The world of lockdown has seen the emergeance of comedians whom have actively used social media and online platforms. Munya Chawawa is one of these comedians. He’s best known for his portrayal of the posh rapper called “Unknown P” and the chef “Jonny Oliver”. Now - Munya is not only online but also the star of TV programs such as “Complaints Welcome”.
As soon as Munya came to the shoot it was evident that music is of great importance to him. He took over the Spotify playlist and started playing one tune after the other.
A few set poses but also the freedom to move and jump created the images I wanted.
Shot for Observer Magazine
The Flashback series for the Guardian Saturday Magazine continues, and here are four of the latest shoots that have been published. My shoots replicate images of celebrities from their younger days.
Here we have JLS, Sadie Frost with her mum Mary, AJ and Curtis Pritchard and Vick Hope with her mum Ade
Shot for Guardian Saturday Magazine
Daniel Fletcher is one of the most prominent young designers around. This shoot was to photograph Daniel in his own flat with the patchwork patterns he worked on during lockdown. Daniel created patchwork clothes and blankets, using the offcuts from his other design. He even sent the material out to people with instructions of how to make to make it themselves if that’s what they wanted to do.
Such a nice guy and such a talent!
Shot for Observer Magazine
Last time I worked with Steve and Nick Tidball was in Hampstead heath and they had just released a hoodie where you could zip up the front and enjoy total privacy. Great for when traveling and you just want to be left alone. This time the twins, founders and directors of Vollebak, are back with the Full Metal Jacket. A jacket made of 11km of copper and used as a disease repellant jacket. Yes - copper has the ability to sterilise and was used to do exactly that in ancient civilisation. Apart from copper’s ability to kill bacteria it also has the more well known characteristics of conducting heat and electricity. These guys are taking aim at space travel and a futuristic world when they make this jacket. ‘Ah - but you have to walk like an armoured Roman soldier from the iron age’ - I hear you say?! Well - no. It’s actually flexible and totally user friendly. Yes - it does have a ‘comforting hug’ like weight to it - but it is 100% practical as well as soft, malleable, highly waterproof, windproof and breathable. What’s not to like?
Shot for Observer Magazine
This shoot with Simon Amstell was to promote his directorial debut film Benjamin. The film that hit the screens in 2019 and was met with critical acclaim.
Simon will always be my favourite presenter of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, but that is now a long time ago and something for the history books. Since then Simon has directed, done more stand up comedy, co-written Grandma’s House and a mockumentary set in a vegan future. The latter is a subject Simon cares a lot about, being a vegan himself.
I remember the first time I shot Simon, I expected him to be unforgiving in his comments and replies. I was prepared for a bombardment of smart ironic comments and humorous observations for which I would be dumbstruck. However, I met a kind and modest man. This time was no different. Simon complemented me on the previous shoot we did together, not just a comment he says to everyone I think, as he clearly remembered it and the images that resulted from that shoot.
We discussed the ideas I had come up with in collaboration with the Observer Magazine. A couple of the ideas didn’t quite seem to appeal to Simon, so I used the first half of the shoot to photograph what we had agreed on whilst think of new ideas. As the shoot was to be the cover for the Observer Magazine’s fashion issue, it was important that the clothes were a main feature and helped create the mood. At the same time we wanted a little humour with his stylish look. It then struck me that photographing Simon as if he was naked, and the clothes were folded up, would give the image an element of comedy whilst focusing on the clothes too. It would be a different look from any fashion shoot I can recall. The venue had the perfect place to execute this without exposing Simon fully, Simon loved it and a fashion cover unlike any other was made.
I have great respect for Simon and what he has achieved. His comedy is excellent and he only uses his sharp wit against people whom put themselves out for receiving it and can take it. Simon has also a good sensitivity and moral compass that we could all learn from.
Shot for The Observer Magazine
