Capturing 'The Moment of Decision' with Anna Passey

Photography has always been about capturing that fleeting moment, a split-second where past and future converge and are held forever by the click of the shutter. In my Selah project, I’ve taken this concept into the studio, creating a series of portraits where each sitter pauses to prepare for something significant. One of the most compelling images from this project features actress Anna Passey, known for her role as Sienna Blake in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.

I draw profound inspiration from the art of the Old Masters, including Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. By studying their use of light and shadow, I strive to infuse a modern twist into the timeless atmosphere of classical paintings. This influence is evident in my portrait of Anna Passey, where the chiaroscuro lighting and her contemplative expression evoke the dramatic intensity of a Caravaggio painting.

Capturing 'The Moment of Decision' with Anna Passey (Los Angeles Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis)

When photographing Anna, I aimed to capture a moment reminiscent of the dramatic scenes of Renaissance art. This particular portrait is inspired by Caravaggio's painting "Judith Beheading Holofernes." I shared the story of the painting and its model, Fillide Melandroni, an Italian courtesan, with Anna. This historical context shaped the final frame, adding depth and emotion to the portrayal.

In this powerful image, Anna embodies 'the moment of decision.' Her gaze is intense, her expression solemn, and a single tear traces down her cheek, symbolizing the weight of the choice she is about to make. This emotional resonance perfectly aligns with the core of the Selah project—capturing individuals in a state of profound contemplation.

The word "Selah," which appears throughout the Book of Psalms, is often interpreted to mean "to meditate" or "to pause." This project embodies that concept, aiming to recreate meditative religious scenes and capturing the highest moments of drama. The Selah project is a series of portraits where sitters are depicted as though they are on the verge of making an epic decision.

My goal with Selah has been to inject the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings into a modern context. By directing my subjects to pause and capture that meditative moment, I strive to bring a fresh perspective to contemporary portraiture. This approach is particularly evident in the portrait of Anna Passey, where the historical inspiration and modern technique converge to create a powerful image.

I have spent over a decade capturing the world’s most recognized faces, including William Shatner, Tony Blair, Sir Ian McKellen, and Dame Judi Dench. My approach breaks the mold of typical risk-averse portraiture, injecting moments of spontaneity and quiet contemplation into my imagery. Several of my iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, solidifying my reputation as a leading contemporary portrait photographer.

The portrait of Anna Passey in the Selah project is a testament to my ability to capture the human experience in its most vulnerable and contemplative state. Through the lens of historical inspiration and modern technique, I invite viewers to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the profound narratives told by my subjects' faces.