Welcome to this episode where we dive into the fascinating world of Mary Ellen Matthews, the official photographer for Saturday Night Live. In a recent discussion with All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro, Matthews shared how she brings a unique blend of humor, collaboration, and artistry to her iconic celebrity portraits. Her brief yet impactful images, known as bumpers, capture celebrities in a way that's as memorable as the show's timeless humor. With her new book, The Art of the SNL Portrait, featuring over 200 carefully selected images from nearly 4,000 photos, Matthews reveals how she creates an environment that is "comfortable … that is not taking itself too seriously," allowing her subjects to shine in both playful and reflective moments.

• Iconic Role: Mary Ellen Matthews is the official photographer for Saturday Night Live, responsible for the quick, captivating bumpers that appear before commercial breaks.
• Creative Process: She emphasizes a collaborative approach with her celebrity subjects, from developing concepts to setting the mood with the perfect music during shoots.
• Unique Book: Her book, The Art of the SNL Portrait, showcases over 200 images culled from nearly 4,000, capturing everything from zany shots like Andy Samberg as an olive in a martini glass (the book cover) to more introspective, old Hollywood-style portraits.
• Memorable Moments: Matthews explains that these still images not only hold the show together during local commercial breaks but also offer a rare glimpse of celebrities in a reflective, personal light.
• Direct Quote: Reflecting on her unique job, she noted, "We get to see them act in all these amazing sketches, and we also get to slow down and see them for a still moment … finding out how they want to be seen or how I can bring out the best out of them."

Stay tuned as we explore more behind-the-scenes creativity and inspiring artistry in our upcoming episodes!
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