Evanna Lynch

Evanna Lynch became famous through the Harry Potter series where she played Luna Lovegood - the best character name since Honor Blackman played Pussy Galore in a James Bond film.  She fit her character in the Harry Potter films so well that even JK Rowling has named her as her favourite, or at least most accurately portrayed out of the film series.  Since then she has made noticeable performances on stage and on screen. As well as becoming a prominent activist for animal rights and veganism she has also been a very important figure in promoting healthy self-esteem and body image for young girls, due to her own struggle with Anorexia Nervosia.  The latter was also the subject of her memoir published last year, ‘The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting: The Tragedy and Glory of Growing Up’ - for which I was commissioned to take pictures of Evanna to be used on the book sleeve and to promote the book. 

Evanna was such a dream to work with.  She was modest and softly spoken, kind and fun.  Working with Evanna was like working with a good friend.  A steady but easy pace, filled with interesting conversations about her experiences, success and struggles.  Talking about such issues as eating disorder from the perspective of having experienced it yourself takes enormous courage - and Evanna does this with brutal honesty.  

Shot for Headline Publishing

Daniel Radcliffe

I have never seen the Harry Potter series. In fact, it is one of the pleasures I look forward to experiencing together with my sons. However, Daniel Radcliffe is still someone whom I distinctively associate with as being Harry Potter. It must be a very difficult image to shake off when pursuing other work, especially due to it’s popularity all over the world. A double edged sword of sorts. However, I do feel that Daniel has managed to shake the boyhood image and become a respected actor in himself. Maybe it was necessary for him to grow a beard and shake the glasses in order to be considered for more adult and versatile rolls but the look suits him and gives him that handsome, mature look.

Being a child celebrity also tends to do something to a person. They often grow up with a different perspective of life and it becomes evident in their behaviour as adults. However Daniel is as grounded as they come. He is polite, modest and fun to be with. He likes a good laugh and does not want a lot of fuss made around him. Just as well as the location I had recommended for the shoot, (selected from images online provided by a location house company,) suffered from serious neglect and bad odour. The fridge door was opened at one point and a carpet of vintage dairy products laid over the house. I feel the consequences may have scarred the team for life, yet not a word of complaint from Daniel.

Daniel is now on screen as Igor in Victor Frankenstein, playing along side James McAvoy.

Helen McRory

The shoot with Helen McCrory was to take place at the end of a press day, after other shoots and interviews.  Never ideal as the sitter is usually late and exhausted.  This was no exception as far as timings were concerned, and as it was on my son’s birthday I was getting fidgety.  But, this was an exception as far as energy levels were concerned.  Helen turned up, apologetic for being late, polite, full of smiles and a bundle of energy. She had thrown a curve ball and won me over again within seconds of meeting her.
Helen is about my age, a mother of two and it is hard to imagine that she has ever been sexier.  She has that sexy attitude that only comes with confidence due to experience and a classic beauty to back it all up. 
Helen is an award winning actress and has played in films such as James Bond Skyfall, Harry Potter, Hugo and many more films and theatre productions.  She is married to Damien Lewis, which gives her some kind unspoken respect and acceptance amongst us gingers.  She is after all now a part of the ginger revolution.
It is nice when you leave a shoot and feel a lot has been contributed to it from all parties.  This was one of those shoots – Helen came, gave all she could to the shoot, was friendly and modest and we all left feeling good at the end.