Selah

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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

Featured
Portraits of Steven Ogg
Portraits of Steven Ogg

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.

Maye Musk — Good Light Magazine Cover
Maye Musk — Good Light Magazine Cover

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: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture
Maye Musk: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture

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.

Bob Gunton – Actor Portraits, Los Angeles
Bob Gunton – Actor Portraits, Los Angeles

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.

James Purefoy — Portrait Sitting
James Purefoy — Portrait Sitting

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.

Gregory Itzin – A Portrait of Depth, Precision, and Legacy
Gregory Itzin – A Portrait of Depth, Precision, and Legacy

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.

Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller
Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller

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.

Richard Herd – A Face That Told a Thousand Stories
Richard Herd – A Face That Told a Thousand Stories

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.

William Shatner – A Portrait of Ease, Presence, and Iconic Character
William Shatner – A Portrait of Ease, Presence, and Iconic Character

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.