Photographing an anonymous Writer in Soho
As a photographer, I am always on the lookout for unique and interesting subjects to capture through my lens. So, when I had the opportunity to do a photoshoot with an anonymous writer in the vibrant and bustling neighbourhood of Soho in London, I couldn't resist.
Soho is a renowned neighbourhood in London known for its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and creative energy. Its narrow streets, historic buildings, and eclectic mix of people make it a perfect location for a unique and unconventional photoshoot. When I met the writer their anonymity added an air of mystery and intrigue to the shoot, and I was eager to capture their personality through my lens.
As we moved from one location to another, I experimented with different lighting techniques to create visually compelling images. The narrow alleys of Soho provided interesting opportunities to play with shadows and light. I used natural light and flash filtering through the buildings, as well as streetlights and neon signs to create dramatic and moody shots. The interplay of light and shadows added depth and dimension to the images, accentuating the writer's mysterious persona.
The writer was committed to maintaining their anonymity, and he chose to wear a mask throughout the entire photoshoot to hide his face. While it presented a unique challenge as a photographer, it also added an intriguing element to the photos, emphasising the enigmatic aura of the writer. The mask became a symbol of his desire to keep his identity private and allowed the artist to express themselves freely without the constraint of revealing his face. As I captured their expressions and emotions through his eyes and body language, I realised that sometimes, it's not the face that tells the story, but the emotions and personality that shine through despite the mask.
Some shots from the session
As I reviewed the images from the photoshoot, I was amazed at how the anonymous writer's personality shone through, even with their face covered by a mask. The candid moments, the expressive gestures, and the vibrant backdrop of Soho all came together to create a compelling visual narrative. The experience reminded me of the power of photography to capture the essence of a subject, even when faced with challenges such as anonymity and masks. It was a unique and memorable photoshoot that celebrated the writer's creativity, mystery, and authenticity, and I felt privileged to have been a part of it.
Gear Used:
Canon R5
Canon 85mm F1.2L
Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro
Canon 50mm F1.2L
Profoto B10 plus
Profoto B10
