James Norton – The Sunday Times Culture
I ended 2022 photographing the brilliant James Norton for The Sunday Times Culture magazine, to mark the new series of Happy Valley on the BBC. Although playing a murderous villain on TV, in reality James is (thankfully) the total opposite and was great fun to work with. Having asked him to bring a few pieces of his wardrobe, I learned he is also the owner of some fantastic knitwear. The Sunday Times Culture magazine describes James as ‘nice guy turns TV’s number one psycho’, two sides which I tried to capture for the cover. To prepare to capture the movement of James’ coat, I roped in my studio-mate Matt for some rather dizzying test shots, which you can see in the outtake below. Massive thanks to all involved, including Adam Hearn for the great commission, Jessica at Tapestry, Liz at The Wall Group, and my stand-in Matt! If...
Power to the People – The Observer Magazine
For my first cover for The Observer Magazine, I visited a quiet and unassuming street in north London – and set off some smoke bombs. In a time where the word ‘energy’ is often followed by ‘crisis’, it was inspiring to meet the residents of Lynmouth Road, whose goal is to turn their home into its own solar power station. Wouldn’t it be cool if the streets all over the UK could be like this – providing power for themselves from the sun? Special thanks to everyone involved, especially those who clambered up to the roof-top where residents Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powell are sleeping as a crowdfunder for the project. Thank you to Kit Burnet at The Observer Magazine for the fun assignment, Dan and Hilary from POWER for rallying together their neighbours for the shoot, and to my assistants Oliver and Adam. Anna Fielding’s accompanying article is fascinating...
Returnal – Bafta Game Awards
To mark their wins at the BAFTA Game Awards 2022, I photographed Returnal’s creative director Harry Krueger and actress Jane Perry at the BAFTA HQ. In a triumphant double-whammy, Returnal won Best Game, and Jane won Best Actress for her role in Returnal. It was fascinating to hear about the process of creating, building and starring in a virtual universe, and to capture Harry and Jane’s achievements in the ever-growing gaming industry. Many thanks to Claire Rees and Jordan Anderson at Bafta for the brilliant commission, and to my assistants Pim and Oli.
American Photography 38 – Winner
I’m honoured to have my portrait of Michaela Coel for BAFTA was chosen for this year’s American Photography 38 book. I travelled to New York to see the launch of the book and to meet many of the other fascinating photographers featured. This portrait was photographed for BAFTA at their 2021 TV Awards this was a dream commission from the brilliant Claire Rees and Jordan Anderson – an evening bursting with talent. Click here to see the full set from the shoot: LINK
Lend An Ear – Mental Health Campaign
When I was suffering with depression knowing someone would listen to me and hear me made all the difference. That’s why I was eager to be part of a new mental health campaign called ‘Lend An Ear’ with The Photography Movement and Harlequins Rugby. And that’s why you might have seen giant pictures of ears have been appearing on billboards across London. They feature some of the best rugby players in the country including England and Harlequins legends Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Joe Marler and Rachael Burford. Inspired by Joe Marler’s wonderfully gnarled ears Scott Shillum approached me with an idea a little while back: “what if we create beautiful artistic images of rugby players ears?” How could I say no to that? A few months later we find ourselves setting up at the Harlequins training ground eager to capture the folds, creases and uniqueness of some of the worlds...
Bafta Exhibition – Portraits from the 2021 TV Awards
A new exhibition of my portraits from the 2021 Bafta TV Awards is on show in the Bafta HQ. I love this set of images – it was such an honour getting to meet and photograph these incredible award winners. So much talent in just one evening! Big thanks to Claire Rees and Jordan Anderson for selecting my portraits to be on show on the hallowed walls of Bafta. Below are the photos, and a little BTS video from the shoot.
Last of the Summer Sun
Catch the last of the summer rays in the Cambridge countryside. Massive thanks to the incredible team who made this happen: Pia Aung – styling Quee and Kelly Murphy at MOT Models – models Sam Cooper – hair and make up Victoria Moyosola – photo assistant The Red Lion, Grantchester – location
Studio Manager – Recruiting Now
UPDATE: Applications are now closed Are you a well organised problem solver? An inbox-zero type with an impeccable eye for detail? A budding communicator with an interest in the creative industries? Then come and work with me. I am looking for a studio manager to manage production of personal and editorial work, keep on top of emails, make the most of social media, and work with me to drive the business forward. What will you be doing? Office management. From diary management to keeping on top of my contact database, and of course managing the inbox – you will be running the office side of the business. Production. Producing and organising photoshoots for editorial and personal projects. Organising exhibitions and liaising with relevant partners. Business development. You will join me in researching current and new clients. You will be helping to write pitches and create treatments to win new...
Laura Kuenssberg – The Sunday Times Magazine
So fascinating to meet this journalistic powerhouse. For 7 years Laura Kuenssberg had been at the helm of the BBC’s political broadcasting – through Brexit, Covid, and three Prime Ministers, informing the nation from morning to evening almost every day. Wow, the stories she told me on our shoot – she’s seen and heard everything and been at the heart of it all. Awesome to see in her new role at ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ already doing amazing things. Massive thanks to Russ O’Connell for the fabulous commission, and to the brilliant team who made it happen: Styling – Annie Swain Hair and make up – Emma Leon Cover design – Dan Biddulph Photo assistants – Oliver Mayhall and Ethan Humphries Studio – Holborn Studios
An island in the Ocean
Off the Cornish coast lies a little archipelago separate from normal life. Salty air, fresh breezes, heathers and ferns. Boat trips and barbecues, sunshine and stars. Here’s my photo diary from a week on one of them – Tresco.