In October 2018, I had the distinct pleasure of photographing the versatile and immensely talented actor James Purefoy at my London Studio. Purefoy's impressive body of work spans from jousting with Heath Ledger in "A Knight’s Tale" to his chilling portrayal of a cult leader in Fox’s "The Following." His rich career and commanding screen presence made this session particularly exciting for me.
Before the session, I immersed myself in his filmography, revisiting my favorite Purefoy movie, "Solomon Kane," to ensure I was fully prepared. During our time together, James shared a fascinating anecdote: his contracts once included a clause allowing him to keep his character’s sword after filming. His collection is truly enviable, featuring notable pieces like Solomon Kane’s blade and a 6-foot broadsword from "Ironclad."
My portraiture often draws heavily from Renaissance Italian influences, with a particular admiration for Old Master painters such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. I strive to recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings. This influence is particularly evident in my ongoing project, Selah. James expressed his admiration for my recent portraits of Sir Patrick Stewart and was eager for his images to be lit in the same evocative style.
The term "Selah" appears throughout the Book of Psalms and is interpreted as a pause for reflection. My goal with this project has been to recreate meditative religious scenes, capturing moments of profound drama inspired by counter-reformation art. Ribera’s work, influenced by Caravaggio’s tenebrism, has been a significant source of inspiration.
During our session, James transitioned through a series of strong and fierce characters, from heroes to villains. He eventually embodied the meditative and solemn expressions that perfectly aligned with the theme of Selah. The session lasted just over an hour, and I was able to capture a collection of spontaneous and unique images that truly reflect the essence of this prominent actor.
I am excited to announce a limited edition print run from this session, with only 25 prints available. These portraits stand as a testament to Purefoy's remarkable range and the timeless quality of classical portraiture.
For those interested in acquiring a piece of this exclusive collection, please reach out to secure your print from this memorable session with James Purefoy.