A magnetic succession of stripped-down faces, straightforward portraits of the very famous and absolutely unknown, Close Up allows for a hypnotic exploration of the human face. Martin Schoeller's portraits offer a study of characters rather than personalities while seeking to answer the basic question, what can you read in someone's face?
Every week, Schoeller is called upon to capture portraits of the most recognized personalities of our time, from Britney Spears to President Bill Clinton. This German-born photographer spent the last seven years collecting this series of portraits, otherwise known as his "Big Heads."
A magnetic succession of stripped-down faces, straightforward portraits of the very famous and absolutely unknown, Close Up allows for a hypnotic exploration of the human face.
Note: Not all comments will be posted due to space and time constraints.
Sam -- Paris France
Sep 17, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Des visages et des regards qui vont droit au coeur. Des portraits tellements vrais que j'ai eu l'impression de rencontrer ces people pour la premire fois.
Frank Misseghers -- Hansbeke, Belgium
Jun 3, 2008 at 4:24 PM
I tremendously and gratefully enjoyed Martin Schoeller's captivating work and the intriguing music that drives it on. After watching it a couple of times the characters' expressions begin to reveal their multiple qualities, experience and rich life history. A wonderful piece of photographic work that shows reality from a fascinating perspective.
Elizabeth -- Stuart, FL , USA
May 5, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Truly inspiring to me, as a photography student. As the pictures changed to a new portrait, I expected the person to say something or as if they were caught mid motion. Phenomenal work.
Jason -- Waukegan Illinois USA
Oct 30, 2007 at 1:18 PM
I really like how you have a variety of people and faces. for example one face could be long and expanded, the next face could be flat or small. also I like the idea that you used what some may think of a simple portrait, but to others it could express many things.
jag -- kansas city, mo., usa
Jun 25, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Gorgeous work. Simple and unexpected portraits.
Francisco Leyva -- Mexico City, Mexico
Apr 22, 2007 at 1:31 PM
One word: amazing! And like someone said before, just seeing the faces is relaxing and the music goes really well. I really like how the light enhances skin detail in the portraits. Thank you for sharing.
Marc PoKempner -- Chicago, IL, USA
Jan 18, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Another very overrated photographer, judging just from this work -- like a catalogue, but instead of products, faces. He must have some rep to get him these jobs, because he's showing no talent -- uniform lighting and what insight?? Where's the modern equivalent of Arnold Newman, who knew more and let us know more about his subjects than any of these?
Sherrlyn Borkgren -- Eugene, Oregon, USA
Oct 19, 2006 at 4:03 PM
This was very fun to just relax and enjoy the interesting faces. The details of the human face captured by Martin Schoeller are outstanding. I found myself wanting to watch it over again to see the differences and similarities. The lip sizes were mesmerizing to me.
Bennett Roth PhD -- New York, New York
Jul 10, 2006 at 12:96 PM
Captured by the graphic intensity of the photos I wish I could find out what camera he used and how he set up the photos. Terrific images and imagination. He changed the way I look at faces.
Allan White -- Portland, OR, USA
May 9, 2006 at 4:41 PM
Very interesting images. There is something about this lighting and technique that seems to expose (nay, celebrate) every pore and wrinkle. This interpretation is much more interesting than the airbrushed, synthetic look in magazines and film. I do find the reflections in the eyes a bit disconcerting. The lighting (behind the shooter) gives wonderful, even light, but the reflections (looking like vertical stripes) makes their eyes seem unnatural.
Caroline Buzbee -- Beckley, WV, USA
Feb 18, 2006 at 11:26 AM
As an artist who has done a series of self portraits of her own face, i love looking at excellent photography of other faces. these faces are beautiful. all faces are beautiful. fame does not equal beauty. fame only equals the ability to be recognized by others.
Marina Parker -- Glendale, AZ, USA
Jan 24, 2006 at 3:54 PM
The portraits removed the veil from artificial beauty and showed one common aspect regardles of age, sex, or race -- no matter what their pain, pride and joy - their eyes hoped for more.
