In isolation with ARRAN

This is my [first] self-shot lockdown story - I’ve had to keep myself busy somehow! When this whole saga began, I was able to borrow a professional light and camera from my good friend (and agent/photographer) Cesar Perin; he graciously left them out on his doorstep for me to collect. Using a tripod, laptop, long-tethering cable, and remote shutter I managed to set up a rudimentary studio in my London apartment that allowed me to photograph myself. Getting started I was clearly an amateur and had to draw on some advice from Cesar and my girlfriend, Jacquetta (she’s also a photographer - but locked down in a different country to me…boooo). After many attempts, and some photo retouching from Jacquetta, I finally pulled together a story that depicts what self-isolation has felt like for me, and I am sure many other people too. It hasn’t necessarily been a struggle, nor something scary and exciting, but has merely been a still and lethargic passing of time. Self-isolation is a lonely waiting game...

All things considered, I am doing well and cannot complain. Many have suffered and sacrificed greatly during this period and my heart goes out to them. Overall, this project was both a great creative outlet and massive learning exploration for me - I now appreciate much more the difficulties of being behind the camera and setting up a well lit and composed scene (none of which I testify to doing so here…!). Anyway, here it is…

Model/Photographer: Arran Sly at Unsigned Group

Equipment/Advice: Cesar Perin

Photo Retouching/Advice: JCP Photography