It was a bright, bustling day in London, the kind of day that makes you appreciate the energy and vibrancy of the city. On this particular day, I had the privilege of photographing the immensely talented British actor Jared Harris. This session was not just another photoshoot; it was a culmination of years of planning and anticipation.
The Journey to the Shoot
Jared and I had been trying to coordinate this photoshoot since before the pandemic. It took us three years to finally bring it to life, a testament to both our busy schedules and the unpredictable nature of the times we live in. When we finally set the date, it felt like a moment of serendipity.
Who is Jared Harris?
For those who might not be familiar, Jared Harris is a renowned British actor with an impressive body of work. His notable roles include Lane Pryce in the AMC television drama series Mad Men, for which he received an Emmy nomination; David Robert Jones in Fringe; King George VI in The Crown; and Anderson Dawes in The Expanse. He also captivated audiences as Captain Francis Crozier in The Terror and Valery Legasov in the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries Chernobyl. His performance in Chernobyl earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor and an Emmy nomination.
In addition to his television work, Jared has had significant roles in films such as Mr. Deeds (2002), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), Lincoln (2012), and Allied (2016). Most recently, in 2021, he took on the role of Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ science fiction series Foundation.
The Concept
For this project, I drew inspiration from the Old Master painters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. The project, entitled Selah, aims to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings. This artistic direction was perfect for Jared, whose expressive face and commanding presence lent themselves beautifully to this style.
The Photoshoot
The session took place in my London studio, where we meticulously set up the lighting to emulate the dramatic contrasts and rich textures of classical art. Jared was a dream to work with; his professionalism and ease in front of the camera made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.
We captured a series of portraits that highlighted not just his physical features but also the depth of his character and experience. Each shot was a blend of contemporary photography techniques and the timeless elegance of classical art.
Conclusion
Looking back at this photoshoot, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It was a long journey to get here, but the results were worth every moment of waiting. Jared Harris is not only an extraordinary actor but also a remarkable person, and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to capture his essence through my lens.
If you're looking for London headshots and portraits that capture both the personality and the professional essence of an individual, don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you're an actor, a corporate professional, or anyone in between, I would love to help you create stunning portraits that stand the test of time.