Adrian Brody, Spin Magazine

Studio Archived Prints

16x20 Portfolio Print on Giclée Hahnemühle Matt Fine Art Paper

This shoot for SPIN magazine was one of my first in my Abbot Kinney studio—a space originally designed by Enrique Martínez Celaya as a painting studio, with soft, diffused light streaming through overhead skylights. The moment I stepped into it, I knew it was perfect, like something out of an Irving Penn dream.

Adrian Brody came to the studio to promote The Pianist (his Oscar-winning role in 2003). A rainy day made the light even softer, creating a moody, cinematic atmosphere. I shot with my 4x5 camera on Kodak Portra 160 color film, pushing it 2 stops to enhance contrast in zones 3 and 4. The result was a delicate balance of soft saturation and rich depth.

Adrian’s ease in front of the camera came naturally, likely influenced by his mother, Sylvia Plachy, whose photography I deeply admired during my early years. Her evocative images graced many of the magazines I followed, and her artistry clearly shaped Adrian’s appreciation for the medium. His awareness of movement and composition made the session effortless.

Please note that these are Studio Archived prints in near-perfect condition. They were originally created as part of a presentation portfolio or for special events. These prints are signed but not editioned.