Man wearing clear glasses, a white t-shirt, and a black jacket against a plain white background

A multi-panel editorial layout featuring portraits of men playing chess outdoors and posing against a white background.

Composite fashion portrait featuring two men playing chess and posing against a plain background.

Portrait of a man with long brown hair wearing a black jacket and a large white bow tie against a white background

An older man with long white hair holding his head while playing a game of chess outdoors.

Black man with gray beard seated outdoors playing chess, wearing a light gray striped jacket.

Portrait of a mature Black man wearing a striped jacket against a plain white background

A man wearing glasses sitting across a wooden table playing a game of chess indoors.

Portrait of an elderly man with long white hair and beard wearing a light blazer and white tie against a plain white background

Young man with long dark hair playing chess, wearing a black jacket, light blue shirt, and white bow tie

Various Editorials Openings 2026

About

In the series Openings, photographer Julius Frazer creates a compelling visual dialogue that transcends the traditional boundaries of portraiture. By grounding the narrative in the intellectual intensity of chess, the project transforms the game into a deliberate study of style, patience, and human character. The editorial photography leans heavily into a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic, contrasting the raw, outdoor reality of public chess matches with the precision of controlled studio strobe environments. Fashion editor and stylist Zoey Radford Scott anchors the visuals, selecting formal menswear—from crisp pinstriped blazers to structured silk bow ties—that elevates each subject into an archetype of quiet authority. Supported by the precise grooming work of hair stylist Takayuki Umeda and makeup artist Mical Klip, the series captures a distinct cinematic tension, particularly where the subjects' contemplative postures meet the stark, clean backgrounds. Whether utilizing natural light to capture the weathered textures of a public park or deploying sharp studio lighting to emphasize a crisp collar, the work remains firmly rooted in an editorial sensibility. This thoughtful synthesis of fashion and lifestyle documentation is brought to life through the astute casting choices of Nafisa Kaptownwala, resulting in a cohesive portfolio that celebrates the intersection of classic elegance and the modern, concentrated spirit of competition, ultimately presenting a masterclass in clean, impactful visual storytelling.