Words: Archie Rutland
The Pirelli Calendar is not just a calendar – it’s a cultural institution. Since its inception in 1964, it has celebrated beauty, art, and fashion through the lens of the world’s most renowned photographers. Each edition is a snapshot of its time, blending glamour with thought-provoking concepts, and it has become one of the most coveted assignments in the industry. So, when New York-based photographer Ethan James Green, known for his modern portraiture and distinctive black and white imagery, was chosen to shoot the 2025 edition, it was a big deal – and he knew it!
An unexpected milestone
At just 34, Ethan James Green is considered young to take on a project with such a storied history. “It feels amazing and was totally unexpected, which makes it even better,” he says. “I’ve been doing photography professionally for almost a decade now, and I was not expecting this opportunity so early in my career. It’s super exciting and comes with a lot of pressure, but that’s how you make the good work.”
Green’s selection for this year’s Pirelli calendar signals a shift towards fresh perspectives, and his choice of location – a raw, unmanicured beach in Virginia Park, Miami, reflects this. “We chose the setting because of its rawness. The closer we get to nature and the more raw the setting, the better. It was about celebrating beauty in a very sexy, unfiltered way.”
Influences and inspirations
As with any prestigious gig, the pressure to deliver is immense, especially when standing on the shoulders of giants like Richard Avedon and Herb Ritts. “My inspiration was their Pirelli calendars from the 90s,” Green says. “Our idea of beauty has evolved so much since the calendar was last shot this way, so I was excited to take our variety of subjects into these classic settings and give them a contemporary update. My concept is ‘refresh and reveal,’ bringing people into those familiar settings but allowing more voices and bodies to exist within them.”
On the ground: Collaboration and chaos
Shooting 12 subjects over four days is no small feat, especially when the unpredictable Miami weather has other plans. One standout moment involved working with actor John Boyega. “He’s one of the nicest celebrities I’ve ever worked with,” Green recalls. “We had a crazy day where the rain just wouldn’t stop, and our studio tent almost floated away. We had to evacuate, but John was so accommodating, he came back the next day without hesitation. We would not have been able to finish the calendar on time had he not been so lovely and giving with his time.”
This collaborative spirit extends to all Green’s work. “I’ve always worked through collaboration, and that was crucial for this project. Each subject had their own ideas and concerns, and it was about finding what made them feel confident and great. That’s the foundation for any good picture, especially when the subject is so vulnerable and exposed.”
What’s next for Ethan James Green?
Fresh off the Pirelli project, Green is riding high on the success of his latest book, Bombshell. “It’s my ‘sexy year,’” he laughs. “The approach was similar to the Pirelli shoot, asking my friends what ‘bombshell’ meant to them and documenting their chosen transformation through wigs, costume and make-up. It’s a project that’s very close to my heart, and it’s thrilling to see it finally out in the world.”
As for what’s next? Green hints at exciting projects on the horizon but remains tight-lipped. Whatever comes, one thing’s for sure: Ethan James Green is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of.
For more art inspiration, discover our pick of the emerging artists you should be investing in...
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
