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

Flashback

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

Lauren Laverne

Our radio DJs have been saviours for many of us people during lockdown.  This shoot with Lauren Laverne was shot in true Covid lockdown fashion; outside and socially distanced.  Just outside the BBC Radio broadcast building in Central London, we waited,  ready to photograph Lauren as she finished her breakfast show for BBC6 Music.  It was requested that I took some shots of her with the iconic BBC entrance behind her, but when I looked across the street, I saw a building site that made for a much more interesting image.  Especially in contrast with Lauren’s flowery dress.  

Shot for Observer New Review

John Robins and Elis James

After having hosted the Elis James and John Robins show on Radio X, Elis and John got offered a show on Radio 5 Live, carrying over many of the same features from their show on Radio X.  The two presenters turned up, adamant not get styled by the magazine and they had set ideas of what they did not want to do in front of the camera.  Both issues that are not so relevant on a radio show, but makes all the difference in a magazine.  We talked, negotiated and achieved.  Everyone is happy!

Shot for Observer Magazine

Chris Evans for Virgin Radio

If you live in the UK you know who Chris Evans is.  Either from having hosted Britain’s most popular Radio programs on Radio 1 or Radio 2 or for TV programs such as The Big Breakfast or Top Gear (where he was finally able to show his true love, cars).

This year we saw Chris move from Radio 2’s Big Breakfast show to Virgin Radio’s breakfast show.  For this occasion I got to meet the man and photograph him at his new studio near London Bridge.  

I have to admit I was expecting a man who was tired after having been on the radio for 3 hours, staring before sunrise.  However, a very tall, energetic, fun and friendly man turned, up after his early morning broadcast on Radio 2.  The images were used to promote the new show and could be seen on posters around London.  

Shot for Virgin Radio

Jo Whiley

This shoot with Jo was for Specsavers. It seems Jo and I have something in common, apart from the love of music. Jo suffers from tinnitus. Specsavers are not only the savers of specs but it seems they can help with any hearing issues too.

Of course having tinnitus for Jo is probably a little worse than it is for me. Jo presents music programs and is constantly introducing the UK to new acts and great music. Going to see gigs and listening to music is what she does, and tinnitus must be a little like me having cataract.

Jo was as expected; funny, nice and full of smiles. She took a few stabs at my lingo as I gave it all with my photography speak (show me ‘optimism’ was one of the commands that slipped out of me as I was pressing the shutter…) If you don't think that sounds too stupid then just give it a try. Visually portraying optimism in a single expression is maybe harder than I had once thought and may leave the sitter with an expression of confusion instead….