n### The Polaroid Magic of Andrew Tess: Capturing Celebrities in a Single Frame
If you’ve ever marveled at a vibrant, well-lit Polaroid of your favorite celebrity, chances are it was taken by Andrew Tess. Known for his ability to capture the essence of stars like Ariana Grande, Nicole Kidman, and Mikey Madison, Tess has made a name for himself as the go-to photographer for candid, yet strikingly gorgeous, Polaroid portraits.
“Shooting Ari, Cynthia [Erivo] and Michelle [Yeoh], I mean, that was brilliant,” Tess shared wiht Yahoo Entertainment about his experience photographing awards season contenders for Paper magazine at the National Board of Review awards on Jan. 7. “[[Wicked]was such a moment. It’s part of the zeitgeist and it’s something that I’m so excited and inspired [by]. In capturing them, I felt so excited to be contributing to it in my own way.”
Tess’s work stands out for its authenticity. While his subjects are posed, there’s an undeniable “in the moment” quality to his photos. “I do feel like the actual artifact, the actual physical object has so much beauty to it,” he said, emphasizing the unique charm of Polaroid photography.
The Art of the Polaroid
Tess’s Polaroids are more than just snapshots; thay’re pieces of art. His ability to capture the playfulness of Ariana Grande,the cool elegance of Nicole Kidman,and the soft smile of Mikey Madison showcases his mastery of the medium. Each photo tells a story, offering a glimpse into the personalities of his subjects.
Key Highlights of Andrew Tess’s Work
| Celebrity | Event | Notable Moment |
|———————-|————————————|———————————————————————————–|
| Ariana Grande | National Board of Review awards | Playfully puckering up for the camera |
| Nicole Kidman | Various events | Effortlessly cool gaze captured in a single frame |
| Mikey Madison | Awards season | Soft smile immortalized in a Polaroid |
Tess’s work has become a staple at awards shows and after-parties, where his Polaroids offer a unique, tangible keepsake for celebrities and fans alike.His ability to blend artistry with spontaneity has made him a sought-after photographer in the industry.
For more of Andrew Tess’s captivating work, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.
The Art of Polaroid Photography: How Tess Captures Intimacy in a Digital World
In an era dominated by high-resolution digital cameras and instant smartphone snapshots, photographer Tess has carved out a unique niche by embracing the nostalgic charm of Polaroid photography. For Tess, the journey to exclusively shooting on Polaroid film wasn’t immediate. “I had tried my hand at all sorts of cameras as I was starting my career, but none of them felt right,” he shared. It was the joy he experienced as a child with Polaroid cameras that ultimately drew him back to the medium, a decision that has defined his career for the past decade.
“I don’t want to say it took off immediately,” Tess admitted. “At first, everyone was like, ‘why is he shooting with a Polaroid camera?’ But eventually, people caught on, and I think they saw the artistry and intention I had with it.”
The Polaroid Difference: A Return to Tangibility
In the fast-paced, high-pressure habitat of awards shows and celebrity events, Tess’s Polaroid photography offers a refreshing change of pace. Unlike the hundreds of digital images captured by top-of-the-line cameras, which ofen remain confined to screens, Tess’s process is tactile and intimate. Holding the camera, the printed image, and a Sharpie for celebrities to autograph their portraits creates a personal connection that digital photography often lacks.
This approach has resonated with celebrities and audiences alike. As a notable example, at Willy Chavarria’s fall/winter show during New York Fashion Week in February 2024, Tess captured a striking image of Julia Fox, showcasing the unique aesthetic of Polaroid film. The grainy texture, soft colors, and instant physicality of the photograph stand in stark contrast to the polished, hyper-realistic images typically associated with fashion events.
Why Polaroid?
Tess’s choice to use polaroid film isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a deliberate artistic decision. The limitations of the medium—such as its fixed focus and limited exposure control—force him to be more intentional with each shot.this intentionality, combined with the physicality of the process, creates a sense of authenticity that digital photography frequently enough struggles to replicate.
Moreover,the instant nature of Polaroid photography allows for immediate feedback and interaction. Celebrities can see their portraits right away, sign them, and even take them home, making the experience more personal and memorable.
The Future of Polaroid Photography
As digital technology continues to advance,Tess’s work serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of analog photography. His polaroid portraits are not just images; they are tangible artifacts that capture a moment in time with a unique, irreplaceable quality.
For those interested in exploring the world of Polaroid photography, Tess’s journey offers valuable insights. His success demonstrates that sometimes, stepping away from the latest technology and embracing a more tactile, intentional approach can lead to truly remarkable results.
Key Takeaways: Tess’s Polaroid Photography
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| medium | Exclusively uses Polaroid film |
| Style | Intimate, tactile, and intentional |
| Notable Work | Julia Fox at Willy Chavarria’s fall/winter show (NYFW 2024) |
| Unique Feature | Celebrities autograph their portraits immediately after shooting |
| Impact | Offers a nostalgic, authentic alternative to digital photography |
Tess’s work is a testament to the power of embracing simplicity and authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by digital perfection. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of analog art, his Polaroid portraits are a reminder that sometimes, the best way to capture a moment is to slow down and savor it.
