This session was part of the photosocial365 at the MAC in Birmingham.

In this series I have tried to represent the model (Phil) in a number of different ways.

First a portrait to capture a natural character, friendly and jokey. The shoot was in a small theatre with black curtains and natural light shut out. A couple of simple flat panel lights and a single (theatre) spotlight. (Olympus Pen-F 45mm (=90mm) lens; . ISO 2000; -2eV, f3.2; 1/320s)

The next pictures were in a grittier style. Thinking about Lee Jefferies portraits – close in with starts features.

I tried to get an angry in your face image.

Phil has moved from a job in theatre to that of an aspiring author. Pushing further his inspiration is JG Ballard and i wanted to reflect that shift in mindset, in career choice and in his inspiration to write.

Whist not a conventional portrait I feel the concept was achieved.

I felt that there was two sides to Phil – the extrovert – joking and chatting – and an introvert – thoughtful and not really wanting to be in the limelight. I think the double exposure here captures the “omnivert”

As a writer times of contemplation and a search for creative inspiration is ever present. To get this in a dramatic form I wanted to get a contemplative almost prayer like image

As a challenge the concept of promo shot, or book cover image for when Phil’s book is a huge success was put out there. I managed to get notebook and got the image below. The aim, using a really shallow depth of field, was to show the book is the end result, the ultimate goal yet behind the book is the creator. With success becomes a redefining of ones persona and the book speaks louder than the author despite being a work of fiction

As a final shot showing that Phil still has a bit of theatre left in him a knitted tank top reminded me of the Carry on films and sitcoms of teh 70s and 80s. Ooooh missis came to mind and my request to channel the inner Kenneth Williams came through