Podcast Summary: All Of It – "The Art of the SNL Portrait"

Episode Details:

• Title: The Art of the SNL Portrait
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Mary Ellen Matthews, Photographer
• Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It hosted by Alison Stewart, Mary Ellen Matthews, the esteemed photographer behind the iconic portraits seen on Saturday Night Live (SNL), joins the conversation to discuss her latest endeavor—a photography book titled The Art of the SNL Portrait. The discussion delves into the nuances of capturing the essence of celebrities, the creative process behind the scenes of a legendary show, and the evolution of photography in the digital age.

Mary Ellen Matthews: A Journey into Photography

Mary Ellen Matthews shares her lifelong passion for photography, rooted in her childhood experiences. She credits her father’s amateur hobbyist pursuits for instilling a love for the craft.

Mary Ellen Matthews (03:03): "My dad was an amateur hobbyist. We had a darkroom at home and photography equipment around, photography books and, you know, so it was kind of in my DNA and I always just wanted to be in that world."

Her journey transitioned from still life to portraiture, eventually leading her to work on film sets and within the music industry as a publicist and photographer.

Creating The Art of the SNL Portrait

Alison Stewart introduces Matthews' new book, highlighting its comprehensive collection of over 270 stunning images curated from thousands captured over 25 years on SNL.

Alison Stewart (02:05): "It's so exciting when you read this book because it's 272 pictures. They're gorgeous."

Matthews discusses the meticulous selection process, aided by her talented team, to distill approximately 4,000 photographs down to the book’s curated collection.

Mary Ellen Matthews (02:26): "I had a really good team around me... It was so hard in the beginning. But then it kind of showed itself that the Flow showed itself to us."

Capturing the Essence of New York

A significant theme in Matthews' work is encapsulating the "essence of New York." She interprets this as embodying a sense of "cool," blended with edginess and intelligence.

Mary Ellen Matthews (07:10): "I think it's a sense of cool. That's what I think it is. You know, there's an edginess, there's an intelligence, there's intellectual, if I can make that word. Sure, sure. Why not?"

Creative Process and Techniques

Matthews elaborates on her creative workflow, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives despite the repetitive nature of her work.

Mary Ellen Matthews (08:30): "I really like to keep it fresh and not do the same thing over and over again."

She discusses integrating new techniques and drawing inspiration from the vast creative content available on platforms like Instagram.

Mary Ellen Matthews (08:30): "There is so much out there now with Instagram and social media. So you are seeing so much talent and so much creativity..."

Color plays a pivotal role in her portraits, especially considering their primary display mediums—televisions and computer screens.

Mary Ellen Matthews (10:30): "It's such a gift, I guess, to have luminosity behind these images because they're on televisions and computer screens."

Adapting During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, prompting Matthews to adapt by conducting remote photoshoots. She creatively utilized household items and the support of friends to maintain the show's visual spirit during lockdowns.

Mary Ellen Matthews (16:02): "... got out the condiments and did a Jackson Pollock type thing. And my dog played a big part, Daphne."

Iconic Portraits and Collaborations

Matthews recounts memorable experiences photographing legendary figures like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, highlighting the blend of professionalism and personal connection necessary for such high-profile shoots.

Mary Ellen Matthews (17:03): "I have to. I've had to do it. And it's so hard. I'm sure you know, too."

Her collaboration with comedian John Mulaney is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a dynamic and creative partnership that enhances the vibrancy of the portraits.

Mary Ellen Matthews (13:12): "He's such a collaborator. He's so enthusiastic and excited about this part of the show, doing our photos together."

Welcoming the Next Generation

Emphasizing the importance of evolving with new talent, Matthews expresses admiration for young performers who bring fresh energy to SNL.

Mary Ellen Matthews (17:35): "I'm so impressed by the level of professionalism."

She mentions emerging artists like Timothée Chalamet, appreciating the opportunity to document their growth over the years.

Mary Ellen Matthews (18:21): "He talked about that and he mentioned how many years it was. And I can't remember cause my brain's broken. But it's been a minute, like 10 years maybe."

Conclusion: Celebrating a Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, Alison Stewart congratulates Matthews on her book, acknowledging the significant contribution her work makes to the cultural tapestry of New York City and beyond.

Mary Ellen Matthews (18:46): "Thank you so much. And it was so nice to see you. And thank you for having me in."

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It offers an intimate look into the world of Mary Ellen Matthews, shedding light on the artistry and dedication required to capture the vibrant personalities that grace the SNL stage. Through her lens, Matthews not only documents but also shapes the cultural narrative of one of America's most enduring television institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Ellen Matthews (03:03): "My dad was an amateur hobbyist... so it was kind of in my DNA and I always just wanted to be in that world."

• Alison Stewart (02:05): "It's so exciting when you read this book because it's 272 pictures. They're gorgeous."

• Mary Ellen Matthews (07:10): "I think it's a sense of cool... there's an edginess, there's an intelligence..."

• Mary Ellen Matthews (16:02): "... did a Jackson Pollock type thing. And my dog played a big part, Daphne."

• Mary Ellen Matthews (13:12): "He's such a collaborator. He's so enthusiastic and excited about this part of the show..."

Conclusion

Mary Ellen Matthews’ extensive experience and creative vision have not only immortalized countless moments on SNL but also contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of New York City. Her new book, The Art of the SNL Portrait, serves as a testament to her artistry and the vibrant personalities she has captured over the years.