toddowyoung

Mr John Wick himself. Keanu Reeves photographed backstage for @fallontonight. #johnwick #keanureeves #johnwick4

Earlier this year, the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon celebrated its 10th year on the air. This is a name tag from a press event I photographed as part of the various celebrations for this milestone. I've kept this magnetic name tag on my fridge ever since that event. The people who work on this show are the best. Night after night, week after week, I'm continually amazed at the work that goes into making this show happen every night. But I'm never surprised; it's far from a miracle. It's simply what happens when everyone involved, top to bottom, is so very good at their job. Miracles happen with luck. Quality and consistency are the products of a lot of talent and hard work. I've always intended to photograph this name tag in front of the marquee at 30 Rock. Today wasn't any special occasion, but maybe that's the point. I'm grateful to work with all the stars that make this show happen every night.

Before his @fallontonight appearance, Jungkook gave Jimmy a surprise gift: A signed copy of his new album, “Golden.” So sweet. “Love u bro 💜” #jk #jungkook #bts

Katy Perry at Jingle Ball in NYC. Photographed for @iheartradio. In my very first assignment for Rolling Stone covering Warped Tour, Katy Perry was one of the firsts artists I photographed backstage. She was just breaking out with her hit “I Kissed a Girl.” All these years later, it’s incredible to see all she’s achieved in the wide world of music.

A pleasure to see @twentyonepilots at Jingle Ball. There's really no other group doing it like they do it. Even in the shortened set of a tour like Jingle Ball, they pack in so many special moments into this show. Wonderful to see the legend @reelbearmedia purely by serendipity on the way to catering! #twentyonepilots #twentyønepiløts #jingleball #tylerjoseph

The very talented @gracieabrams at Jingle Ball. It is always so lovely to see a performer on stage beaming so brilliantly and taking everything in. Pure joy on stage. Photographed for @iheartradio. #gracieabrams #jingleball

The phenomenal @tatemcrae. Always a incredible performer to see live. Even better to see the one and only @baeth in action in the pit. At Jingle Ball last night in NYC photographed for @iheartradio. #tatemcrae #jingleball

Rosé came for a great chat and superlative performance last night in Studio 6B. One part of my job is making images of the interviews. We like to have images that show a two shot of the guest and Jimmy engaged in conversation, as well as individual photos of the guest. There an other images to create, like environmental photos or capturing any special moments that happen spontaneously, but these are more nice to have. The best times to make the individual photos are often when they first is looking out to the audience. These interactions happen naturally at the start and end of an interview, but can also happen at any time, so anticipating these moments is important. Sometimes it comes down to being in the right place at the right time, like so much of photography. The Queen @roses_are_rosie for @fallontonight #rosé #blackpinkrosé #roséblackpink #apt #roséonfallon

The blue wall photo for @roses_are_rosie! I love the personality in this photo. She did several poses, but this was the very first, and I love that little detail. A little secret about these photos. I almost never tell the subject how to pose. Part of the charm of these photos is that the pose and expression comes from the individual. The blue wall is just a canvas, but it's up to them — their style, their personality, their mood and attitude, their everything — that fills these photos. They give as much or as little as they want. And for me, that's a beautiful thing. So what you see is pure and genuine in that regard. I hope that comes through. A portrait, however quick or calculated, should tell you something about the subject. It should give them a voice, loud or soft. I hope Rosé's personality comes through for all her fans. #rosé #blackpinkrosé #roséblackpink #apt #apateu

What a pleasure to welcome @roses_are_rosie to studio 6B! Here's one of my favorite photos from her performance at the moment of the confetti drop. More photos to come. #rosé #blackpinkrosé #roséblackpink #apt #apateu

Some snaps from the Nikon Ambassador Summit held this past week in New York. It’s truly the honor of my career to be part of this group. Not just because of the prestige of representing Nikon, a brand I’ve used since day 1. Not just for the trust and achievement a title represents, or even the opportunities in my career it has given me. What makes this group so special to me is the people themselves. Everyone has accomplished extraordinary achievements in their careers and makes beautiful work. That’s the baseline. No, what makes this group so rare is the quality of character that is assembled. Not just educators and artists and experts, but people who move through life with kindness and generosity to the highest degree. I’m humbled beyond words to stand among this group who are all giants of spirit. The time spent with these lovely people was truly a gift. Restorative, inspiring, and uplifting. It’s not often we can all get together, but what a joy to see so many old friends and to make new ones in this special group. Shot on my @nikonusa Coolpix A.

The one and only @angelinajolie. This photo was made at one of the times I love most in an interview, when the studio audience is cheering for the guest. It might only last for a moment, but it's always lovely to witness someone feeling that love and to see how they light up. This moment occurred just at the start of the interview at the 0:06 mark, if you watch on YouTube. As an aside, Angelina made a comment that I really loved. Remarking on what it means to be an outsider, Angelina said that it's someone who understands themselves and is at peace with themselves, even if others don't understand them. I'm paraphrasing, but I thought it was a lovely sentiment that is worth a listen. Around the 2:00 mark in the interview. Photographed for @fallontonight.