The transformative power of make-up has been revealed in a colorful new self-portrait series.New York-based photographer Ryan Burke often spends three to eight hours creating elaborate looks for himself before hitting the underground party scene, using everything from face paint to false eyelashes and feathers.To keep a record of his favorite guises he started uploading 'selfies' to his Facebook and Tumblr accounts last year and now he has a fervent fan base.'You always make me gasp in awe when I see your photos,' one commentator said. Another added: 'You never cease to amaze me with the otherworldly beauty of your images.'The amount of attraction the images received prompted Mr Burke to present them as a collection at a recent art exhibit in New York's Lower East Side.Along with spending hours in front of the mirror doing his make-up, Mr Burke also takes time crafting outfits, props and accessories.One photo shows him wearing an Audrey Hepburn-style little black dress with long-sleeve gloves and a head dress made from dozens of pearl beads.His long eyelashes are complemented by theatrical black eyebrows and a slick of bright red lipstick.Another frame sees him posing up as a Pierrot clown, modeling a sequin headdress and a black silk robe with his face whitewashed and black dots penciled on his cheeks. In a series of nature-inspired shots he appears rocking even more elaborate headpieces, designed to look like miniature landscapes from woodland scenes to butterfly filled shrubbery.Mr Burke grew up in Virginia and has spent time living in both Los Angeles and New York.His work has been influenced and shaped by his experiences with artists, drag queens and other colorful people during his travels.He told the Huffington Post of his photo project, titled 'Self': 'My self-portraits are a documentation of my life. 'When you spend three to eight hours putting together your face and outfit, an iPhone picture just doesn't seem like enough.'My aesthetic is derived from abstraction, geometry, androgyny and sophistication.'He says that he draws inspiration from 'objects or color combinations' which he then turns into characters or design ideas.His style icons include Dovima, the 1950s American supermodel, and his friends who work in the fashion industry.'My roommate, Domonique Echeverria, is a designer and often helps me brainstorm particular aesthetics for my outfits while I create all the headpieces and makeup I wear,' Mr Burke added.He rarely plans the characters he creates and lets things happen ‘organically’ to maintain a sense of creativity.Asked if there is any kind of 'queer component' to his work, Mr Burke replied: 'While I do belong to the queer community, my aesthetics are universal and not limited to just the gay audience.'I have no particular guide or agenda to my work and while I may derive elements from queer culture, such as drag queens, I do not see myself being a gay artist as a distinction.'To date his work has been exhibited at the Strange Loop Gallery in New York while his photographs of New York and L.A.-based artists have been used for promotional and press purposes.Mr Burke concluded: 'In addition to being documentary, my self-portraits are a way for me to connect with my friends and with strangers. I feel that is important to celebrate personal expression. 'Many people tell me that I inspire them and to me this is just a wonderful exchange of energy from the people who have inspired and encouraged me.'(dailymail.co.uk) ANN.Az