Mary J. Blige - Venice Beach 2004

Studio Archived Prints

16x20 Portfolio Print on Giclée Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper

In early 2004, The Advocate commissioned me to photograph the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, at my studio in Venice Beach. Inspired by her iconic side-profile portrait from the album Mary, captured by the legendary Albert Watson, I aimed to create something equally timeless and soulful.

Albert Watson, whose work defined a generation of portraiture, has been a major influence on my career. His infamous West Village studio was a creative landmark, just a block from Industria—the original "super studio" and a hub for the hottest fashion shoots of the time.

For this shoot, I decided to slow things down and focus on Mary’s natural beauty. I emphasized her hair, makeup, and simple, classic silhouettes, aiming to highlight her soulful presence. Using backlighting as the main light source, softened with white foam core for fill, I crafted an image that felt intimate and ethereal.

The photograph was shot on a Mamiya RZ67 with Kodak Portra 160NC, capturing her elegance with rich, warm tones and timeless detail. This portrait remains a favorite from my archive.

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.