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.
As the golden hour casts a gentle glow over the city, I sit, enveloped in the warmth of an incredible announcement: my portrait of the extraordinarily talented Michael James Shaw has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Masters 2023 competition. Amidst a vast sea of 85,000 submissions, to be selected among the top 10 in the portrait category is an honor that leaves me both humbled and elated.