"Celebrities provide an escape from the mundane. They are photographed so we can worship them—so they are worthy of our worship." -- David LaChapelle
"A photographic portrait is a picture of someone who knows he is being photographed." -- Richard Avedon
In this episode Antonio and Ward take on the world of celebrity portraiture — from the classic work of masters like Irving Penn, Avedon, and Karsh to modern takes by photographers such as Platon and Tyrell Hampton. Their discussion starts with Oscar Isaac’s recent GQ shoot and spirals into a larger conversation about what it means to photograph fame: whether we’re seeing the real person or a performance crafted for the camera. They weigh how much control the celebrity, the photographer, and the publication each have in shaping these images, and how context — from lighting to location — turns a portrait into a cultural artifact.
The two also reflect on why celebrity portraits endure long after the marketing fades, comparing timeless images like Audrey Hepburn’s portrait by Irving Penn and Platon’s unnerving shot of Vladimir Putin. Along the way, they contrast authenticity and artifice, recalling famous stories behind iconic portraits — from Churchill’s scowl to Meryl Streep’s unretouched close-up.
Subscribe to our Substack Newsletter
Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
Send us a voice message, comment or question.
Show Links:
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook page.
Subscribe to us on:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.