Terry Richardson shot Mariah Carey for Wonderland magazine’s summer issue and, according to the unretouched images obtained exclusively by Jezebel, it would seem that Uncle Terry’s point-and-shoot-built-in-flash style isn’t flattering enough for publication.
Perhaps what’s most striking about these images is how much color correction is used, almost like everything in the frame (save for the white background) needed to be painted back to life. Even Mariah’s makeup needed to be digitally added after getting so washed out by the flash. (And you know that woman does not cut corners on her glam squad and has the best makeup artist that money can buy.)
What’s supposed to be so remarkable about Richardson’s signature style is how his otherwise amateur methods, when used to shoot high-profile celebs, create uniquely candid portraits that appear to be at once documentary and aspirational. His bare bones sets and harsh flashes suggest a spontaneity that is meant to imply the authenticity of that particular moment. But this doesn’t seem very authentic at all.