Contributors

Hayley PHELAN

"THE ORACLE OF BRIT," P. 48

Phelan fell down an Instagram rabbit hole during her investigation of the #FreeBritney movement. "My fascination shifted from the pop star to the incredible community that has sprung up around her," says Phelan. "And what their interest in her case says about our culture in general."

Djeneba ADUAYOM

"GEMMA'S GIFT," P. 60

The vision for the photo shoot was festive but with a twist, says Aduayom, attributing its success in large part to Chan's "stunning beauty." "I was really attentive to reading her energy on set," says the photographer. "I wanted the images to be a little painterly, like a vision in a dream."

Annie LEIBOVITZ

"IN COLBERT WE TRUST," P. 40

Leibovitz photographed Stephen Colbert three days after Election Day, as Joe Biden's lead grew clearer but was still far from certain, "it was hard to concentrate— but we pushed through," says Leibovitz. "He wanted to project a feeling of hope and peace and light—these pictures are really expressing a state of mind."

JoeHAGAN

"IN COLBERT WE TRUST," P. 40

Hagan says he felt like he already knew Colbert the first time they met this fall. It was speaking to the comedian's wife, Evie, whom a Salinger-quoting Colbert calls "his level-headed girl," that gave Hagan "a clue to how Colbert has kept his bearings in these perilous times."

Alice HINES

"FIRE STARTERS," P. 80

After watching the leaders of Twin Flames Universe on a screen for hours, meeting them in person was "a little bit thrilling," says Hines. "A question a of readers will have is to what degree Jeff and Shaleia buy into what they are selling," she says. "The conclusion I reached about this was not the one I expected."

Jesmyn WARD

"WHAT FOLLOWS HOPE," P. 54

Initially, Ward says, she was nervous to talk to former president Obama, but she was pleasantly surprised by the ease of their conversation. "He felt immediately familiar, almost like I was speaking to one of my uncles or older cousins," says Ward. "Generous, kind, laid-back, insightful, and funny."