Capturing the Depth of Reflection with Jared Harris

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Artists are often shaped by other disciplines, and my portraiture has long been informed by the visual language of Renaissance and Baroque painting. Drawing from the Old Masters—Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera—I seek to recreate the sculptural light, atmosphere, and tonal depth of classical portraiture. This influence is most fully realised in my ongoing fine-art series, Selah.

The word selah appears throughout the Book of Psalms. Its precise meaning is debated, but it is commonly understood as a pause—a breath—an invitation to reflect. That sense of stillness and contemplation lies at the heart of this project. Selah is rooted in Counter-Reformation art, particularly the work of Ribera, whose depictions of saints and religious figures draw directly from Caravaggio’s tenebrism: deep shadow, concentrated light, and moments of heightened spiritual intensity.

This latest portrait in the series features the remarkable Jared Harris. Renowned for performances of extraordinary depth and restraint, his career spans landmark roles across film and television, including Mad Men, The Crown, Chernobyl, and Foundation. His work consistently carries a gravity and introspection that felt perfectly aligned with the meditative aims of Selah.

In this sitting, I sought to distil that quality—capturing a moment of quiet reflection suspended in time. The image is less about likeness and more about presence: a contemplative pause that invites the viewer inward, mirroring the emotional and psychological depth Jared brings to his roles.

I plan to complete Selah over the coming months, with the intention of bringing the project to exhibition in 2027. It has been a deeply personal body of work, shaped by faith, art history, and the power of stillness.

If you would like to support Selah and future projects, patronage opportunities are available. Supporters will be acknowledged on the website and within exhibition materials, with my sincere thanks and gratitude.

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Selah
Selah

It’s not unusual for photographers to draw inspiration from other forms of art. In my own work, the influence of Renaissance Italy is unmistakable. Inspired by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera, I’ve long sought to recreate the light, atmosphere, and tonal depth found in classical painting. This approach is especially evident in my latest project, Selah.