William Shatner is a name synonymous with adventure, charisma, and an undeniable presence—both on screen and in real life. Best known for his legendary portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise, Shatner has long been an icon of science fiction and popular culture. Yet, beyond his cinematic legacy, he is also a man of deep passions, with a profound love for horses that has been a defining part of his personal life.

I’ve had the honour and pleasure of photographing William Shatner on four occasions, each time revealing new facets of his personality. Our first session took place on February 12, 2015, when I was traveling to Los Angeles and wanted to include him in my Expressive Portraits exhibition. Since then, we’ve collaborated multiple times, each sitting offering a fresh perspective on his persona.

For our most recent portrait session, I sought inspiration from the master of Tudor portraiture—Hans Holbein. Holbein’s signature style is known for its meticulous attention to texture, its rich yet subdued colour palette, and a sense of stillness that carries immense power. His work, particularly his table compositions, has always fascinated me, capturing historical figures in an almost cinematic pause.

In crafting this scene, I envisioned Shatner in a composition reminiscent of Holbein’s studies of nobility and scholars. Seated at a table, dressed in a deep navy shirt against a muted ochre-toned backdrop, his hands clasped together in a gesture that conveys wisdom and quiet contemplation. Every detail was considered—the play of light shaping his face, the shadows lending depth to the scene, and, most notably, the presence of a golden horse sculpture.

The inclusion of the horse was deliberate. William Shatner’s love for horses is well-documented; he is an accomplished equestrian and has spent years involved in breeding and competitive riding. Horses are not just a hobby for him; they are a profound passion, a connection to nature, discipline, and grace. By incorporating the sculpture, I wanted to subtly reference this deep-seated love, adding a layer of personal symbolism to the portrait.

Holbein’s portraits often carried objects of significance—symbols that hinted at the subject’s profession, intellect, or social standing. In the same way, the golden horse in this composition is not merely an aesthetic addition but an extension of Shatner’s story. It embodies his dedication to the equestrian world, a passion that runs parallel to his acting career.

This sitting was about more than just capturing a likeness; it was about creating a visual narrative that spoke of history, legacy, and timelessness. Shatner, much like the figures Holbein immortalized, is a man whose presence commands attention, whose journey has left an indelible mark on culture. Through the careful interplay of light, form, and composition, this portrait stands as a testament to that enduring legacy.

Reflecting on our four portrait sessions, I can see an evolution—not just in the images themselves but in how they represent the different stages of his life and career. From the dynamic energy of our first shoot to the quiet power of this Holbein-inspired composition, each sitting has added another layer to the portrait of William Shatner that I have been privileged to create.

As always, working with him was a pleasure—his presence in front of the camera is as compelling as ever, his sense of humor sharp, and his appreciation for artistry evident. I look forward to seeing where our next collaboration takes us.

For now, this latest portrait stands as a fusion of past and present, a cinematic nod to Holbein’s timeless style, and a tribute to the man himself—actor, storyteller, equestrian, and icon.