You Do You | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Year-End Mania is the Key’s annual survey of the things below the surface that made 2017 incredible. Today, Key photographer Ben Wong revisits some of his favorite artist portraits from the past 12 months.

The artist portrait is an interesting process for both the photographer and the musician(s). It’s one of the few times that there are literally no rules. In many cases the more imperfect the better. It requires trust and creativity for both parties to conceive a vision and tell a story by showing. Philadelphia especially, while rich with talented musicians, is also home to some of the most talented visual artists. We help contribute to the artist’ brand as much as they help build ours. This year I was fortunate enough to work with a variety of different artists and explore my love for portraiture with musicians from all corners of the Philadelphia scene.

Alex Smith | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Beach Slang | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Creem Circus | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

DJ Lean Wit It | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Dopapod | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Elissa Velveteen | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Japanese Breakfast | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Kirby and the Vibe Tribe | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Luke O’Brien | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Maitland | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Marian Hill | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Ninth Floor Mannequin | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Octave Cat | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Palmas | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Peace and the City Grease | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Pine Barons | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Reco Havoc | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Rob $tone | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

The Dawn Drapes | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

You Do You | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Josh Friedman | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com

Questlove | photo by Ben Wong | brotherlylost.com