Whether you know it or not, you’ve seen the work of portrait photographer Platon. Gracing magazine covers and protest signs, his photos capture the truth behind the cliche “A picture is worth a thousand words.” While he’s celebrated for his searing portraits of world leaders and cultural icons, his new book, The Defenders: Heroes of the Global Fight for Human Rights, also shines a light on immigration activists, rape survivors, and free speech dissidents.
Platon sits down with FP’s Ravi Agrawal to describe his process, what drives his art, and how he connects with his subjects, no matter how powerful they may be.
Video clips from this event
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One of Platon’s most famous portraits is a cover image of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The photographer recounts how he captured Putin’s power and character, by connecting with the leader over a Paul McCartney song.
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How does Platon’s work move culture forward and provoke debate? His iconic image of Putin exemplifies that approach: “He loves that picture. It shows him as the tough Russian nationalist that he is. But I also can tell you that his opposition … loves the picture.”
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Platon tells the stories behind his two images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One captured a savvy storyteller. The other, a grieving man who was aggressive and emotional. “[The photos] show us two sides of his character that … have informed history and are playing out right now on the world stage.”
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In his first-ever presidential photoshoot, Platon took a chance and asked then-U.S. President Bill Clinton to show him “the love.” But then, the iconic image on Esquire’s cover “created a real storm in the media.”
