Joe Lycett

Joe Lycett is not only a funny comedian, but he has a great ability to turn the aggressors into victims.  Many big companies, parking enforcement offices, fraudsters and even the government have been on the receiving end of Joe’s sharp wit and ability to turn the tables. His latest letter was a fake leak of the Sue Grey report - the report that is supposed to shed light on the many parties held by the government offices during Covid lockdown. So - to show how Joe turns the tide around and make the aggressors the victim, I chose to have him photograph me whilst I photograph him.  I found that to be a representation of the kind of humour that Joe is known for.  I also wanted to create a setup that hinted to the Sue Grey/Partygate incident.  I had an idea of writing letters on balloons and having them turn into an anagram of, for example “Downing Street Party”.  However, the anagrams for this and many other things I tried weren’t really relevant.  In Joe’s fake report leak he referred to ‘Downing Street’ as ‘Down It Street’ - and this became what I tried to show instead.  By taking the ‘ing’ off ‘Downing’, popping the ‘g’ and turning the ’N’ into a ’T’ - Joe had successfully turned ‘Downing’ into ‘Down it’.  And the street balloons remained.  

Lastly, I just wanted to create fun, interesting and colourful images that didn’t have any concepts connected to them.

Joe was brilliant!  Fun, down to earth, easy to talk to and followed and contributed to my instructions.

Shot for Observer Magazine

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

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

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

Dame Eileen Atkins

Dame Eileen Atkins, winner of a BAFTA, EMMy award and Olivier Award, was appointed the Commander of the Order of the British Empire and Dame Commander of the Order of British Empire.  Now - how’s that for an opening sentence on your Wikipedia page?!  

The thing about Eileen (and yes - I was told to drop the Dame when I spoke to her so I continue on a more casual first name basis here too), is that she is so casual and pleasant to deal with.  Her place, a wonderful and charming house in the West London, is a long way away from where she grew up, as the daughter of a meter reader in Tottenham.  She had that charm that comes with the more senior generation of the British acting world.  There is a relaxed attitude there, a playfulness.  I have seen the same in many of the British traditional actors and actresses.  They started acting because they loved the work, not to become famous, and the joy they feel due to living the life they have always wanted to is worn on their sleeves.  

Eileen was 100% lovely!  Fun, charming, natural and playful - all at once.  She has just released her autobiography (up to the age of 30) and I bet it will be a great read.  Just seeing the pictures from her young days which are in the book is great fun.

Shot for Observer New Review

Elif Shafak

I had the pleasure of working with Elif in her house.  A place with an amazing living room where her office desk is too.  Elif is from Turkey and has written books like The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love, Three Daughters of Eve and 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in This Strange World.  Her literature touches on political issues, women’s rights, minority rights and freedom of speech.  Her political voice addresses issues around Turkish and European politics, democracy and pluralism.  Dealing with topics such as child abuse and Armenian genocide means she has made dangerous enemies.  A brave writer, yet not someone who comes across as being paranoid or threatened. 

Shot for Observer New Review

Philippa Perry

I have now worked with Philippa on 5 separate occasions.  I’ve photographed her with her husband Grayson, with her cat Kevin, with tears in her eyes leaving the screening of Toy Story 3 (and who did not shed a tear in that one???) and a couple of times on her own.  I hope Philippa doesn’t mind me saying that working with her is more and more like working with a friend.  Not only has she got her look down to a T with her colourful outfits, grey streak in the hair and colourful, thick framed glasses - but she genuinely just wants a shoot to be fun.  She treats it like a playground, which is a refreshing and welcoming attitude to a shoot that is supposed to be uplifting fun.  

Philippa is the new Agony Aunt for the Observer Magazine.  Taking over after 20 years of advice to the British public from Mariella Frostrup.  I have already sneakily asked Philippa for advice on a few issues when photographing her, and I have to admit, that if I was to write to someone to get advice on personal matters, then Philippa would be one of the first on my list.  Her replies just make sense.  I know that her role as an Agony Aunt for the Observer will be one filled with not only great advice, but also humour where and when appropriate.  In fact - if we all write in and get some advice then I firmly believe that this world will be a little more colourful and brighter, as we all emerge from our homes a little more confident in our own decisions and insecurities.  

So - take pen to hand, dig deep and get writing.  Lets get Philippa working hard for her money!

Shot for Observer Magazine

Rob Brydon

My first shoot with Rob Brydon was way back when he played the taxi driver Keith Barrett. Since then I have been commissioned by several different publications to photograph him, I’ve shot a live DVD cover with Rob and the poster to his live standup tour. This shoot was promoting a youtube podcast series where he interviews other comedians and celebrities. The show is a result of Covid, and is an entertaining and fun podcast with Rob having a banter with close celebrity friends, comedians and actors he has worked with and knows well.  The beauty with Rob is that his comedy is not loud and in your face.  Working with him is like having a relaxed banter amongst friends with his sharp whit injected into the conversations.  He is a normal family dad, talking of his love for Bruce Springsteen and comedy films such as Daddy’s Home.  He doesn’t keep this part of his life separate from his comedy but incorporates it, and makes it flow as natural as it can be.  No point in taking yourself too serious, as that would only allow for you to be ridiculed by subtle comments perfectly placed.  Always a pleasure working with Rob and I can only hope I will do so many more times in the future. 

