I love bringing stories to life.
People are my greatest inspiration. I’m deeply passionate about them, some might even say I’m obsessed. That’s why my work is all about people: their idiosyncrasies, tendencies and personas. My passion for cinema, humor, and the arts drives my work, fueling a constant curiosity to create images that explore the human stories unfolding around me.
Having an enthusiasm for travel and exploring the world, the images and stories I create are often quite diverse. I love immersing myself in diverse cultures; observing and discovering all the differences with the people, the sounds, the cultures and the colours. These experiences have left a mark on my photography, broadening my creative lens and enriching the stories I tell through my images.
Eccentricity is another source of inspiration for me. I admire individuals who break free from societal norms to express their individuality unapologetically. There’s a unique charm and often humour in the quirks and peculiarities of those who dare to be different or unconventional.
These quirks, idiosyncrasies and eccentricities within certain individuals are a rich source to tap into and I often incorporate these characters into my personal work. This fresh perspective fuels my passion and enthusiasm for the purest form of expressive photography, a craft that I deeply cherish. I use it to push my creativity forward and find that these personal explorations often feed back into and enhance my commercial work.
I frequently get asked what makes a good portrait. I think a solid foundation comes from making a strong connection with the sitter - being able to make them feel comfortable and at ease. Then, from that base point, working together to bring out the character and essence of that person. I’m constantly searching for that subtle hint of drama in peoples personalities and fascinated with peeling back the layers in front of me to discover something emotionally engaging.
What makes my work unique is the balance within it: an exceptional attention to detail, the ability to unearth authentic emotional depth, and a thoughtful combination of expressive use of colour with a sensitive handling of light.
For me, it’s all about creating striking, evocative images that captivate the viewer by weaving visual narratives that illuminate the emotions and inner lives of my subjects. With a deep understanding of human nature, I’m able to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering a relaxed environment on set where performance and symbolism come together naturally to create beautiful, genuine, and emotionally resonant moments.
I truly relish being challenged by a brief, collaborating with a creative team and using my imagination to bring that idea to life. Every shoot is an opportunity to celebrate humanity’s rich diversity and create something meaningful, beautiful, and unique.
I live in London and based out of my Hoxton studio, yet I follow my work around the world.
Selected Client List
Celebrities
Adam Hills, AJ Odudu, Alesha Dixon, Alan Carr, Alex Jones, Amanda Holden, Amy Willerton, Anita Dobson, Anna Richardson, Bear Grylls, Bob Mortimer, Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE, Chelsee Healey, Cheryl Cole, Claire Skinner, Claudia Winkleman, Colin O'Donoghue, Crystal Reed, Dara Huang, Dara O'Briain, Sir David Attenborough, Davina McCall, Davinia Taylor, Denise Van Outen, Dermot O'Leary, Edith Bowman, Edwina Currie, Emmy Rossum, Fearne Cotton, Gaby Roslin, Gary Barlow, Greg James, Harry Judd, Helen Skelton, Holly Valance, Hugh Dennis, Jack Dee, Jack Osbourne, James McAvoy, James Nesbitt, Jason Donovan, Jimmy Somerville, Jo Brand, John Bishop, Johnny Vegas, Katerina Graham, Katharine McPhee, Keith Lemon, Kimberley Walsh, Kirsty Gallacher, Laura Whitmore, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Lulu, Maya Jama, Mcfly, Mel C, Michelle Heaton, Muse, Nancy Dell'olio, Nick Grimshaw, Paddy McGuinness, Philip Glenister, Rory Bremner, Russell Grant, Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE, Sarah Hadland, Sarah Millican, Sophie Okonedo OBE, Suzi Perry, Tess Daly, Tim Russ, & Zoe Ball
Sports Personalities
Amir Khan, Ashley McKenzie, Audley Harrison MBE, Barry McGuigan MBE, Ben Cohen MBE, Gail Emma MBE, Graham Bell, Ellie Simmonds OBE, Elise Christie, James Haskell, Judy Murray OBE, Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, Louis Smith MBE, Natasha Jonas, Robbie Savage, & Roger Black MBE
Exhibitions
Eclipse Towards Infinite Betweens, Lovell Gallery, Cape Town, SA, 2012
The Following, The East Gallery, London, UK. 2009
The Circus Children, Bubble Gallery, Dallas, TX, USA. 2008
'B' movie, Bubble Gallery, Dallas, TX, USA. 2007
Antipodes, Bubble Gallery, Dallas, TX, USA. 2006
Included in the IRC'S Exhibition Artvocacy, Latino Cultural Centre, Dallas, TX, USA. 2005
Moments In Light, Skylight Gallery, Chicago, IL, USA. 2004
Soul Spirits: Still Lives, Skylight Gallery, Chicago, IL, USA. 2003
Included in the exhibition Stories, Skylight Gallery, Chicago, IL, USA. 2002
The City, Eden Studios, Sydney, Australia. 2000
Man And Machinery, The Viewpoint Gallery, Plymouth, UK. 1998
Jon Cottam Studio
37 Ermine Mews
London
E2 8BF
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