Robert Downey Jr. Cigar in Mouth in PJs - 2008

16x20 Portfolio Print on Giclée Hahnemühle Matt Fine Art Paper

When Time magazine reached out to photograph Robert Downey Jr. for a potential cover tied to the release of Marvel’s blockbuster Iron Man, I jumped at the chance. RDJ has always been one of my favorite actors, and I had a whirlwind of ideas for the shoot.

The session took place at his home, where I set up a small studio in his backyard for the cover shots. For this particular image, Robert wanted to wear his pajamas and smoke a cigar—his go-to way to relax and read scripts at home. Inspired by his vibrant PJs, I chose a bold pink 40" seamless backdrop to evoke a playful and youthful vibe, perfectly capturing his unique charisma.

Although this image didn’t make the cover, it became a highlight in my entertainment Key Art portfolio and remains one of my personal favorites from the session.

Captured on a medium format Mamiya RZ67 with Kodak 160VC film, the photograph brings out exceptional skin tones, vivid colors, and the lively spirit of Robert Downey Jr. at the height of his career.

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.