Kenneth Branagh

Sir Kenneth Branagh, a face and name known to most.  He’s won awards for his acting as well as his directing.  Now - with a film loosely based on his own upbringing in Belfast, he’s topping this year’s award nominations for his writing and directing.  

This shoot with Kenneth was done at the House of St Barnabas in central London.  Sir Kenneth turned out to be the real gentleman I was hoping he was.  Genuine, interesting, with a quiet and gentle demeanour.  It became evident to me that this film was truly something special to him. The way he was talking about the film and the way he talked about finding someone to play himself it felt like he had put his hart and soul into it.  Now that the awards season in upon us it is great to see that a film with such personal meaning from a director such as Kenneth has made it to the top of the nomination bill.  


Shot for Sunday Times Culture

Samuel West

This was my last shoot of 2020 and, as this ‘Christmas thing’ is quite an obvious seasonal, I haven’t had the chance to share it before now.

Samuel brought his chilli jam, something all his friends and family fondly receives every year. (He also gave me a jar and it was TASTY!)

Shot for Observer Food Monthly

Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer

There are few actors I am more excited about at the moment than Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer.  Every role Stephen touches turns to gold.  He mostly plays serious roles, and the intensity and emotions he brings to the parts he plays, hit straight home.  The question with Stephen is; is it him that makes the roles he plays great? - or is he just great at sniffing out the great parts and can take them on with excellence?  Either one is a great talent, and either way still makes Stephen a great actor.  

And then Jodie - mostly known for playing Oksana Astankova in Killing Eve.  She’s still very young so there is no doubt that next time I photograph her, (and I do hope there will be a next time,) I will be able to reel off iconic films and series that she has played in like I am able to do with Stephen if I’m put on the spot.  One thing is for sure already, and that is that Jodi has a great ability to bring herself and character to her roles. 

They are now playing together in the Channel 4 drama ‘Help’, a series that deals with some of the issues that arose due to Covid.  Some may think that it’s too early to watch serious dramas about the social impact of Covid, but this is a gripping and touching drama that will appeal to many.  

At the end of this shoot I also managed to get a frame of 10X8 analogue portrait taken of Stephen and Jodie.  Unfortunately, (being the first time I have tried to do a shot of 10X8 with the time pressures that comes with editorial shoots, and only having two sheets ready to use,) the shot with Jodie had two misfires of the flash and didn’t come out.  However, the shot of Stephen was everything I had hoped for.  

Shot for Observer New Review

Matthew MacFadyen

I photographed Matthew McFadyen a long time ago, together with Michael Gambon.  One of my earliest commissions.  They were playing in the stage adaptation of Henry IV.  This time, I meet Matthew MacFadyen again.  Now a world renowned star for his role in Succession.  (Missing out very noticeable performances in series such as Spooks and Any Human Heart - to mention a few).  This time MacFadyen is starring in the small TV drama series “Quiz”.  Remember the Major who managed to trick “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” but was caught?  Well, MacFadyen plays the Major.  

A tall gentleman - is the best way to describe MacFadyen presence.  Gently spoken and suave.  Wearing a suit, but it doesn’t feel like he’s put one on especially.  On the contrary.  I can easily imagine MacFadyen sporting a suit, open top buttoned shirt and leather shoes on a daily basis.  

Shot for Observer New Review

Luke Evans

I can’t put my finger on it but there is definitely something a little ‘Shaken but not stirred’ about Luke Evans. It’s like he should have a three digit number instead of a name.  Or maybe he should just make a point of introducing himself by saying surname followed by his whole name….

Shot for Observer Food Monthly