united kingdom issue 797

May 2020

Michael Wharley

London - photographers

Michael shoots characterful pictures of people. Be it a Hollywood star in the studio, or a small business owner sharing their working life, he finds personality and emotion in portraits that get under the skin and connect.

He creates atmospheric, cinematic images that advertise, stage and screen productions as boldly as they tell the stories of brands.

All his work is punchy, precise and beautifully lit, filled with detail, drama and real feeling.

New work includes: a major campaign for Lionsgate for the July release of Summerland, starring Gemma Arterton, portraits for star Gugu Mbatha-Raw and dramatic narrative images for Motorhome Marilyn and The Heart of a Tiger. His personal Natural Hair Portrait Project (see video) on afro-textured hair remains deeply relevant.

His studio at Waterloo in London is open for socially-distanced shoots with remote access for clients.