Grad’s photo inspires new Forever Stamp

The Betty White Commemorative Forever Stamp will be available on March 27

Kwaku Alston and Dale Stephanos

On the left is the original portrait of Betty White, taken by Kwaku Alston ’94 (photography) in 2010. On the right is the new Forever Stamp, illustrated by Dale Stephanos.

When Kwaku Alston ’94 (photography) photographed Betty White, his impression was that she was “100 percent real and authentic.” Over a decade later, his portrait of the actress inspired the United States Postal Service’s new Betty White Commemorative Forever Stamp.

Billy Bennight

Kwaku Alston ’94 (photography).

Artist Dale Stephanos created an illustration of White using Alston’s photo as reference. Originally taken for her book, If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t), Alston says the energy in White’s eyes is what sets the portrait apart.

“The artist has a beautiful way of illustrating. It was a great collaboration because he retained that sparkle in her eye that I captured, elevated it to the next level, and gave it some extra magic,” said Alston, a Los Angeles-based photographer and director.

His photograph becoming a piece of American history is not only an honor, but a full-circle moment for Alston’s life and career. His father, who passed away shortly before White, worked for the Postal Service.

“At this point in my career, the accolades are more about what they signify in our culture,” said Alston. “I feel like my father is up in heaven with Betty White toasting and sprinkling stardust on me. I couldn’t ask for more.”

In addition to White, Alston has photographed some of the “most famous faces” of our time—including Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Willie Nelson, Chadwick Boseman, Brad Pitt, and a host of other Oscar and Grammy winners. His diverse repertoire of clients includes The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, The New Yorker, Apple, Amazon Studios, Disney, Sony Music, Netflix, and HBO.