I often get asked, “Who would you most like to photograph?” and I always hesitate and at times lack an answer. The question is hard because you want to meet people for different reasons. It may be that meeting someone you respect would be great, but it doesn’t mean they are great to photograph. However, as soon as I heard I was photographing Jeff Goldblum I had a lightbulb moment. A moment when I thought “YES! - That’s a guy I’d love photograph.” I think that pretty much sums up my relationship with Goldblum; I love him, his work, his style, but he doesn’t consciously appear in my mind as a favourite unless mentioned.
When I also heard that he was releasing a Jazz album, I was double excited. This guy could possibly be my dream BFF, (an abbreviation I thought I’d never use). Soon after, I listened to the live recording and I was not disappointed. Jeff isn’t just an actor who’s used his time waiting between sets to tinker with a piano, later to convince himself that he was amazing. No, Jeff’s got it! His album will be well received by jazz musicians and Jeff fans alike.
So, Jeff would surely fall at the last hurdle - the shoot. He could surely not be just an all around good guy with a bucket full of talent? The shoot was to be a jam + interview with the food critic/jazz pianist Jay Rayner. My part was to photograph the two together, jamming, as well as to get a moment with Jeff on his own. I was prepared to be disappointed, as there was surely no way he could impress from the already high expectations I had. I was wrong. The man was cool with a capital “C” and 10 x ‘o’s. A smooth cat, groovy dude, fun gent and handsome as hell! I had a moment standing on top of the piano, photographing Jay and Jeff from above to get all 4 hands, keys and the two pianist in one shot. I was stomping my foot to Herbie Hancock’s Cantaloup Island whilst trying to get a shot. I wanted to be in Jay’s place, crossing arms with Jeff and playing sweet music. Is this a man crush I’m feeling? Blush….
Shot for The Observer Magazine
