LA Times
Featured LA Times projects
This week's top LA Times projects, carefully handpicked by Visie's expert curators, showcase the best in style and innovation.
Project LA Times · Dakota Fanning
In this evocative portrait series for the LA Times, photographer David Urbanke masterfully captures the versatile range of actress Dakota Fanning, leaning into a refined aesthetic that bridges the gap between commercial polish and intimate editorial storytelling. The project serves as a compelling exploration of character, utilizing soft, natural light and beauty light to emphasize texture and mood across a variety of settings. Through a series of medium shots and close-ups, the creative team—supported by the discerning eye of fashion stylist Samantha McMillen—crafts a cohesive visual narrative defined by its minimalist composition and clean, muted backdrops. The editorial work relies on subtle details, such as delicate pearl fringe and intricate floral embroidery, to elevate the subject's presence while maintaining a sense of effortless spontaneity. Hair stylist DJ Quintero and makeup artist Misha Shahzada contribute to the project's signature look, ensuring Fanning’s blonde hair and features remain the focal point through polished, soft styling that complements the neutral, warm-toned color palettes. By eschewing over-production in favor of soft light and deliberate framing, this portfolio demonstrates how strategic creative direction can transform a routine media feature into a timeless piece of entertainment photography. The result is a series that feels both candid and highly curated, perfectly aligning with the editorial standards of premium digital media platforms.
Project LA Times · Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri r ...
In a sophisticated editorial showcase for the LA Times, photographer David Urbanke masterfully captures the kinetic energy and understated chemistry between actors Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. The campaign leans into a refined, minimalist aesthetic, utilizing a restrained palette of muted browns and earth tones to ground the subjects in a series of intimate, studio-based compositions. Through the expert lens of Urbanke, the project oscillates between crisp, controlled portraiture and candid, unguarded moments of connection. The styling, curated with precision by Danielle Goldberg and Jamie Mizrahi, highlights a tactile interplay of textures, from the sharp, crisp white shirting favored by White to the vibrant, patterned knitwear donned by Edebiri. These images, expertly employing a mix of soft natural light and precise studio strobe techniques, eschew high-concept artifice in favor of a clean, editorial minimalism that foregrounds the raw magnetism of the talent. Whether positioned in a formal side-by-side stance or a spontaneous, laughing exchange, the subjects command the frame with a focused, cinematic intensity. This collaboration represents a masterful exercise in portrait photography, successfully translating the complex, layered persona of contemporary Hollywood talent into a cohesive visual narrative that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the current cultural zeitgeist.
Project LA Times · Nicolas Cage and Lamorne Morris on ' ...
In this striking editorial feature for the LA Times, photographer David Urbanke crafts a visual narrative that bridges the gap between classic cinematic intensity and modern digital media aesthetic. The project centers on a series of intimate portraits featuring actors Nicolas Cage and Lamorne Morris, successfully distilling their dynamic presence into a cohesive, high-contrast visual story. By utilizing a saturated deep red background across the entire series, Urbanke establishes a distinct, moody foundation that forces the viewer to engage directly with the subjects. The execution leans heavily into low-key / chiaroscuro lighting, a technique that beautifully contours facial features and emphasizes the sharp, sophisticated tailoring of the subjects' formal wear. Through these studio strobe setups, the project captures both the gravitas of Nicolas Cage and the poised, professional demeanor of Lamorne Morris, resulting in a series that feels both timeless and urgent. The imagery avoids the typical tropes of press junket photography, opting instead for a deliberate, cinematic approach that highlights the texture of the garments and the quiet intensity of the actors' gazes. Ultimately, this editorial portfolio stands as a masterclass in controlled studio photography, proving how a limited, monochromatic color palette can be leveraged to create a bold, professional statement within the high-stakes world of entertainment media.
Project LA Times · Ethan Hawke and Robert Kaplow on ‘Bl ...
For a recent editorial feature in the LA Times, photographer David Urbanke captures actor Ethan Hawke and author Robert Kaplow in an intimate series of portraits. The imagery leans into a moody aesthetic, utilizing low-key, directional lighting to highlight the rich textures of the interior setting and the subjects' candid expressions. With fashion styling by Michael Fisher, the portraits channel a nostalgic atmosphere through a warm color palette. The series features editorial techniques such as natural light and chiaroscuro, grounding the subjects within wood-paneled spaces and billiard rooms to create a contemplative and grounded visual narrative.
Project LA Times · Michael Douglas
This editorial portrait series for the LA Times features actor Michael Douglas in a sequence of intimate, studio-based captures. Photographed by David Urbanke, the work leans into a moody aesthetic defined by warm, directional lighting and rich earth tones. Utilizing a low-key, chiaroscuro-inspired approach, the series places focus on texture and composition. The imagery employs a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject, set against dark, muted backgrounds that evoke a contemplative atmosphere.
