Back in June 2025, I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely Richie Harrison.
He is a local musician who describes his style as a kind of one-man band, called Vultures. Richie has been steadily making his way in the music industry, and I genuinely believe he has the potential to go far! He initially reached out to me asking if I would be interested in creating a stop-motion music video. We had even developed a story board together, but then he moved house and had a baby, which understandably made things quite busy, so we decided to put the project on hold for the time being. Since then, we have had a fantastic headshot session, and I look forward to collaborating on more projects in the future.
Headshot sessions are all about getting to know the person and understanding what makes them unique, so that I can capture a photograph that truly reflects their essence. The shot with the coffee mug was featured centre-spread in NE Volume magazine, a local publication that promotes musicians and local gigs. Richie has also appeared on BBC Introducing, and his song ‘Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained’ is now included on the BBC Introducing Orbit playlist, which showcases new talent.
When starting any photoshoot, I find it helpful to begin with a drink and a friendly chat. For Richie, I made a coffee (which appears in the photos) to help us both stay energised. We began with some basic warm-up poses, just to help him get comfortable in front of the camera. I also adjusted the lighting to suit Richie’s height, as this can vary between clients. I enjoy encouraging a few playful or silly shots to put people at ease, and I often incorporate actor warm-up techniques, since there’s nothing worse than appearing stiff or anxious on camera. With gentle encouragement, I believe it’s possible to bring out the best in everyone.