Shot for Observer Magazine

Simon Amstell

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

Sara Pascoe

Who do you think of when I say very smart, funny and blond?  Yea - ok, Dolly Parton - but also Sara Pascoe.  She came to the shoot with her little dog, 4 different Batsheva dresses, some serious high healed shoes and earrings unlike any I have ever seen before.  No stylist needed! 

Sara was promoting her book “Sex Power Money” - so what better way to promote that visual idea than to photograph her in a Batsheva dress to suit a Gingham backdrop.  For the last outfit we had a more blue look and finished the outfit with a pair of earrings made out of dolls’ heads.  Genius!!!!  

This shoot of Sara for The Observer Magazine had the headline “I wanted to be prime minister” - and I can guarantee you that she would be a 100% better prime minister than other blondes I can think of. 

Shot for the Observer Magazine

Crystal Rasmussen

The variety of my work and the people I work with is what keeps me going. In this case I was commissioned to shoot Tom Rasmussen, aka Crystal Rasmussen at his home in South London. Tom has just written a book called Diary of a Drag Queen and if the Observer Magazine’s feature is anything to go by then it will be a very interesting read.

Tom greeted us as Tom. I was to shoot him without makeup first and then document the process of getting Crystal ready. Tom stood in the doorway of his bedroom smoking a roll up. We set up for the first shot and let Tom go to change into Crystal. Another cigarette break later and he was at his makeup table, layering up makeup like I’ve never seen before. He told me of his struggle of being accepted. Not just by people in small community town of Lancaster, but also from family. His openness and honesty was striking and touching. An other indication that this book will be a must read for all.

I have to admit that I was always sceptical of how he would carry off the look carrying a goatee. The makeup was complete and Tom only had the beard and wig to go. He stepped into his bathroom and a couple of minutes later he stepped out as a redhead with a glittering beard. He’d only gone and completed a look that would put any L’Orêal Paris representative to shame.

Crystal, (just as nice as Tom was btw) enjoyed small cigarette breaks between setups. We had the run of his place and in the end I asked if we could hit the road. Outside, in the middle of the street an older man walked passed and could not help but look, whilst an other lady stopped to ask: “Have you just moved in?” Strange that Crystal never had been noticed by his neighbour before I thought, but as Crystal said - “Daylight is a drag queen’s worst enemy”. It all made sense. This is of course a night time look, dedicated to the fun of the midnight hour.

Shot for The Observer Magazine

Chris O'Dowd

The tall, slightly disheveled Chris O’Dowd has now moved from The British IT Crowd to the big screen in Hollywood. He still has one foot firmly anchored in the UK, but he permanently resides in LA. Maybe to get closer to Silicon Valley, but I personally think it’s more to hit the big time and big screens.

I shot Chris before, when he starred in the TV comedy Family Tree. That time I remembered a quiet O’Dowd and I expected the same this time. Chris came in to the studio casually carrying a man-bag. A little early he slouched down on one of the chairs and waited for my ‘Go’. I took the time to sit down and talk to Chris about the shoot we did and what’s been going on. He was a lot more chatty than I remembered. That Chris twinkle in the eye and a few snappy comments to let me know that he was ready to rumble.

Chris was fun to shoot. Ok - so he turned down a few of my suggestions saying he didn’t want to come across like another comedian, mentioning no names. But instead of leaving me hanging, desperately trying to come up with other ideas, he took it upon himself. A perfect combination of subtle humour, nice shapes and oddity. The thing about Chris is that his humour works best when he’s not doing much. Something that became clear during this shoot but also when you see him on screen. It must be a nice feeling to know that if you’re not doing well, then do less.

Shot for Sunday Times Culture

Bill Bailey

Some comedians should come with a warning sign and some come with a sign saying “does what is says on the tin”. Bill is the latter. Bill is a man that’s just naturally interested and inquisitive. He is smarter than Einstein on an Omega 3 overdose, funnier than a pie in the face, and has more musical talent than a Mozart with 4 hands. Unfair really that all the talents have gone to one man when so many people have nothing at all.

This shoot was at his office, a home converted into a make shift storage/office space. It's hard to miss the larger than life cardboard cutouts of Bill, books, paintings, a couple of birdcages that are big enough to hold an albatross, plenty of plastic flowers and plastic trees, instruments, staff taking bookings for his upcoming tour, bicycle and many more things. Bill is a true hoarder, but a hoarder of the weird and wonderful. The place was a good representation of what it must be like to be in Bill’s mind; busy, filled with plenty of knowledge about everything unusual and fun…. and birds.

