I've written previously of the work from photographer Landon Nordeman and if you follow me on Instagram, you may remember a post from just about a year ago, when I attended a talk Landon gave on his process. Gallery owner Spalding Nix sponsored the event, held at a collective artist space on the 2nd floor of Ponce City Market (which is no longer but currently occupied by the savory Root Baking Co.) ..... And also to note, Landon and Spalding are old friends from their University of Virginia days.
Vanity Fair has posted photographs from inside their Oscar party ..... Of the 4 or 5 photographers featured, Landon's work immediately jumped out at me. Viewing his images took me right back to watching & listening to him explain the fundamentals of his method. In that discussion, Landon described some of the themes that tend to repeat in his photos ..... Shooting subjects from their backs; Capturing details to tell the story rather than concentrating on faces; And something signature to his look is lighting, Landon holds a separate flash in one hand and his camera in another to manipulate the light on a scene -- the effect is quite striking, creating a photograph that radiates deep, rich contrasting color.
I've selected some of my favorites (above & below) that speak to the influences I mentioned and are inspired within Landon's images. And keep in mind, Landon was quick to point out when shooting these types of high profile/pressure events, there are only seconds to get these shots before the scene changes ..... I suggest really focusing in on the relationship between light & shadow and you'll start to understand/identify Landon's method of utilizing the flash at a varying angle (high, low, or from the side) from where he has positioned his camera lens.
*The last photo of Selma Blair is extraordinary!
Sarah Paulson, Zoë Kravitz, and Holland Taylor
Images Landon Nordeman / Vanity Fair