When I first started looking at portrait photography for this week, I came across the work of Nir Arieli.   I approached him to be featured, but one question from him set me back, “Where did you come across my work?”  I had no clue.  It wasn’t until I revisited one of my static Tumblr blogs that I had realized that I had been admiring many of his photographs, unknowingly, for quite some time.  Hundreds of images were passing by me daily, yet Nir’s portraits seemed to stand out from the rest.  It was unfortunately the lack of credit to his work that prevented me from becoming familiar with his name.

In this particular body of work, Nir’s editing technique reveals the beautiful subtleties that usually go unlooked.  These images are lush with contrast that enhances a super realistic way of seeing the human form.  His work also comments on the flaws that are found on even the most beautiful of men.     –Grant Gill

Nir Arieli launched his career as a military photographer for the Israeli magazine Bamachane, before receiving a scholarship to pursue a BFA at New York’s School of Visual Arts; he graduated with honors. Nir’s photographic passion is within the portraiture and dance fields. He is an admirer of beauty and gentleness, these qualities are the heart of his work.