Harland Miller, portrait of the British artist

Portraits of British artist Harland Miller renowned for his transforming classic Penguin book covers into satirical and evocative paintings. The commission took place during Harland’s involvement in British brand Dunhill’s Voice Campaign. Over seven seasons 16 distinguished British gentlemen, having achieved great things in their chosen fields, were involved in the campaign consisting of a series of stark black-and-white portraits and individual video interviews.

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller sitting on a bench in his painting studio, rolling up his jacket sleeves, surrounded by canvases by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

The portraits took place at Harland’s studio in south London, with the artist wearing Dunhill of course, which was filled with natural light from both large windows and also through large open doors. I’ve kept all the portraits of Harland Miller in colour due to the location which, as you would imagine from an artist’s studio, oozed with colour from large canvases, brushes, paints and reference images in and around the various rooms which comprised his workplace; I feel the personality of the studio would be lost if the images were not in colour. And in regards to colour; while I have kept a neutral colour balance, there are one of two frames where the colour temperature is certainly affected by the ambient colour from items in the frame; in particular the frame of Harland standing next to the orange canvas which, opposite the window, is reflecting a tint onto his face.

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller sitting in old brown leather chair in his office next to a computer by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

During the shoot Harland insisted on eating a bags of crisps despite my request to put the food down. I believe I showed him the frames of him eating, his mouth full of food and chewing, and also licking his fingers as I recall him agreeing that these frames were not photogenic thus they remain unpublished; I did not submit them at the time and have not included any of those frames here.

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller in light grey suit standing in front of yellow and fuchsia canvas by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller in light grey suit sitting in old brown leather chair surrounded in front of a noticeboard filled with reference images by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

Coming back to these photos today, what strikes me is the variety in the composition and also the amount of dead space. Commissioned by an editorial title, the notion that I should build space into composition for either titles or text was always in the back of my mind. Today, with the decline of magazines and how the majority of photography seems to be consumed online, this requirement is no longer extant. With this in mind would I take these images today? I do not know.

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller in black t- shirt standing in the doorway of an artist studio standing in front of canvas on which Dirty Filthy Whore has been painted by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

Portrait of British artist Harland Miller in black t- shirt standing in a doorway in his studio surrounded by canvases and painting utensils by portrait photographer Andy Barnham

andybarnham

I am a portrait photographer based in Cheltenham, UK. Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mum and British dad, I had an international upbringing while I educated in the UK. I started photography as a hobby while serving as an officer in the British Army.

After my service I turned this passion into a career and became immersed in London's sartorial scene. I am now focusing my camera on portraiture and using this eye for detail which was refined over ten years. As a former Royal Artillery officer it is only fitting I shoot with a Canon camera.

Author posts

Portrait