Photographing Farokh Engineer – A Portrait in His Own Home
Every shoot comes with its own challenges, and sometimes those challenges make the portraits even stronger. My recent session with Farokh Engineer, the legendary Indian wicketkeeper and former Lancashire star, was one of those occasions where a tight space forced creative solutions – and the results were all the better for it.
A Bit of Background
Farokh Engineer is one of cricket’s great characters – a stylish wicketkeeper-batsman who represented India in the 1960s and 70s and became a firm favourite with Lancashire fans during his county career. Beyond the runs, catches, and stumping records, he remains a true ambassador for the game and an icon of cricket history.
The Setting
The portraits were made in Farokh’s own kitchen at his home – a space that was far from a traditional studio environment. With limited room to manoeuvre, I created a controlled setup that allowed us to strip away distractions and focus entirely on the subject. To do that, we introduced a simple black background, giving the final images a timeless and dramatic feel.
The Lighting
In such a tight space, lighting had to be precise. The main source was a silver beauty dish, gridded, positioned to give sculpted, contrast-rich light across the face. To balance this and soften the deeper shadows, I introduced a small octabox, also gridded, on camera right as a subtle fill. The combination of directional light and controlled fill brought depth and intensity while keeping the setup compact enough for the space.
The Portrait
The resulting images captured Farokh Engineer’s presence and character perfectly – strong, dignified, and unmistakably charismatic. The simplicity of the background and controlled lighting ensured that every detail, from the texture of his expression to the intensity of his gaze, held the viewer’s attention.
Commissioning Portrait Photography
This shoot was a reminder that great portraits don’t depend on grand locations – they depend on understanding light, space, and character.
I am a Manchester-based editorial and corporate portrait photographer, regularly working across Liverpool, Leeds, and London. My work is commissioned by newspapers and magazines worldwide, as well as by businesses looking for corporate headshots in Manchester and professional business portraits in the North West that convey strength, authenticity, and personality.
If you’re looking for a portrait photographer in Manchester – whether for editorial commissions, sports personalities, or business leaders – I’d be delighted to help create portraits that make a lasting impression.