The Portrait Project

Portraiture is a celebration of the individual. But more than that, it is an imprint of the sitter. It presents the subject's likeness after death, or after aging, to future generations of spectators. Perhaps that is why portraits have such gravity, it is impossible not to wonder about the life behind the face.

I was particularly inspired by a recent trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their Renaissance Portrait Exhibition. After decades of Mary and Jesus, the "Renaissance witnessed the rediscovery of the individual." Of course, I was most interested in the clothes, jewelry, and hairstyles that were perfectly captured in the profiles of the most beautiful ladies of the day.

But Nick and I, being products of our generation, decided to tackle portraiture with a healthy dose of post-modernism. Enjoy the photos!

Photographed by Nick Shepard
Styled by Annie Shepard
Assisted by Andra Georges
Modeled by Mikaela Flynn and Katie Hoffman

More Portraits after the Jump

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The Sorrentis: Davide, Vanina, Mario

Davide, Vanina, and Mario

Davide Sorrenti was born into a fashionable family, to say the least. His mother, Francesca, his brother, Mario, his sister, Vanina, and himself were all accomplished fashion photographers who worked with the latest it girls and beautiful people. Of course, they were all painfully beautiful themselves.

Mario Sorrenti is probably the most prolific of the bunch, having shot such campaigns as Calvin Klein's Obsession and continues to be very active in the business.

As shot by Mario Sorrenti

Mario Sorrenti photographed by Kate Moss 1992

Vinina Sorrenti so as not to be outdone by her brother

Vanina, locked in a moment.

All imaes via Ambush