There is something slightly meta about the 26 Characters photo series. It revolves around portraits of authors dressed up as their favorite characters. From Neil Gaiman as Badger from 'Wind In The Willows' to Philip Pullman as Long John Silver from 'Treasure Island' and Malorie Blackman as the Wicked Witch of the West from 'The Wizard of Oz,' the 26 Characters series essentially embodies the inspiration and motivation that pushed them to become writers.
Shot by photographer Cambridge Jones, the 26 Characters series was commissioned by The Story Museum in Oxford, England. The elaborate costumes were borrowed from the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theater for a more authentic look. Each photo is displayed in an interactive space accompanied with audio of the authors reading extracts from their books and speaking about their chosen character.
Costumed Author Photography
26 Characters by Cambridge Jones Focuses on Writers' Favorite Books
Trend Themes
1. Costumed Author Photography - The genre of photography can be enhanced for authors and writers by dressing them up as characters from their favorite books.
2. Immersive Exhibitions - Interactive spaces paired with audio can give an immersive experience that enthralls people with stories in various mediums.
3. Cultural Ambassadors - Authors and writers can be cultural ambassadors of literature and create more valuable touchpoints for their readership beyond their novels.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can provide content for photo-shoots that build on the personalities of writers and add another layer to the narrative.
2. Art / Photography - Costumed author photography can be a new and captivating sub-genre of portrait photography that creates space for more vivid pictures.
3. Museums - Innovative exhibits of immersive literature can be opened as standalone museums or as linked attractions for established museum groups.