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
