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

Isy Suttie

I knew Isy best for her part as Dobby in the brilliant sit com show Peep Show.  So before this shoot I thought I’d arm myself with some additional Isy Suttie knowledge.  She’s brilliant at combining music and comedy - one of the hardest things to do well in the world of comedy.  Some of her best live performances is exactly this - Isy with a guitar, armed with comedy gold lyrics.  

Isy was very sweet on the day.  The ideas I had came organically, using what I had to hand at the studio and Isy’s willingness to play ball.  We also lucked out as her Paul Smith top made her totally merge into a screen that was at the studio.  Nothing wrong with a bit of luck!

Shot for Observer New Review

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