I look at a lot of photos everyday. We all do, whether we seek them out or not, images are everywhere. It’s easy to get jaded because of that saturation, especially as a frustrated photographer (and trust me, if you’re a photographer and not frustrated, you ain’t trying hard enough).
Lo and behold, I opened up The New York Times Magazine this Sunday, expecting to see some decent celebrity portraiture with, ultimately, little nutritional value. Then, I see this essay on Jeff Bridges by Peter van Agtmael, nine days, nine freaking days, following Lloyd’s son as he navigates the trail leading to a possible Oscar for his film, “Crazy Heart.” That’s cool enough, no one does picture stories like this anymore. But, but then I see this image or Mr. Bridges. This photograph kicks more photo-ass than any I’ve seen in a long time. This is a Chuck Norris roundhouse. And, it’s real, organic. It’s not a portrait. It’s not staged. It’s not a composite. It’s not yet more Photoshop sleight of hand. Yet, somehow, it has everything. I would have required a diaper had I seen this moment in front of my camera. I applaud Mr. van Agtmael for for keeping his cool and, more so, for his substantial and absorbing work. He pushes light and pixels farther than they probably want to go.
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Gary Payne - The Dude abides. Very good access given to the photographer.