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.

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My portrait session with Andy Serkis is one of the latest additions to my ongoing project Selah. The series draws on the mood and dramatic lighting of the Old Masters, especially the tenebrism of Caravaggio and Ribera. For Andy’s sitting, I wanted to create a moment of quiet reflection—something raw, intimate, and rooted in a sense of personal pilgrimage.

Maye Musk: An Iconic Portrait of Elegance and Legacy

At my New York studio, I had the distinct honor of photographing Maye Musk in a portrait inspired by the timeless techniques of the Old Masters — Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. The session sought to channel the chiaroscuro light and emotional intensity of classical portraiture while celebrating Maye’s modern grace and intellectual depth.

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.