PORTRAITURE & CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHY Jul 2024

Alley splits her time between Seattle and New York, and has a portfolio that spans various genres including portrait, editorial, and unit still photography.

While she enjoys carefully sculpting subjects with light and form using custom lighting and austere backdrops, she also thrives on the challenge of using whatever light is available to her at the moment. One of her defining strengths lies in her ability to distill complex narratives into simple yet evocative images, ensuring that the viewer's focus remains firmly on the subject to emphasize the human connection.

Alley’s versatility, coupled with her adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, has led her to work on a wide range of clients and includes projects for Amazon, Nintendo, MasterCard, and Cascade PBS.

Daniel Lewis is a London-based photographer with extensive and varied experience in the industry, beginning his career as a photojournalist.

Operating within the portrait, corporate, and industrial fields, Daniel skillfully captures individuals from diverse backgrounds. He seamlessly transitions between photographing Academy Award-winning film directors, renowned sports stars, and high-profile executives of FTSE 100 companies.

When time permits, Daniel actively engages in pursuing smaller, personal projects, showcasing his keen eye and artistic vision. One notable project, his 'Open House' series, not only evolved into a solo exhibit but also earned the distinction of having two of its images prominently displayed at London's prestigious Mall Galleries. He has worked for such global corporations as HSBC, Glencore and Anglo American, as well as UK institutions such as the BBC, the English Premier League, Marks & Spencer and Virgin Atlantic.

Daniel has been published in National Geographic Traveller, The Guardian and The Times of London, as well as many other UK titles.

Horton-Stephens have been London's leading photographers' agents for longer than anyone can remember. 

Featured in this Spotlight is a selection of new portrait and celebrity work, but be sure to visit the site for a full run-down, including their most recent signings Samuel McElwee and Megan Eagles, plus many new galleries including James Bowden’s 'Life, Love Food'.

Other than that it’s been a blur! Samuel L. Jackson, De Niro (again), through to Gemma Atkinson, Sam Thompson and Fleur East, with Cannes Awards, Creative Circle Awards (two Gold, two Silver) and a D&AD pencil.

Horton-Stephens is well-known for representing a world-class group of photographers, but moving image has become a bigger and bigger part of what the team do. Great production remains key to the success of all their shoots. They are friendly and approachable, with an encyclopedic knowledge of lighting, casting, locations (in the UK and worldwide), set building, timings, post-production, CGI and moving image - whether shooting TVCs or on the back of TVCs (a very particular challenge that they deal with often, where they only have moments to get the shot), they have done it all.

Head over to their Latest News section of the website to see recent projects and more.

Joe Scarnici, a professional photographer in Southern California, believes portrait photography is about capturing personality, creating connections, and conveying a brand's message. Despite its challenges, it's a rewarding discipline that brings out the best in people and creates impactful visual experiences. Time constraints can be a significant hurdle, as tight schedules sometimes leave little room to work magic. Effective communication, quick direction, and establishing a creative flow are essential to maximizing time and capturing perfect shots.

Attention to detail is crucial in portrait photography; every tiny aspect, from lighting to composition, posing, and expressions, matters. A compelling image reflects the subject's essence, and even slight changes in facial expression or body language can make a difference in the final portrait.

One of the most significant advantages of portraits is that they humanise a brand, building trust and relatability. Seeing the faces of real people, whether role models, athletes, celebrities, or everyday individuals, makes a brand more approachable and relatable, creating familiarity and connection that profoundly influences audience perception.

Every photoshoot comes with its own challenges, and establishing rapport with the subject is crucial. Joe loves the challenge of bringing out someone's unique quirks and making them feel at ease during the shoot, ensuring their genuine personality shines through.

With 18+ years of experience, JSR Agency excels in advertising and content creation for top global brands.

"Our skilled team of directors, animators, photographers, and illustrators delivers outstanding projects across industries. Discover our expertise to elevate your brand. Explore stunning commercial, editorial, and creative works from our award-winning artists. Whether you need something unique or on-brand, we have the perfect match. Our agents are ready to discuss your project and recommend the best approach. We guide your project from concept to completion with a collaborative process.

Our photographers have captured numerous cover stories and celebrity portraits. Notable works include PEROU's portraits of David Attenborough, The Libertines, Billie Piper, Sam McAlister, Nigel Farage, Lily Allen, Miquita Oliver, and Matt Smith. Alice Moitié has shot for Vanity Fair France and celebrities like Miley Cyrus, A$AP Rocky, Angele, Robbie Williams, Adele Exarchopoulos, and Mads Mikkelsen. Matt Hind photographed Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Stuart McClymont shot Michael Palin and Richard E. Grant."

Born in Buenos Aires, raised in several countries and trained as a photographer in New York, Max Klein is now living and working in Hamburg. His international background gives him a unique sensibility to capture the visual essence of his motives.

His work crosses the fields of advertising, portrait to fine arts and storytelling. His style is heavily influenced by Baroque and Romanticism painters like Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Petrus Van Schendel.

With his passion for perfection and his attention to detail and lighting, he creates delightful portraits and emotional journeys in his storytellings. In his combination of photographer and post production editor, he creates wonderful visual solutions in complex compositions.

"Portraits are among my favorite images to make, because it gives me the opportunity to integrate my love of the specific character of 'environments' with the people that tread within them.

Integration is the 'yeast' in that marriage because I never just leave leftover space or a banal 'background' beyond my person subjects. In my work, environment gives shape to the human subject as human subject gives shape to the environment. It’s a three dimensional compositional puzzle that is enhanced by color, light and most importantly… gesture.

Gesture is the intangible and unpredictable signature in the shape and movement of the things and people that I look to capture. The process creates a compelling portrait that asks questions of the viewer and engages their attention on a deep level.

Portraying the powerful state of 'just being'."

Stefan Djakovic is a location portrait photographer based in Belgrade, known for his adaptability in meeting diverse client needs.

With over a decade of experience, he has refined his skills to capture the essence of businesses and their work. Stefan's ability to weave narratives into compelling and impactful visuals ensures his clients' messages resonate effectively.

While his focus is primarily on advertising work, Stefan finds fulfillment in collaborating with NGOs and small enterprises, amplifying their stories through his lens. His commitment to quality and the comfortable shooting atmosphere he cultivates have garnered him repeat business from esteemed clients such as A1 Telekom, Leo Burnett, McCann, and TBWA.

Stefan Hobmaier is a professional photographer who specializes in portrait and corporate photography, as well as brand narrative storytelling and reportage for magazines, agencies, and companies.

Based in Berlin and Munich, his work is known for its modern and authentic style, capturing people's attention. CEOs, employees, artists or politicians - he has vast experience portraying people from almost every field and profession.

He offers his clients multi-channel content by combining video and stills.

Stefan has a vast network of fellow creatives, which allows him to provide complete production services, from shoot preparation to film editing.

His national and international clients include Audi, BMW, Osram, Bosch, Hornbach, Intel, Intrinsic, Google, ProSiebenSat1, MAN, H&M, Porsche, Mazda, Siemens Healthineers, SZ Scala, Siemens Energy, Trumpf, Epiroc, C3, Hoffmann&Campe, Territory, Condé Nast, Laut von Leise, Interone, Thjnk, Impulse, Forbes, Bloomberg Business Week, FourFourTwo, Haymarket, Stern, Redwood, wordsearch group, Tonic, Aller Leisure and various international clients, agencies, B2B and B2C magazines.