Portrait commission with the historian David Starkey, once dubbed as ‘the rudest man in Britain.
After squeezing several cases of my photography equipment into the lift of a restored Bloomsbury council block, I arrived at the doorstep of Britain’s bestselling author and historian. Opening the door stood David Starkey, immediately questioning me if I was going to “just stand there or come in?”. Instructing me that I’d better come in. I picked up my lighting gear and made my way into his busy hallway, full of crammed bookshelves and ornaments. Carefully making sure I didn’t knock anything over. Then being told after a brief introduction to have a look around and find a suitable place for the portrait.
The living room was the only option, where my colleague and distinguished journalist Tim Stanley was carrying out the interview for print and podcast. Tim was a bit frustrated as none of the selection of office microphones positioned around themselves had any battery life, so the interview was all rather delayed. This was ok, giving me a bit more time to set-up in a corner in his busy apartment for the portrait.
Giving a very definitive light onto David allowing no light spill.
For this portrait I set up two elinchrom ELB400 kits, one light source with a Rotagrid, then another behind using a snoot, to give a very even and definitive side light onto David, allowing no light spill. Stopping the ambient light down and exposing for the table lamps. This creating the mood.
David was a pro, and he instantly responded to the camera.
When I was ready I suggested to David he took a break from the interview to get the photographs completed. Their conversation had by now moved onto which restaurant would be a good lunch location, so an ideal time to jump in. As he stepped forward he wasn’t sure if the Barbour gilet was suitable, but I suggested he kept it on, as he was obviously comfortable in it. Once I raised the camera I could see right away that David was a pro, and he instantly responded to the camera, moving a little bit, altering his pose with his arms and posture.
I always like to have a bit of a chat, and break the ice whilst photographing. It helps the subject to relax and not be so self conscious. It’s amazing how many people really dislike being photographed. I told him how much I liked his apartment, and the artefacts dotted around us, inlcluding the portrait hanging on the wall next to us. David responded by telling me he didn’t know who it was of, that it had been in the family for many years, remarking that “His father had probably stolen the painting”. We both laughed, and I suggested he didn’t notify the journalist of the theft.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/15/david-starkey-the-monarchy-is-fading-into-irrelevance/
Please get in touch if you would like to run by me any portrait assignment queries, whether it’s editorial, corporate, or just for yourself. With over +20 years experience I’m always happy to give advice on how to approach any upcoming assignments.
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