Project LA Times · LA Times The Envelope 08/19/2026 Cover
For the August 2026 cover of The Envelope, the LA Times delivers a striking editorial portrait that captures the poise and intensity of American actress Dakota Fanning. Photographed by David Urbanke, the imagery masterfully leans into a clean and professional aesthetic that elevates the celebrity profile beyond standard press photography. Fanning is positioned in a deliberate close-up, her steady gaze engaging the viewer through a sophisticated use of soft light that enhances the tactile qualities of her cream-coloured draped top and the intricate, textured brooch pinned at her collar. The composition relies on the interplay of subtle styling, curated by fashion editor Samantha McMillen, and a muted, flat blue-grey backdrop that ensures the subject remains the singular focus of the narrative. By utilizing natural light to highlight the nuances of Misha Shahzada’s precise makeup application and the structured styling by DJ Quintero, the piece achieves a balanced, commercial sensibility. The inclusion of the evocative cover line Woman on fire perfectly anchors the visual, framing Fanning as a commanding presence within the media and entertainment landscape. This project serves as a compelling study in editorial minimalism, proving that when the craft of photography and high-end styling converge, the result is an image that resonates with both cultural relevance and timeless grace.
Project LA Times · Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs on 'Hacks'
In a vivid exploration of chemistry and character, the LA Times brings the stars of the hit series Hacks into the spotlight with a series of striking portraits. Photographer David Urbanke captures the dynamic duo of Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs in a sequence that leans into the joyful, spontaneous energy defining their onscreen partnership. Set against a bold, saturated deep red backdrop, the images rely on a sharp, high-contrast color palette that draws the eye directly to the actors. The editorial work emphasizes the playfulness of Stalter and Downs, stripping away distracting set elements to focus purely on their collaborative rapport. With styling by Kat Typaldos and Rose Forde, the subjects are dressed in crisp, minimalist white shirts that ground the vibrant environment, while makeup by Jake Dupont ensures a clean, polished finish. The project employs soft light and natural light techniques to maintain an approachable, authentic aesthetic that feels both cinematic and intimate. By oscillating between candid laughter and quiet, composed smiles, the series functions as an evocative piece of commercial portraiture. This approach honors the comedic timing of the stars, effectively channeling the wit of their professional work into a visual medium that feels as fresh and modern as the Digital Media & Publishers landscape demands.
Project LA Times · Dan Levy, Laurie Metcalf and Taylor ...
In a sophisticated shift for the digital media landscape, the Los Angeles Times brings a humanized, intimate lens to its latest editorial portrait campaign. Featuring acclaimed actor Dan Levy, the series leans into an aesthetic of quiet confidence and effortless approachability, stripping away the polish often associated with high-profile celebrity features to focus on the nuanced personality of the subject. Photographer David Urbanke masterfully executes the shoot, utilizing precise studio strobe lighting to create a warm, clean environment that accentuates the crisp textures of Levy’s attire, from the supple black leather of his jacket to the fine details of his gold-toned spectacles. By opting for a neutral taupe backdrop, the composition allows Levy’s candid, upward-gazing expression to anchor the narrative, successfully balancing the demand for a sleek commercial look with the authenticity required for contemporary media storytelling. The work functions as a masterclass in minimalist portrait photography, proving that even within the fast-paced ecosystem of digital publishers, there remains immense value in the deliberate, high-quality craft of the studio portrait. This collaboration highlights how thoughtful direction can transform a standard promotional asset into a memorable visual piece that resonates deeply with audiences, ultimately elevating the editorial identity of the publication through a refined and intentional visual language.
Project LA Times · Maggie Gyllenhaal
In a sophisticated editorial feature for the LA Times, photographer David Urbanke masterfully captures the essence of actor Maggie Gyllenhaal through a series of striking character studies. The project highlights a refined approach to magazine portraiture, balancing quiet contemplation with an approachable, laughing presence that defines Gyllenhaal’s public persona. By leaning into editorial minimalism, the production team maintains a disciplined focus on the subject against a consistent, neutral beige backdrop, allowing her sartorial choices—curated by fashion editor and stylist Sandra Amador—to take center stage. The wardrobe, ranging from structured charcoal blazers to oversized tailored brown silhouettes, is punctuated by thoughtful accessories like ornate circular pendants, creating a visual narrative of effortless professional elegance. Technical precision is evident throughout, as the imagery utilizes a blend of studio strobe and natural light to achieve soft, even skin tones and high-end texture. With grooming expertise provided by hair stylist Matthew Monzon and makeup artist Daniel Martin, the work achieves a polished, cohesive aesthetic. This collection of portrait photography serves as a masterclass in the commercial portrait genre, where restrained lighting and clean composition serve to elevate the subject’s natural, candid expressions. The result is a series of portraits that feel both timely and timeless, embodying the elevated standards of the media and entertainment industry today.
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