Johnny Knoxville

The dude of dudes - Johnny Knoxville!!!  I personally think that a picture of Johnny in the dictionary next to the word ‘dude’ is appropriate.  

You know it’s a great day when you get to meet the man himself, even if we were restricted to a hotel room in Central London.

When I had the chance to photograph Knoxville, I thought I’d get to use some of my more edgy ideas - however, they were turned down ahead of the shoot.  So I livened up to the shoot with a few milder ideas that I hadn’t pitched up ahead.  Lastly, I left my iron, that I had brought to iron out a fabric backdrop, lying visible next to the set.  When I started shooting Johnny I suggested more things.  He said no to some of them, but came back with some crazy Johnny poses.  Then he spotted the iron and picked it up - just as I had hoped - Johnny continued by Ironing his bum and crotch - classic Knoxville style!

Shot for G2 

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

Katherine Ryan

When Katherine was asked what she does on the panel show ‘Don’t Hate The Playaz’ she said ‘comedian and Hooter waitress’.  That’s certainly not all she is though.  Not many comedians can carry off being photographed for a fashion feature in national magazines, be funny on stage (and off stage) and be considered to be knowledgable about the hip hop scene.  Oh - did I mention that this shoot was just after Katherine had given birth to her second child.  Boom! If anyone can do it, Katherine can.

Both shoots I have done with her have been fashion lead.  This time we had the pleasure of dressing her up in a diamanté dress that weighed a ton as well as other great colourful and vibrant outfits from great designers.  Katherine had the attitude of a model - I just wear what Jennifer Michalski-Bray (the stylist) tells me to.  This was however not a fashion shoot and not a straight shoot of a comedian - but an attempt to find a good middle ground. 

Shot for Observer Magazine

Jason Bruges

The greatest thing about working with artists is that most of the time you get to include their work in the images.  Sometimes, it makes it harder, but most of the time it gives you the chance to create images of someone, using props that are interesting in themselves.  This is especially the case when working with artists such at Jason Bruges.  Jason does not only create great big installations but works a lot with light and reflective surfaces.  Like a playground for me! 

Jason, genuinely interested in the photography side of the shoot as well as imagery as a whole, was great to work with.  His studio was two warehouse rooms filled with half finished projects.  All at my disposal.  The shoot was to create images for Jason that he could use for his own PR.  We used his up and coming projects including robots and large ‘disco balls looking’ wall installations which are to be installed on an underground station in Norway. A great big water tank in construction, that will eventually be installed so that sound waves break the light and create patterns on the ceiling of the space it is in.  A genuinely interesting and fun shoot with a very inspirational and friendly man.  

Shot for Jason Bruges

Monica Galetti and Singleton Whisky

It’s always lovely working with Monica Galletti - even if it is a shoot at the end of a full day of filming, at the back end of a ‘red eye’ flight.  She’s a true pro that always delivers.  This shoot - a commercial shoot for Singleton Whisky - allowed me to step into the film set and shoot her in the surroundings that had already been used for the moving imagery.  More from Monica and her collaboration with Singleton to come.  

Shot for Bridge Studios/Singleton Whisky

Sarah Solemani

This shoot with Sarah Solemani took place just around the corner from where I live.  Although Sarah is now based in LA, she grew up in Hackney, London.  The backdrop for this shoot was Ridley Road Market, now a bustling culturally diverse market - but once the battleground for the 62 Group, a collection of anti-fascists who stood up against the rising Neo-Nazi movement in Britain after WW2.  This conflict was the basis of Sara Solemani’s BBC drama, based on the book Ridley Road by Jo Bloom.  

The film deals with a part of history that I did not know about before Sarah told me about it.  What is now such a culturally diverse community and market is miles away from the Neo-Nazi conflict of post war Britain.  

This shoot was more a matter of walking through the market with Sarah, searching for backdrops that I felt would be suitable as we went along.  Sarah, nice and relaxed in what is an environment she is used to from her younger days, easily chatted to me and the people in the market alike.  One man proposed to her and I got invited to hang out in LA with her! - no doubt in my mind that Sarah is as nice as they come.  

Shot for Observer New Review

Flashback!

Old images from the family albums of celebrities replicated today. This month I feature James Bay, Peter Andre, Bez and Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp and Stephen Norman.

John Bercow

It’s not long since I stopped categorising my newsletters.  One of the reasons I stopped was that some shoots just didn’t fit into my most common subject matter, and therefore got left behind.  For example, I sat on a folder with politicians and topical/political journalists without ever sharing these.  John Bercow was one of those shoots - shot a few months before the Covid pandemic came and changed the world forever.

