I specialise in taking portraits of people who do not like being photographed. And let's face it that's most of us. (In interviewing for the radio I often had to 'put people at their ease'. A counterproductive concept which took me years to unlearn.) My aim is to make people look as good as they want to be whilst still looking like who they are. It is all about the light. I use flash or the sun to model the face.
As for my photographic style? I have always loved the dramatic light and shadow in masterpieces by Caravaggio, Gentileschi and Rembrandt. I have no feel for brightly lit flat studio portraits.
Process: As our starting point I would normally discuss what photos you like, they can be of anyone, and what you want to achieve. My equipment is portable and unobtrusive and designed to be simple. I tend to take no longer than 90 minutes for a session. I take many photographs and whittle them down to a small selection from which you make your final choice. You do not pay anything until you are satisfied with the images. I do some light retouching where necessary. I can provide high quality digital files, arrange printing on archival paper and advise on framing.
Gallery: Please click on the thumbnails to view properly. You can scroll through the images. To follow more images, such as the one I took of Elvis impersonator Johnny Lee Memphis above please visit rockethousephoto on Instagram. Please use the contact page to find me.
As for my photographic style? I have always loved the dramatic light and shadow in masterpieces by Caravaggio, Gentileschi and Rembrandt. I have no feel for brightly lit flat studio portraits.
Process: As our starting point I would normally discuss what photos you like, they can be of anyone, and what you want to achieve. My equipment is portable and unobtrusive and designed to be simple. I tend to take no longer than 90 minutes for a session. I take many photographs and whittle them down to a small selection from which you make your final choice. You do not pay anything until you are satisfied with the images. I do some light retouching where necessary. I can provide high quality digital files, arrange printing on archival paper and advise on framing.
Gallery: Please click on the thumbnails to view properly. You can scroll through the images. To follow more images, such as the one I took of Elvis impersonator Johnny Lee Memphis above please visit rockethousephoto on Instagram. Please use the contact page to find me.
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'R' and MinnieR was self-conscious.. Minnie came to the rescue. Portrait taken in their garden shed. -
John WhitemanI like the light in John's left eye. -
Caroline and JannaCaroline is not used to being photographed. She works with horses and so we borrowed the magnificent Janna to help out. -
Alex - Student -
'B''B''s symmetrical face and large eyes inspired this approach. -
Finlay Hall - artistI used a shiny high contrast look to capture the edginess and energy of Finlay. -
Lauren - professional modelI took this at a Fuji camera event in Glasgow. -
Claudia Overton - actressClaudia can adopt different persona at will. We went for a moody 1970's magazine look. -
Jane ThomasJane will admit to being a reluctant subject. I used Hollywood Paramount lighting. -
'X' informalThis friend has a sunny disposition and always looks towards the light. BTW I never put photos on my site or instagram without the permission of the sitter. Sometimes they wish to remain anoymous. -
'X' work photoThis was for a professional website. -
'Y'The triangle of light under 'P's left eye is typical of the light Rembrandt depicted. -
Kay HydeIt is fashionable to use flash outside to create an unrealisitc balance. In this case I went for a natural look for photographer and friend Kay.. -
Jo McCoy - Tyninghame forestJo uses gong baths and other therapies to 'align us to our own inner truth'. Visit https://jomccoy.com for more information. -
'S' and the boys.Family dynamic captured in simple triangular compostion. Portrait taken in the family home. -
RoseI aim to make people look their best and still look like who they are. -
Thea aged 103I caught up with Thea at a dance event at the Hope Rooms, North Berwick. -
Rex HomerRex collects large paintings by Patti Yuill. -
George Birrell - painterGeorge's paintings of the harbours of the Scottish coast are admired by collectors all over the world. -
Lauren - modelI used a vintage lens to create a dreamier portrait of Lauren whilst she was not posing. -
Yolanda Pupo-ThompsonMy wife is my no.1 reluctant model. I caught her mischievous sense of humour which she needs. -
Kay Hyde at the whisky pond North BerwickI used the sun as backlight for Kay's hair. -
'T' -
Susanna - garden designerI wanted to cpature the strength of Susanna's character.
