The Tenacity of the Cinematic Storyteller

This episode steps inside the world of master photographer Sean Luthwaite. From London streets to Stockholm scenes, his journey is incredible. Graphic design pro for Thomson Reuters and the BBC? Check. Now, he captures actors' raw, natural essence—the kind that lands roles on Netflix and Viaplay. Sean spills secrets on photorealism, getting the best from his subjects, and even the power of mentorship. It's about more than photos—he tells a person's story, capturing their essence with the tenacity of a cinematic storyteller.

What We Talk About

-Journey from Design to Photography: Sean's transition from a graphic designer at Thomson Reuters and the BBC to a renowned photographer in Stockholm is highlighted, showcasing his path into photography.
-Cinematic Style and Photorealism: The discussion reveals Sean's approach to blending graphic design principles with photorealism, aiming for cinematic and authentic portraits.
Career Transformation through Photography: Sean's expertise in headshot photography has significantly impacted actors' careers, helping them secure roles on platforms like Netflix and Viaplay.
-Minimal Editing Philosophy: Emphasizing realness, Sean advocates for minimal editing, focusing on capturing a person’s true character without over-processing images.

Episode Chapters

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:11 Photography Style and Approach
06:09 Weddings and Portraits
07:24 Artistic Approach to Headshots
10:12 Pushback from Actors and Agents
12:15 Mentoring and Headshots Matter
16:34 Photography Scene in Stockholm
17:06 Seasonality of Headshot Photography
21:08 Mentoring and Working with New Photographers
27:03 Gear and Equipment
29:14 Tips for New Photographers
33:12 Importance of Feeling and Atmosphere
40:30 Final Thoughts and Advice
43:11 Creating in a Familiar Environment
44:07 Seeking Inspiration and Learning from Others
44:25 Building a Supportive Community
45:07 Where to Find Sean Online

Tune In

Visit Our Website

https://www.photographyadjacent.com

Follow Us on Instagram

Host (Tom Trevatt):   / tomtrevatt  

Connect with our guest:

Sean Lewthwaite at   / stockholm_sean  

Production: ⁠  / keenliico  

Subscribe and Engage

If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.

Support Our Podcast

To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your friends.

About Photography Adjacent

Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. Through these conversations, we hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth.