angels. Ray recalls his days and nights with Buzzard, Hambone, Big D, and other Angels (and their ‘old ladies’) at a time when the roar of Harleys and the sight of long-haired bikers was still new, alien, and for the average, law-abiding citizen, simply terrifying. This is a selection of Ray’s images originally published by LIFE.com, and more images can be seen on their website. [via Feature Shoot] Read more
Photo portraits of Model Railway Enthusiasts
David Vintiner is a British portrait photographer living in London. These portraits are from a personal project, Enthusiasts, which was selected for the Creative Review Photography Annual last year. He writes: ‘My Enthusiasts were shot on location at a model railway exhibition in Birmingham, England. In my photography I’m drawn to the subtlety of the everyday, in this case, passion for a hobby’. Read more
Celestial photographs inspired by dreams
Jaime Martinez was born in Monterrey, Mexico and is currently living in Mexico City. His work is influenced by his many fashionable friends and surroundings. Jaime’s photographs have been featured in many magazines including Fifi, Subterra, and Rolling Stone Germany. [via Feature Shoot] Read more
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Japanese artist Shohei shows his marvelous drawing skill and imagination through a single ball point pen. He can really draw. Read more
I wish I could remember my dreams more often. I wish the damn things wouldn’t go in one ear and straight out the other. Who plants them and why? And how come the few I recall are like tiny portions of an indie blockbuster, minus the credible acting and the killer plot twists. Sigh. Life is like a dream sometimes. And then you wake up. [illustration by Sam Weber]
An intelligently told, morally complex tale with a raft of unexpected twists, Gone Baby Gone is one of the most original films of recent times. Most films give you a sense of their narrative arc and it is easy to recognise the major plot points. Read more
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Pomocracy is a lifestyle statement Tumblr recently created in Berlin by PoMo, a nurse and designer. It’s an inspirational blog full of weird stuff.
Our friends at Ghostly International are releasing Matthew Dear’s Black City album as a limited edition ‘totem’. A what? A totem – a limited edition metal bar used to access a private music chamber. Cool! Read more
This recent photo series by Joshua Scott combines gang sign stacking with cutting edge jewelry brands, nOir and Bijules. Who needs brass knuckles when you’ve got this much swag on your fists. Stack signs and represent your set with metal and mesh. Read more
WE'RE POSTING / SOME OF THE BEST
A little infectious lollipop rock anyone? Feel free to embarrass yourself singing along at the stoplight. If the other drivers give you that look, roll down the windows and spread the love.
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Never ever, ever, ever, ever park here
Some friendly advice for the neighbours, who simply don’t get it, or street art? You decide which one it is.
Pencils made from recycled newspaper
The problem with awesome things like these pencils made out of recycled newspaper is that you almost don’t want to use them.
Get lost in a daydream or a craving for something sweet while gazing at these cool sculptures by Brooklyn-based WiNK WiNK PONY. Made using clay, tree bark, wood, and mossy moss.
How ’bout this Jose Manuel Hortelano-Pi guy, huh? Quite the illustrator, yessiree Bob. From Spain, too. Spain is great! Read more
On this Virgin Mary HaloTech watch, the dial is a modern version of the nineteenth century art form of lithophanes, carved porcelain sheets that, when lit, deliver astoundingly detailed images. When the pusher is activated, the dial springs to life in 3D. The watch features a light-up dial, LED light, and afterglo effect. Read more
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