John Bercow, aka “ORDER!!!!!” - made the ‘Speaker of the house’ into something more than just an orchestrator, keeping order in the houses of parliament during debate.  Bercow became the man who shouted “ORDER! ORDER!” as front bench politicians squabbled and argued like children.  He was the one who was able to control the politicians when they were not able to control themselves.  And let’s face it, that was a regular reoccurrence.  John Bercow became the face of sanity in parliament, a man who took the anonymous roll of “speaker” and made it into something else.  This shoot was completed earlier this year and John was modest when I mentioned his achievements, and nice to work with.  He seemed at times to be the only politician who could see the houses of parliament for what it is, and the politicians for how they come across to the average man in the street - as they argue and bicker like school children.  

Shot for Observer New Review

James O'Brien

It’s not long since I stopped categorising my newsletters.  One of the reasons I stopped was that some shoots just didn’t fit into my most common subject matters, and therefore got left behind.  For example, I sat on a folder with politicians and topical/political journalists without ever sharing these.  James O’Brien was one of those shoots - shot in September 2020, when the Covid lockdowns had given us a little breather to work normally again.  

This was a cover shoot with James O’Brien, the politically focused news radio presenter from LBC.  I first became aware of him around the time of the Brexit vote in 2016, and ever since he has become a cornerstone of reason in the conversation about Brexit as well as other politically news orientated causes.  

James turned up at the studio, forthcoming, friendly and modest.  That’s it with James - he’s a hard one to disagree with, but he’s always inclusive, open to listening and friendly.  People have called into his show only to be cut down by his masterful ability to argue his point.  However, he only cuts people off if their arguments are badly thought through or if they have been misled.  In fact, he always seems to enjoy a good discussion as long as the opposing argument is well founded. 

A second part of the shoot took place at LBC radio station in Leicester Square, central London.  Not the easiest place to rock up with 11 bags - especially as Covid restrictions still ruled and I was asked to come without assistant.  But nice to get him in his element.

Shot for the Observer Magazine

Laura Kuenssberg

It’s not long ago since I stopped categorising my newsletters.  One of the reasons I stopped categorising the newsletters was that some shoots just didn’t fit into my most common subject matters, and therefor got left behind.  For example, I sat on a folder with politicians and topical/political journalists without ever sharing these.  Laura Kuenssberg was one of those shoots - shot a few months before the Covid pandemic came and changed the world for good.

Laura Kuenssberg was the face of BBC news when it came to the politics of Brexit.  She is the one that took centre stage interviewing politicians.  She headed a Brexit podcast discussing constant changes and process in the negotiations.  She always comes across as serious, cut throat and a woman who gets straight to the point.  I expected nothing else on this shoot either, but met a more relaxed and friendly Laura.  Having just received the withdrawal agreement, Laura settled down in a corner of the room reading it through, page by page, waiting for me to set up.  This is a woman who’s life has been totally consumed by Brexit for several of years.  Late nights, early mornings, press conferences after press conferences and interviews after interviews.  Laura had no break.  Considering that the leadership changed hands two times after the Brexit results in 2016, Laura could be accused for being the one who knew more about the day to day dealings than anyone else, including prime ministers.  

Shot for Guardian Weekend Magazine

Fiona Bruce

It’s not long  since I stopped categorising my newsletters.  One of the reasons I stopped was that some shoots just didn’t fit into my most common subject matter, and therefor got left behind.  For example, I sat on a folder with politicians and topical/political journalists without ever sharing these.  Fiona Bruce was one of those shoots - shot a few months before the Covid pandemic came and changed the world forever.

Fiona came in at the agreed time, full of energy, and settled down in the basement studio under a trendy Haggerston cafe in East London.  I asked if we could get her anything and she had already clocked the pastry in the cafe on the ground floor, wanting it accompanied by a weak tea.  I left her to enjoy a little grooming before the shoot. When she stepped in I started talking to her about her early life, getting a little money from modelling for picture stories in the teenage magazine ‘Jackie’.  I was actually genuinely intrigued as I used to see those picture stories around when I was a kid, and it’s such a thing of the past.  Fiona confided in me that she used to love doing them as she could always get people she fancied in to play the male role.

Shot for Observer New Review

Jason and Ivan Reitman

It’s not every day you get a call to ask if I’m interested in photographing the creators behind Ghostbusters: “We’ve got a shoot with the Jason and Ivan Reitman - and they’re bringing the ghostbuster car and a couple of Proton Packs.”  I know - it might not mean much to many of you, but if you grew up in the 80’s you’ll know all about the Ghostbusters, the Cadillac and the Proton Packs.  Ghostbusters 2, also directed by the original director Ivan Reitman came out not long ago, but this 3rd film was directed by Ivan’s son Jason.  So - there I was, in the backstreets of Soho with a couple of Proton Packs, (ghost busting guns for you who are not familiar with the films) in a hotel room and the Ghostbusters car in a small alleyway on the side of the hotel.  I picked the alleyway because of its proximity to the hotel but also because it had a city vibe - without giving away what city it was.  The first thing we found in the alleyway was a dead rat without a head.  Nothing like a headless rat to set the scene for a Ghostbusting experience.  (I did decide on cleaning this up before inviting the Reitmans over though - maybe a little too real for a Friday morning?!).  I managed to get a local office to open its doors for me to get some electricity to start up the smoke machine, brought out some gels and then prepped the car for the Reitmans to cruise on into the shot.  

