Solomon’s Portrait: A Study in Drama and Depth

In the heart of Los Angeles, nestled within the dynamic walls of Samy's Camera, I had the unique opportunity to photograph actor Carl Solomon during one of my photography workshops. Born on August 7, 1952, Solomon's notable film contributions include The Once and Future Smash (2022), The Last War Crime (2012), and Fat Fleshy Fingers(2023). His robust presence and expressive countenance made him an extraordinary subject to capture, adding a powerful new layer to my ongoing project, Selah.

Solomon’s Portrait: A Study in Drama and Depth

It’s no secret that photographers often find inspiration in other art forms, and for me, Renaissance Italian art has long been a guiding force. The works of Old Master painters such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera have provided not just inspiration, but a blueprint for understanding light, shadow, and drama. These artists mastered the interplay of illumination and darkness, a technique known as tenebrism, to evoke emotion and storytelling. This influence is especially evident in Selah, my latest and deeply personal project.

Selah is more than just a collection of portraits; it is a reflection of spiritual pause and dramatic meditation. The word itself, drawn from the Hebrew language and frequently appearing in the Book of Psalms, signifies a moment to pause, breathe, and contemplate. It has become a thematic linchpin of this series. My aim has been to channel the essence of this reflective state through my direction and the expressions of my subjects, capturing their highest moments of introspective drama.

Photographing Carl Solomon was an exercise in finding the balance between raw authenticity and refined classical influence. With his deep-set eyes and time-honored features, Solomon perfectly embodied the themes of Selah. His modeling during the workshop allowed me to guide him into moments of reflection and vulnerability, harnessing the same emotional depth that Ribera so masterfully depicted in his saints and martyrs. Solomon's portrait, with its chiaroscuro lighting and expressive composition, invokes a sense of timeless meditation, seamlessly blending the Renaissance past with the contemporary present.

The Selah series has been enriched by portraits of some of the world's most recognized figures, including Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and Dame Judi Dench. Each portrait serves as a modern-day echo of the dramatic religious and historical scenes that inspired me. The project underscores not only the artistic reach of portraiture but also its ability to foster moments of introspection for both the subject and the viewer.

For over a decade, I have dedicated myself to capturing the essence of humanity through portraiture. My work features distinguished individuals ranging from William Shatner and Tony Blair to Rufus Sewell and Natalie Dormer. My portraits have been showcased at the National Portrait Gallery in London, testament to their enduring resonance.

I strive to break free from the conventional boundaries of commissioned portraiture by infusing spontaneity and a touch of the unconventional. Whether it is through the nuanced awkwardness or a fleeting glance, my portraits seek to strip away the artifice and replace it with an arresting, quiet strength.

Carl Solomon’s recent portrait in Selah stands as a testament to this mission—an intersection where past and present, light and shadow, and art and life converge.