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.
The Hebrew word selah, found throughout the Book of Psalms, is often interpreted as a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. Throughout this project, my goal has been to create meditative, religiously inspired scenes—guiding each sitter to embody a moment of heightened emotional intensity.
Selah is rooted in the spirit of Counter-Reformation art. I’ve immersed myself in Ribera’s work in particular; his stark depictions of saints and religious figures, shaped by Caravaggio’s tenebrism, have been central to the visual language of the series.
The exhibition includes portraits of celebrated figures such as Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and Dame Judi Dench, each bringing their own depth and presence to the project.
Sittings
The transition from a "Blank Slate" to a 1,000-year-old mentor is no small feat, but for Robert Picardo, it’s just another day in the life of a photonic legend.
As a portrait photographer, I have had the distinct honor of capturing "Bob" over three separate sittings from Studio City to Glendale and Manhattan spanning a decade—2015, 2021, and now as he returns to our screens in the groundbreaking 2026 series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Seeing him reprise his role as The Doctor (EMH) nearly 25 years after Voyager wrapped is not just a treat for Trekkies; it is a testament to the enduring presence of an actor who is as timeless as the classical art that inspires my work.
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah project. My portraiture has long been shaped by the visual language of Renaissance and Baroque painting—particularly the works of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Their mastery of light, atmosphere, and psychological depth continues to inform how I approach contemporary portraiture.
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.
I am honored that my portrait of Maye Musk has been featured on the cover of Good Light Magazine. The session, titled A Timeless Portrait, was conceived as a modern interpretation of classical portraiture—combining restrained elegance, dramatic light, and psychological depth.
Maye Musk is a rare figure whose presence transcends industry and era. A model of international acclaim and a respected dietitian, her career spans over five decades, marked by intelligence, resilience, and an unmistakable elegance. She has appeared on the covers of Time (Health Edition), Women’s Day, international editions of Vogue, and the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—each image reinforcing her status as a modern cultural icon.
Jared Harris is one of the most compelling character actors of his generation, celebrated for performances that combine intelligence, restraint, and emotional depth. His work spans landmark television and film projects, including Mad Men, The Crown, Chernobyl, The Expanse, The Terror, and Fringe, as well as major feature films such as Lincoln, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and Allied. In recent years, he has taken on the role of Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ series Foundation, further cementing his reputation for gravitas-driven storytelling.
Nicholas Woodeson is an English film, television, and theatre actor, and a Drama Desk and Olivier Award nominee. He is widely recognized for his role as Posca — Julius Caesar’s loyal and astute servant — in the BBC/HBO epic series Rome, which introduced him to a global audience.
Few actors embody the depth, intelligence, and quiet authority of Dame Judi Dench. With a career spanning the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the Old Vic, her presence on stage and screen has shaped generations of British theatre and cinema. A ten-time BAFTA winner and recipient of numerous honours—including OBE, DBE, and Companion of Honour—her legacy is inseparable from modern performance history.
In April 2020, I had the pleasure of photographing acclaimed American actor Bob Gunton at my Los Angeles studio. Known for his commanding presence on both stage and screen, Bob is celebrated for portraying formidable, authoritative characters—most memorably Warden Samuel Norton in The Shawshank Redemption. His screen credits also include Demolition Man, Patch Adams, Argo, Daredevil, 24, and Desperate Housewives.
Actor James Purefoy is a magnetic presence on both stage and screen. From crossing swords with Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale to leading the dark, psychological tension of Fox’s The Following, Purefoy’s career spans an extraordinary range of film, television, and theatre—placing him firmly among the most versatile British actors of his generation.
Between 2014 and 2020, I had the privilege of photographing some of the most gifted actors in Los Angeles—artists whose performances shaped my imagination growing up in the 1980s and 90s. Among them was the remarkable Gregory Itzin (1948–2022), an actor of immense range, discipline, and emotional precision. Best known to millions as the calculating President Charles Logan in 24, Itzin was far more than a single role—he was one of the great American character actors of his generation.
Few performers carry the depth, authenticity, and emotional intelligence of Saul Rubinek. Born in Germany and raised in Canada, Rubinek has built an extraordinary career as an actor, director, producer, and playwright—bringing unforgettable characters to life across film, television, and stage. From the lovable Donny Douglas on Frasier to the enigmatic Artie Nielsen on Warehouse 13, his performances consistently reveal the complexities of the human experience.
In 2016, I had the privilege of photographing the incomparable Richard Herd, an actor whose presence left an unmistakable mark on film, television, and the generations of audiences who admired him. Best known for roles in T.J. Hooker, V, Seinfeld, Star Trek, and F.I.S.T., Richard was one of Hollywood’s most recognisable and accomplished character actors—an artist with a face carved by experience, wisdom, and unfiltered humanity.
My second portrait sitting with William Shatner remains one of the most memorable. Our very first session years earlier had been a whirlwind—just five minutes before he had to rush off to a film set. In that brief moment, I had worked quickly, shaping light and expression at extraordinary speed. But this session was entirely different.
A multiple BAFTA-nominated performer, Johnny has shaped some of the most iconic British television and film of the past two decades. He is perhaps best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Mick in Shane Meadows’ BAFTA-winning cult series This Is England ‘86, a performance that earned him both BAFTA and Royal Television Society Award nominations. The final episode of the series was recently named “The Greatest TV Episode of All Time” by The Independent — a testament not only to the writing and direction, but to Johnny’s raw, magnetic presence on screen.