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

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