In our latest First Take series, TIME interviewed New York-based portrait photographer Martin Schoeller, whose hyper-detailed close-ups – from Paris Hilton to Hillary Clinton to homeless individuals – have become his signature mark.
For Schoeller, humor often plays into his portraits: “The line between goofy and corny and funny is a very thin, difficult line to balance,” he says. “I always take great pleasure in taking pictures that make people laugh.”
Aiming to bring a democratic platform that invites comparison and levels out the playing field, Schoeller says he tries to humanize people.
To learn more about Schoeller’s process, watch this TIME video.
Martin Schoeller is a New York-based photographer known for his detailed close-up portraits.
First Take is an ongoing video series curated by TIME’s photography editors. See the previous videos here.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com