Ivan and Jason turned up and I was ready.  I placed them in the car and shouted “smoke!”  No smoke came - and a look of panic spread along the photography team.  The woman who had let us use the electricity socket had unplugged the smoke machine without letting us know and left the building.  I started shooting whilst the assistants knocked on every door until they found a socket.  The images I had hoped for were now finally coming in.  

10 minutes later we had to rush up to the hotel room to get the Proton Packs shots.  I had prepped the proton Packs with lights and was ready to explore with long shutter speeds to get the laser beams working.  Consistency and authenticity was of great importance for Jason but we got there in the end. 10 minutes later, all ghosts were busted and the Reitmans could leave the building.  Phewwww.  All I now had to do was to pack my equipment down and dispose fo 15 ghosts stuck in my Ghostbuster trap and safely dispose of them in the Echo-Containment System.  The problem is I’m not sure where the Echo-Containment System is so I’ll keep them under my bed for now….

Shot for G2  

David and Dolly Baddiel

This shoot with David Baddiel and his Daughter Dolly was to support an article in the Guardian Saturday Magazine about social media and its addictive qualities.  David had made a documentary for the BBC talking about the issues.  His daughter gives the view of a young person and also someone whom has suffered from anorexia and other self esteem issues, fuelled by the pressures caused by social media.

Although we played with a shadowy representation of social media in these images, it was the more simple portraits that appealed to me the most.  It was evident that David and Dolly were very close and it was a pleasure to be a witness to the closeness between them.

Shot for The Guardian Saturday Magazine

Munya Chawawa

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

Flashback

Old images from the family albums of celebrities replicated today. This month I feature Justin and Dan Hawkins from The Darkness, Gareth Thomas, Jayde Adams and Anastacia.

Shot for The Guardian Saturday Magazine

David Spencer Percival

David Spencer Percival’s office was exactly how I imagined my office to be when I close my eyes.  Nice and tidy, good taste in art and design, and a bar cabinet should a fellow colleague stop by for a little chat. David has been the founder of very successful botanical drinks company and energy company before now running the life science recruitment business Life Science People.  

David was fun, friendly and charming.  Many stories of his art work collections and trips abroad lightened up the conversation whilst we were working.  

Shot for Recruiter Magazine

Kate Garraway

Many people have managed to sail through this epidemic without any major loss.  Of course, we have all felt it to some degree, but some of us have really felt the impact.  Kate Garraway is someone who has really suffered from having a loved one contracting Corona virus.  Her husband, diagnosed early on in this epidemic, was in a coma for 11 months and is still suffering from issues related to Covid.  Kate has always been very honest about her experience and shared her story with the world.  In this book Kate talks about her experience watching someone you love suffer from Covid and the terrible effects it can have on people and the family of the effected.  A pleasure working with Kate on this cover, where I was trying to show the vulnerability of Kate as well as her strength and resilience when faced with a terrible personal struggle.

Shot for Penguin Random House

Anna Jones

This Anna Jones shoot took place about a year ago, but I never got around to posting it before now.  As we’re in January, all struggling through the New Years resolution to get a little healthier and help the environment, I thought there would be no better person to start the year off with than Anna Jones.  As far as I am concerned, Anna has written the bible of vegetarian cooking “A Modern Way to Eat”, a book she has followed with her “One Pot, Pan, Planet”.  The latter is a book that does not only encourage vegetarian cooking but also how we can cook in a more environmentally friendly way. This shoot was to support an OFM article about Anna Jones and her work as one of UK’s most cherished vegetarian cook book writers.

Shot for OFM

Stephen Mangan - Happy Christmas!!!

Last time I photographed Stephen Mangan, there was a birthday theme, and this time - the shoot is also a birthday; ‘Christmas’.  Mangan already looked the part as he plays Scrooge in the West End this Christmas.  My job was to bring the tree, snow and some decor.  We made the tree fly, put on as many fairy lights as I could get my hands on and wrapped up some Christmas pressies for him to kick about. 

Happy Christmas and a very Happy 2022 to you too (when it eventually gets here). 

Shot for Observer New Review

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