Behind-the-scenes

Building a Natural Studio Portrait

Everything in this shoot was chosen to keep the portrait natural, warm and unforced, building towards a relaxed, denim-led Americana look that still feels commercial.

Light: I used one large softbox, placed 45 degrees camera left and angled down towards subject, for Rembrandt lighting. The size of the source wraps softly around the face, while the angle leaves a shadow on one side that adds shape and depth. I wanted that shadow to bring contrast to the softness.

Backdrop: I skipped the white backdrop for a peachy, textured wall. White can feel clinical and flat, whereas the wall adds warmth and texture, and complements darker skin tones rather than washing them out.

Wardrobe: The wardrobe was deliberately worn-in and relaxed, the kind of pieces that look lived-in rather than styled. That keeps the focus on the person, not the outfit.

Result: A natural, denim Americana look that feels both relatable and commercial.

Finding Your Next Documentary Topic

Great documentary ideas often start with something you already notice. Living in London, it's hard to ignore how expensive rent is, and for many young adults today, a home of their own feels further away every year. So when two good friends, Herbie and Alex, chose to pool their savings and buy a narrowboat, it piqued my curiosity.

A boat is a tight, intimate space, so I narrowed the project to one home and two people. I'd visited a few times and talked the idea through with them beforehand, so the trust was already there.

I shot at 28mm inside, where the boat is so narrow, and at 50mm outside. I stayed the night, started shooting at 7pm, then woke at 6:30 for an hour of shooting before they left for work.

My advice: if you've got an idea, go for it. If you keep thinking about it, that's your sign. Start with what you already notice, and pick subjects you trust.