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Capturing Stillness in Chaos: Andrew Tess’s Polaroid Portraits at New York Fashion Week
At the heart of New York Fashion Week’s bustling energy, photographer Andrew Tess found a moment of stillness. During Willy Chavarria’s fall/winter 2024 show, tess captured a Polaroid portrait of Julia fox, a moment that stood in stark contrast to the fast-paced environment around them.“It creates a sense of stillness — especially in terms of the distance in which I need to capture my subjects,” Tess recalled. “Having [the celebrity] sign the image, giving them the Sharpie, it’s kind of a very grounding experience.”
This intimate process is just the beginning of Tess’s artistic journey. After snapping the Polaroid, he returns to his studio to scan and edit the portraits, transforming them into what he describes as “individual works of art.” “So much of the work really comes in my postproduction process, where I say it’s almost like the Polaroid shifts, in some ways, from a photo to a painting with the level of color work that I’m doing to them individually,” he explained.
The Intersection of Pop Culture and Art
Tess’s work is deeply rooted in his connection to pop culture. Living in new York and immersing himself in the city’s vibrant theater scene have profoundly influenced his creative sensibilities. “I genuinely believe that those experiences impact my sense of color, curating a very specific connection to pop culture,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to create something that lives within the sphere of pop culture.”
One of Tess’s biggest inspirations is Ryan McGinley, a fellow New York photographer renowned for making Polaroids art between the late ’90s and early 2000s. McGinley’s work, which often featured skateboarders, musicians, and the LGBTQ community, as well as celebrities like Brad Pitt and Beyoncé, resonates with Tess. “His photos are so dynamic and they’re so different from the work that I do,and yet I think you can see the humanity in his work as well in a way that perhaps many people can see through my Polaroid work,” Tess noted.
beyond the Lens: A Commitment to Humanity
Tess’s humanity extends beyond his photography. He has been actively involved in mobilizing relief efforts for those affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. By organizing donation drives at two Ray’s bar locations in New York and setting up a GoFundMe campaign, Tess has demonstrated his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| photography Style | Polaroid portraits with a focus on stillness and intimacy. |
| Creative influence | New York’s theater scene and pop culture. |
| Inspiration | Ryan McGinley’s dynamic and human-centric Polaroid art. |
| Humanitarian Efforts | Organized donation drives and GoFundMe campaigns for wildfire relief.|
Andrew Tess’s work is a testament to the power of art to capture fleeting moments and evoke profound emotions. Whether through his Polaroid portraits or his humanitarian efforts, Tess continues to leave an indelible mark on both the art world and the community.
Explore more about Andrew Tess’s work and his contributions to wildfire relief efforts here.
New Yorkers Unite for L.A. Fire Relief Effort
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, New Yorkers have rallied together to support Los Angeles residents affected by recent wildfires. Spearheaded by a local organizer, the initiative has gained massive traction, with a viral social media post driving donations and awareness.
The effort began on january 10, when the organizer, feeling the urgency to act, started planning a donation drive. By the next morning, a post about the initiative had garnered an astonishing 6 million views on Instagram. “In New York,I feel like so many of us felt so helpless and desperate to kind of do something,” he shared. “We started planning it on Friday [Jan.10] and by Saturday morning [Jan. 11], I think the post [about the fire donation drive] had 6 million views. It just had gone so viral in terms of people sharing it and wanting to bring awareness to the cause.”
To facilitate the relief effort, a GoFundMe page was created to cover shipping costs for donations to Los Angeles. The campaign has already seen an outpouring of support, with contributions pouring in from across the city.
Hollywood’s Response to the Wildfires
As Los Angeles continues to recover from the devastating wildfires, the 2025 awards season will still go on. Though, the focus has shifted from glitz and glamour to supporting those affected by the disaster. The organizer emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for L.A. locals during this challenging time.
“I would love to create work over in L.A. and my hope is not for me to shoot the work, but so that the people who live there can actually have work to go back to and jobs and things to bring livelihood back,” he said. “Hopefully, the awards can bring a ton of visibility to the loss and the devastation, and be a platform in which people can donate money to support these causes in L.A.”
Key Highlights of the Relief Effort
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Initiative Start Date | january 10, 2024 |
| Social Media Reach | 6 million views on Instagram |
| Fundraising Platform | GoFundMe for shipping costs |
| Primary Goal | Provide relief and create job opportunities for L.A. locals |
How You Can Help
The relief effort is a testament to the power of community and compassion. If you’d like to contribute, consider donating to the GoFundMe campaign or sharing the initiative on social media to amplify its reach.
As New Yorkers and Angelenos come together, this initiative serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, unity and kindness can make a profound difference.