New York-based portrait photographer and makeup artist Ryan Burke is well-known for his influences and experiences with drag queens and a diverse range of personalities. He prides himself in creating things that continuously push the boundaries of art and fashion in a way that makes him stand out. And he has done just that in his recent self-portraits.
The transformative series of self-portraits stem from spending around 8 hours, creating intricate and embellished looks for himself before going out to parties. Through his use of leaves, pearls, artificial fruit and other props to enhance the visual avalanches that he so eloquently creates; the result is a series of beautifully contrasted self-portraits that often seen to be otherworldly.
From light and airy ornately decorated leaf headpieces to more elaborate shots like having a red nest-like structure wrapped around his head, his pictures take on a surreal quality.
Elaborately Embellished Self-Portraits
Ryan Burke’s Self Portraits Have a Transformative Pow
Trend Themes
1. Elaborate Self-portraits - There is an opportunity for makeup and photography companies to develop innovative tools and products for individuals to create their own elaborate self-portraits.
2. Body Art - There is an opportunity for body art and tattooing industries to create new designs that incorporate embellishments and props, like pearls and artificial fruit, to create a more transformative look.
3. Drag Makeup - There is an opportunity for the drag makeup industry to expand its offerings by incorporating new materials like leaves and other props in their drag makeup looks.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - There is an opportunity for portrait photography studios to offer classes or workshops on how to achieve a similar elaborate look, as seen in Ryan Burke's self-portraits.
2. Makeup - There is an opportunity for the makeup industry to create a line of products specifically designed for elaborate self-portraits that utilize props like pearls, leaves, and artificial fruit.
3. Fashion - There is an opportunity for the fashion industry to embrace the surreal and transformative qualities highlighted in Ryan Burke's self-portraits, incorporating elements from his work into their designs and collections.