I have always been fascinated with celebrity portraits. I realize how shallow this might sound. However, I am not referring to the paparazzi style photos seen at the supermarket checkout. I love the beautifully theatrical portraits that give us a glimpse of the real person mixed with a touch of fantasy. Of course there is nothing greater than an honest, straight forward portrait that reveals something about the person's life or personality, if that is actually possible. We have been taught that the camera never lies when in fact it is the greatest liar that ever existed. So what happens when we sit for a portrait? Who is actually in control?  The person being photographed? The photographer? We all know the feeling of being photographed, especially now that cell phone cameras capture every moment of our lives.  We instinctively put on our "camera" face. We try to hide our weaknesses and show our strengths. Tuck in the belly, smile, keep the chin up to look thinner. How is it any different from a styled photo shoot with props and lighting? It isn't. Celebrities just have bigger budgets than we do. Their faces are their product. It's what they sell us.
Theater, like all the arts, is a reflection of life. It just makes life seem a bit more interesting. So when I see a celebrity portrait that is full of drama, comedy or even tragedy, I smile and wonder where the line has been drawn. Where does the fantasy end and reality begin? How much is true? Maybe I am seeing the real person disguised as a personification of himself.
The portraits I have included in this blog represent this idea. They are not celebrity portraits. They are representations of John, Will and Zoe. They show a side to these people that exist beneath the surface but very much part of their personalities. It's a bit of theater to help express Will's fascination with beautiful cars, John's brooding bohemian personality, Victor's suave persona and Zoe's beautiful inner soul.