Emma Reynolds – A Theatre Director with a Mug of Tea and a Mission

Getting the Shot from a Step Ladder

When it comes to these interview portraits, the challenge is always the same—leave enough dead space for layout while still making something visually interesting. For Emma Reynolds, a theatre director working with children’s educational plays, I had the benefit of a step ladder and a well-lit studio. That extra bit of height gave me a more unusual perspective, and I ended up quite liking the slightly off-kilter composition. Sometimes the weird angles just work.

Drama, Depth of Field, and a Cup of Tea

We were at her workspace where she and her team create touring productions designed to teach school kids English through performance. Emma has a warm energy and an easy smile, and I thought the shot worked better with her mug of tea in hand—adding a casual, lived-in feel that makes the frame more personal. I kept the depth of field shallow on purpose; those blurry highlights against a darker background tend to bloom in just the right way.