Entertainment Weekly

Jul 2026

For the July 2026 issue of Entertainment Weekly, photographer Max Montgomery delivers a compelling portrait that masterfully balances celebrity profile aesthetics with an atmospheric, cinematic sensibility. The cover art leans into a sophisticated, low-key chiaroscuro lighting scheme, using the interplay of warm, golden hues and deep shadows to transform the subject into a figure of intrigue. By partially obscuring the talent behind a series of sharp, vertical metal rods, the composition creates an immediate sense of intimacy while simultaneously maintaining a guarded, mysterious distance that feels perfectly suited for the publication's focus on high-stakes media and entertainment. This commercial portraiture avoids the overly polished look of traditional magazine covers, favoring a gritty, textured approach that rewards the viewer for looking closer at the subtle interplay between the soft natural light and the geometric constraints of the foreground elements. Candice Birns contributes to the production, ensuring the visual execution aligns with the editorial narrative promised by the provocative "FACE YOURSELF" headline. By prioritizing mood over literal clarity, this cover captures the essence of modern editorial design, proving that even within a legacy media brand, there remains significant space to experiment with light and shadow to create imagery that stops the reader in their tracks while effectively highlighting the subject's gravitas.

Vertical, Commercial, Cinematic

Natural light, Low-key / chiaroscuro

Magazines, Media & Entertainment