Johnny Marr

Its a great day when you walk into a studio, knowing you ‘re going to photograph a guitar legend like Johnny Marr.  The Smiths were an important part of my teenage years and a key figure behind that was the one and only Johnny Marr.  He was as cool as they come, but not arrogant in any way.  If anything I’d say he was modest, interesting to talk to and pretty chilled.  I had a few different ideas that I ran past him and, although he did hesitate a few seconds as I pulled out the acoustic 1/2 size guitar, he agreed to pretty much everything.  Even though he has his own guitar brand he didn’t object to posing with a cheap acoustic guitar, but he was hesitant due to the size.  “I’m not a fan of these small guitars some artists bring out” - a fair and just explanation to why he didn’t want to hold the guitar at least. 


Shot for Observer New Review

Dennis Bovell

One of my favourite films in the last decade is “Lovers Rock” by Steve McQueen.  In that film there is a scene where they are dancing at a party to the song “Silly Games”.  The dance scene is the whole of the song.  It is not only a brave scene to film, but it is so powerful.  And the cornerstone of the scene is the song Silly Games by musician and producer, Lover’s Rock legend, Dennis Bovell.  I met up with Dennis in a park near Tottenham Stadium.  We timed it so we could complete the shoot before the school finishes and hundreds of kids take over the quiet park.  Well - that is almost all kids were at school.  Two kids did come over and insisted on standing between me and Dennis for a while before their mum finally came and got them to move along.  

Dennis - such a chilled guy.  He has been all over the world and played music, he’s helped produce many albums and lastly, he’s been the king of Lover’s Rock!  I bet he’s probably responsible for many hookups as couples find each other on the dance floor dancing to his smooth tunes.  

Such a pleasure to work with Dennis. A man of many tales, but he didn’t brag.  Seemingly just an ordinary guy in Tottenham, however, the success he’s experienced is more than many of us could wish for.

Ledge’!


Shot for Observer Magazine

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

 
 

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

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

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

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

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

 
 

Clare Smyth

Clare Smyth is one of Britain’s best chefs.  Her restaurant “Core by Clare Smyth” in Notting Hill has three Michelin Stars and is one of London’s most sought after restaurants.  She has been named the World’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurant, been the Good Food Guide’s ‘National Chef of the Year’, She got a perfect score by the Good Food Guide. She’s won the Chef Award and she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire - to mention a few of her achievements.  Clare is basically “Da Bomb!”

This shoot was a cover shoot for Observer Food Monthly Magazine.  A real pleasure working with her and her restaurant.  

Shot for Observer Food Monthly Magazine

Daniel Fletcher

Daniel Fletcher is one of the most prominent young designers around.  This shoot was to photograph Daniel in his own flat with the patchwork patterns he worked on during lockdown.  Daniel created patchwork clothes and blankets, using the offcuts from his other design.  He even sent the material out to people with instructions of how to make to make it themselves if that’s what they wanted to do.  

Such a nice guy and such a talent!

Shot for Observer Magazine

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

Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer

There are few actors I am more excited about at the moment than Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer.  Every role Stephen touches turns to gold.  He mostly plays serious roles, and the intensity and emotions he brings to the parts he plays, hit straight home.  The question with Stephen is; is it him that makes the roles he plays great? - or is he just great at sniffing out the great parts and can take them on with excellence?  Either one is a great talent, and either way still makes Stephen a great actor.  

And then Jodie - mostly known for playing Oksana Astankova in Killing Eve.  She’s still very young so there is no doubt that next time I photograph her, (and I do hope there will be a next time,) I will be able to reel off iconic films and series that she has played in like I am able to do with Stephen if I’m put on the spot.  One thing is for sure already, and that is that Jodi has a great ability to bring herself and character to her roles. 

They are now playing together in the Channel 4 drama ‘Help’, a series that deals with some of the issues that arose due to Covid.  Some may think that it’s too early to watch serious dramas about the social impact of Covid, but this is a gripping and touching drama that will appeal to many.  

At the end of this shoot I also managed to get a frame of 10X8 analogue portrait taken of Stephen and Jodie.  Unfortunately, (being the first time I have tried to do a shot of 10X8 with the time pressures that comes with editorial shoots, and only having two sheets ready to use,) the shot with Jodie had two misfires of the flash and didn’t come out.  However, the shot of Stephen was everything I had hoped for.  

Shot for Observer New Review

Elton John and John Grant

It’s not every day you get an invite to Elton’s fairytale mansion.  Of course, the invite would have been a little more special had it been an invite for lunch, but I’ll settle for an invite to photograph Elton in his place. It is however really unfortunate that we are in Covid times, as the restrictions on where we could shoot meant we were could only shoot outside. I can only imagine how dazzling the inside of his house would be.  

Elton is helping promote the artist John Grant, so the shoot was of the two together.  Not much time and restricted to one setup, but we managed to get a backdrop up, battle the summer breeze and plow through the summer heat.  Admittedly my face mask at the end bore proof of the heat and the rush to get it all done in the allocated time.

It was a shoot with tinted sunglasses, Gucci outfits and Talk-Talk T-shirts, Rolex watch and Doctor Martin boots.  

Elton was friendly and professional.  He knew what was expected of him.  John was genuinely humble, kind and lovely to work with.  Next time I hope to get to shoot them individually.  Not just one frame on a 10X8 analogue camera (which I managed to squeeze in) - but two whole shoots with them individually.  But as I started off saying - with Elton you take what you can get.

Shot for the Observer New Review

 
 

Phil Wang

The comedian Phil Wang is now publishing a book and his live performances are on Netflix.  Life is surely good for Mr Philly Philly Wang Wang!  (The idea behind this shoot was to have Phil in the spot light on stage.  The man of the moment!  We found a small, rundown church in Camden. I brought the spot and the smoke machine and set up so we could see the beam of light on Phil.  That is, just after I had found the 5 smoke alarms, dismounted them and hidden them all outside in the bushes to avoid them going off.

Phil was a nice guy.  Quiet maybe, but I think he’s openly claimed to be quiet and a little introverted. In fact - that is part of what he’s about.  It’s a part of what makes him funny. I find people like me more and find me funnier too - the more quiet I am. Go figure?!  (According to my youngest son, I’m the least funny guy in the world.  It doesn’t stop me from trying and it’s a badge I carry with pride.)

Shot for Observer Magazine