SNL Photographer Mary Ellen Matthews Gets Retrospective in NYC

Megan Fox. Courtesy of Saturday Night Live

Photographer Mary Ellen Matthews, the woman behind the popular celebrity “bumper photos” seen right before and after commercial breaks during Saturday Night Live, is finally getting her time in the sun. Matthews’ work will be the subject of a new exhibit in New York City.

Titled “Live From New York: A Decade of Portraits,” Matthews’ exhibit is presented at the John Varvatos store on Bowery (formerly the iconic rock ‘n’ roll club CBGB) and features some of her most notable portraits from the 17 years she has served as photographer for the sketch comedy show.

For almost two decades Matthews has honed her style of taking the show’s host or musical guest for that week, putting them in various positions and backgrounds and creating memorable images that are used as “bumpers” for the show’s sketches. From recent guests like Betty White, Jude law and Jennifer Lopez, to musical guests like Pearl Jam and u2, the colorful, stylish images are often times the most memorable parts of the show itself.

The exhibit, which debuted Monday night, was attended by multiple SNL cast members including Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen and Kenan Thompson, all out to show their support for their friend’s work.

“It’s awesome,” Thompson told the WSJ’s Speakeasy. “She brings out different people in well known people’s personalities every week. Sometimes it’s action packed, but she always captures things in a very special way.”

“Live From New York: A Decade of Portraits,” runs now through August 3 at 315 Bowery.