JAMES Musselwhite is a professional photographer (and videographer) who’s hard to pin down, at least in terms of genre. When I speak to James from his home in Portsmouth – his commercial studio is based nearby – he’s just returned from shooting a big wrestling event in London and is still riding high on the excitement.
James’s huge passion for wrestling (www.portraitofawrestler.com) has followed him throughout his career and makes up a part of his portrait business alongside weddings, pets, newborns, and even commercial headshots.
James’s work might be varied, but it’s portraiture and, more importantly, the story behind the portrait, that he loves most. His approach to gear, lighting and client consultations is also similar – no matter the subject. “Working out how famous portraits have been shot is one of my favourite things to do,” he shares. “I love solving the puzzle of how subjects have been lit.” He’s equally enthusiastic, energetic, and thoughtful, or so it seems, to an interviewer. James spoke with PhotoPlus before the pandemic, and now, having come out of the other side, he seems even more determined to push his creative and personal boundaries. He’s upgraded to mirrorless with the Canon EOS R6 and R6 Mark II, opened a bigger studio and even started sharing video tutorials from both his portraiture and ringside action. Let’s find out how the past few years have been for James…
