Shooting Michael Socha
Every portrait tells a different story. Some are about legacy, some about artistry, and others about the raw personality of the subject in front of the lens. My recent session with actor Michael Socha was very much about that last quality — capturing the presence that has made him one of the most compelling screen actors of his generation.
A Bit of Background
Michael Socha has built a career on powerful, often gritty performances. From This Is England to acclaimed television dramas, he brings authenticity and intensity to every role. The challenge in photographing an actor of his calibre is to create portraits that feel just as real as his performances — honest, immediate, and stripped of pretence.
The Studio Setting
The shoot took place in a studio environment, which gave me the flexibility to approach the portraits in two very different ways. For the first look, I set up a textured backdrop behind Michael as he sat in a simple chair. The lighting was deliberately sculpted: a softbox Octa placed camera left as the key light, paired with a larger fill source also positioned left of camera. This combination gave depth and strength while still retaining softness, creating a portrait that feels intimate yet commanding.
The Second Portrait
For the second setup, we stepped away from the backdrop and used the architecture of the studio itself — large windows providing abundant natural light. Michael sat on the floor, framed by the clean lines of the room, and I used the daylight as the foundation of the shot. To ensure balance and keep definition in the shadows, I added a softbox camera right, angled down at 45 degrees, as a subtle fill. This approach created a high-key portrait, lighter in tone and mood, offering a contrast to the more dramatic chair setup.
The Result
The two portraits work as a pair: one darker, more sculpted, carrying intensity; the other brighter, more open, revealing a different side of Michael’s character. Together, they capture the versatility not just of the actor, but of the portrait process itself — how light, space, and atmosphere can completely transform the story told in a single frame.
These sessions are why I value working across both editorial and commercial commissions. Whether in studios, on location, or on set, the goal is always the same — to create portraits with presence, honesty, and impact.
If you’re looking for a portrait photographer in London, Manchester, or Leeds for your editorial, corporate, or commercial photography, I’d love to discuss how we can create impactful images together. Whether it’s a magazine feature, a campaign shoot, or leadership portraits, my approach is always about delivering portraits with presence, personality, and impact. Get in touch to start the conversation.