Shot for The Observer Magazine

Nigella Lawson

Nigella Lawson has released a new book. Her book is about simple but good home cooking and is called At My Table. This shoot for Waitrose Food was aimed at toning it down and keeping it real. So real that we even had the luxury of including a tray of small home grown red apples. (The type of apples I spent many of my younger years scrumping. - Sorry old neighbours…) A linen table cloth and a casually dressed Nigella - all spell out home cooking as far as I am concerned. Nigella is the queen of cook books and this new book will be like having the queen herself in your own home, in a kitchen sharing all her home-cooking secrets, (without the corgis).

Shot for Waitrose Food Magazine

Russel Brand

Russell Brand is hard to summarise in one sentence. He is a comedian for sure, but his opinions, writings, podcasts extend far beyond the comedy. The issues he deals with often have a comedy angle to them but the undertone has a more serious message. He exposes his personal life, problems, addictions and fears along side his political views and social conscious.Never are the issues dealt with in a subtle and diplomatic way, but his opinions are blatantly clear and he gets his messages across using comedy.

I turned up to the shoot expecting a man who’s personality would make be hard to control during a shoot. Russell has a very big presence. Big hair, tall and a highly visible presence. I remember seeing him at an exhibition opening a few years ago and you could easily spot him across the room. Everyone looked around the room, and as they glanced towards where he was standing, everyone raised their head as if their glance was passing some speed bump (his head) towering over everybody else’s), to avoid glancing right at him, trying to pretend not to look in order to allow him his personal space.

The initial introduction was met with a firm handshake and a direct eye contact with a very polite and well mannered introduction, not forced, but a genuine ‘a pleasure to meet you’. The rest of the shoot I experienced a relaxed and fun Russell who seemed genuinely interested in everybody around him. It is not hard to see how this man can get everyone around him to feel relaxed.

Russell has a new book out now dealing with his addictions, ’Recovery, Freedom from our addictions’. I am sure this will be an honest, hard hitting read, using humour with a few words thrown in, that may be hard to digest for the faint hearted.

James Acaster

Hilarious comedian James Acaster is someone to watch out for. He maybe well known to many of you already, but if you haven’t heard of him then please check out Josh Widdicombe’s podcast where he has made several appearances telling many of his own embarrassing stories. Or, you could pick up his book “James Acaster’s Classic Scrapes”, (from which this cover shoot was for,) where he will reveal many of his most embarrassing moments and go into detail about his experience with a cabbage. Meanwhile, I’ll leave you with this slightly brown chord’esque photoshoot, aimed at capturing the more misfortunate James Acaster. (I have to admit that his colour palette as far as his clothes are concerned much resembles what I am myself wearing today. A firm favourite for many of us children of the 70’s, although I suspect that James is a little younger than that.)

Alan Bennett

It’s the second time I have had the pleasure of working with the great Alan Bennett. The quietly spoken, intellectual and sharp witted playwright, screenwriter, actor and author is a British institution and proud Northerner. It was mid December and he was to make it on the Observer New Review cover. However, it was slightly worrying thinking that the Christmas cover for the New Review would be a cover with no hint to Christmas, no festive spirit or mince pies, so a halo was made and hung up at a suitable height, slightly behind where Alan Bennett would be standing so we got the indication without making him look like the angel on top of the Christmas tree. Admittedly, I thought he’d turn around and walk out the door when I presented him with the idea, but Alan was not fazed and happy to play along. So now, Alan Bennett is not only an Anglophile of sorts, (in the best possible meaning of the word,) dictating what is British as well as embracing a lot of what is British, but he is also an “Anglophile”. (Angelphile - noun: someone who has been made into an angel during a photo shoot by Pål Hansen).

Sharon Horgan

Sharon Horgan - she’s from Hackney innit!? Yea - I know, that Irish accent does not give it away. She only stuck around for 4 years before she packed up her parents and travelled to County Meath in Ireland to raise some Turkeys. (If you live in Hackney then you know we’ve all been there, dreaming of that life.)

Sharon is the hottest talent on the sitcom circuit at the moment. She’s best known for playing in and co-writing Pulling and Catastrophe. Both series having won several of awards. Now she’s back with a new series, The Circuit. Based around dinner parties, a backdrop perfect for uncomfortable viewing, hilarious moments and more if her previous work is anything to go by. It starts with some new neighbours having moved in and their first invite to a dinner at the neighbours. What a perfect setting for comedy, tension and some hard hitting truths no doubt. I’ll happily watch it unfold as best I can, with a TV dinner and a bottle of wine.

Chris O'Dowd

Chris O’Dowd is truly the man of the moment. These images were taken just before his series ‘family tree’ was broadcast – a series that relies heavily upon improvisation and leaves you with belly ache from laughter, often based on cringe worthy moments. Now Chris is also co staring with Nick in the film Cuban Fury, he’s making it big in the US and we are bound to see and hear a lot more of Chris in the years to come. A writer, a performer and a genuinely funny guy.