SNLPhotographer Mary Ellen Matthews' Iconic 'Bumper' Photos Collected in New Book for Show's 50th Anniversary (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

‘The Art of the SNL Portrait’ cover (left); Pete Davidson (right).Photo:Abrams; Mary Ellen Matthews

Abrams; Mary Ellen Matthews

SNL fans: A new book is on the way!

Mary Ellen Matthews is the photographer behindSaturday Night Live’s iconic “bumper” photos, the artistic and often hilarious pictures of the hosts and musical guests that appear before commercial breaks each week. Now, her photos will be collected in a book to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.

The Art of The SNL Portrait, due out March 4 from Abrams Books, will be the first printed collection of these photos. They includeBillie Eilishpeeking from behind a pile of snow andSarah Silvermandusting the NBC marquee.

“Shooting forSNLis the most fun job in the world. It’s so exciting for me to see my work coming together in print after existing on screen for all these years,” Matthews, 58, said in a statement.

Matthews chose a fun and colorful photo ofAndy Sambergin a giant martini glass to grace the cover of her book.

SNLexecutive producerLorne Michaelswrote the forward and Alison Castle co-wrote the book with Matthews.

Abrams

“I’m so excited to share these images to the world because the talent gives so much during the shoots right in the middle of a chaotic week," Matthews tells PEOPLE. “They only live on the air for a very short amount of time during their individual shows.  This is the first time you’re able to see them all in one place.  What an honor to capture moments within their time with us.”

Originally from New York, Matthews began photographing forSNLin 1999. Since then, she has become the most recognized entertainment portrait photographer for the last two decades. Her vibrant and playful images have become a strand ofSNL’s identity.

“This book is an homage to the incredible hosts and musical guests as well as the whole team I have the honor of working with at the show,” Matthews said.

Mary Ellen Matthews

“With unprecedented access to Michaels and the entire SNL apparatus, Susan Morrison takes readers behind the curtain for the lively, up-and-down, definitive story of how Michaels created and maintained the institution that changed comedy forever,” the book’s synopsis reads.

source: people.com