20/09/2017
S H A L A, shot on the roof of the National Theatre, London, Summer 2017.
London is a frantic, fast moving city. Every time I get down there, I like to shoot as MUCH as I can, because firstly, I'm not down super often, and secondly I think it's a city that definitely lends itself to a fast paced work ethic. Basically, I found myself in a situation where due to unforeseen circumstances I had an afternoon free. I worked with the super wonderful Eloise Hymas in the morning, and I asked her if she might know anyone who would like to shoot in the afternoon. After many messages, and a bit of very minor stress, Shala reached out, and said "Sure, I'm in Brick Lane, let's do it". I jumped on the tube, and arrived on Brick Lane, sweaty, sweary, and unsure what was about to happen. Then, I met Shala, and her charming boyfriend Anthony. Instantly, the vibe changed. They were so friendly, inviting, warm, interested in my work, interesting people, and incredibly incredibly talented. We shot a little in Brick Lane, then headed down to the Southbank, where we shot this. All natural light, Shala just freestyled to the tunes Anthony was pumping out of my Bluetooth speaker. We grabbed a beer, shot some more, and I walked away with some images I am incredibly proud of.
A bit about Shala! Shala is a pro dancer, and has just come off tour with Take That. I asked her who else she's worked with, and things got crazy. Pharell, Lily Allen, the list went on and on. BUT, the most exciting thing she did was appear alongside (and I mean literally) ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER in the official advert for last year's Super Bowl. Wow. What a day. What a day.