December 18, 2018
There are few feelings as gratifying as seeing your work published, especially when it's in a publication as iconic as Vanity Fair. I was absolutely delighted back in December 2018 to see my photography of the incredibly talented Lili Anolik, a contributing editor for the magazine, featured in their 2018-2019 Holiday Issue.
It's always an honor to work with writers and creatives, and Lili is truly a force. At the time of this publication, she was gaining significant acclaim as the author of the New York Times bestseller, Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A., and later, the equally compelling Didion and Babitz: The Golden Girls of the Silver Screen. Her writing has a unique ability to capture the essence of a place and a personality, and I aimed to bring that same depth to her portrait.
The Challenge and Reward of Photographing a Wordsmith
Photographing someone like Lili, whose craft is all about words and narrative, presents a wonderful challenge. My goal was to create an image that felt as insightful and evocative as her prose. It wasn't just about capturing a pretty face; it was about conveying her intellect, her wit, and the sharp observational skills that make her writing so captivating.
During our session, we explored different moods and expressions, aiming to find the visual equivalent of her literary voice. There's a subtle strength and a contemplative quality to Lili's presence that I focused on bringing out. The collaboration was a true pleasure, as she understood the nuances of conveying a message through an image, just as she does with her words.
A Moment of Pride in Print
To see the final images perfectly placed within the pages of Vanity Fair's Holiday Issue was a moment of immense pride. It's a testament to the synergy between a talented subject, a great team at the magazine, and a photographer's vision. The holiday issue, in particular, always has a special charm, often celebrating culture, art, and the personalities who shape our world. To have my work contribute to that edition felt like a significant milestone.
This experience underscores the power of strong visual storytelling, especially when paired with compelling narratives. Lili Anolik's work continues to fascinate, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to capture a small part of her incredible journey for such a prestigious publication.
Have you read any of Lili Anolik's books or articles? What magazines do you love to see stunning photography in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!