I had the privilege a couple of Saturdays ago to visit AWOL studios in Manchester the studio is inside a Victorian Warehouse which is a listed building its a hub for creative art, I was invited by Graham Currey and his business partner Emma Finch 2 absolute experts in studio lighting, I was there for just over 3 hours and had a fabulous time. The second model of the day was Andy I was just about to start shooting him when Graham said he had an idea he said the actor Willem Defoe at photoshoots stands on chairs and lies across tables and does all sorts of crazy things so he asked Andy to try and replicate this it was crazy I managed to take lots of weird pictures of Andy and had so much fun, possibly more in future months to follow.
Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM f5.6,1/160s, ISO 100 focal length 35mm this was actually shot in monochrome Raw file adjusted in photoshop, cropped from the top and opened up the shadows, and brought down the highlights, l sharpened with a high pass, a very slight vignette added filter, 2 stroke border applied
9 comments posted
Ella Schreiber
Hi Ian: You did it again. What an interesting pose something so out of the box it grabbed my attention immediately. The lighting is perfect. There is absolutely no glare on his glasses and the catch light in his eyes is easily seen. Your image is tack sharp with great tonal quality. The only slight hot spot is on his forehead and that could easily be toned down. Great job on a very interesting pose for portrait shoot. Posted: 10/07/2026 00:11:12
Ian Chantler
Hi Ella
Thank you so much it was so much fun I might post another next month I will work on the forehead, you are also a master of lighting with your wonderful still life photography. Posted: 10/08/2026 11:37:41
John Gilkerson
Ian, a quirky image which is a refreshing change from straight portraits. Posted: 10/15/2026 05:48:53
Ian Chantler
John it was so much fun everyone had a great time. Posted: 10/15/2026 11:17:22
Maria Avanesova
Great shot and idea! I like the monochrome rendering and the softness of the shades. My inner perfectionist just wants to level the horizon a little) Posted: 10/15/2026 11:12:25
Ian Chantler
Many thanks Maria I did notice after posting the table needed leveling slightly and that has been done. Posted: 10/15/2026 11:18:27
Ian Cambourne
A simply superb image Ian, congratulations. The others have commented on the lighting and pose, so I won't go down that road. But, this is a perfect example of what results when a photographer and model are on the same page and working together to produce great portraits. Posted: 10/22/2026 21:17:39
Ian Chantler
Hi Ian
So many thanks I am surprised any turned our sharp I was laughing so much it was such a relaxed atmosphere to work in. Posted: 10/23/2026 11:23:03
Ed Ries
Hello Ian. I love this portrait. Great separation of dark tones. So, well processed. I like the balance and the creative pose. Sets this image apart from other character portraits. It made me think of work by Yousuf Karsh. Posted: 10/25/2026 15:16:05
