Behind the Shot: Photographing Helen Lewis for The New World
As a portrait photographer, I’m always mindful that not everyone enjoys being in front of the camera. It’s a completely natural feeling—one I can relate to myself. After all, it’s far easier to be behind the lens than in front of it.
Before photographing journalist and author Helen Lewis I suspected she might not relish the experience. So, after introductions, I simply asked her. She confirmed that, no, having her photo taken isn’t her favourite thing—but she accepts it comes with the territory of public life.
The photoshoot was arranged to accompany an interview with Helen, conducted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Ball, ahead of the release of her latest book, The Genius Myth: The Dangerous Allure of Rebels, Monsters and Rule-Breakers. The images were also intended for the inaugural edition of The New World—the newly rebranded publication formerly known as The New European—where James is political editor.
The portrait session took place ahead of an event Helen was hosting. The room was already set up with rows of chairs for the audience, but what immediately caught my eye was a wall covered in framed art, anchored by a striking red bench. It was a perfect setting—visually rich and full of character.
With care (and a fair bit of apologising), we shifted a few chairs to clear space in front of the bench. I wove between the remaining seats, capturing a range of angles. It could easily have gone wrong—the bold wall art, the yellow paint, the red bench, and Helen’s black, blue, and red dress might have clashed. But they didn’t. In fact, everything came together in a vibrant, dynamic portrait that felt honest and full of energy.
The final image was warmly received by the picture editor—always a gratifying response. Ultimately, it was a reminder that when composition, colour, and character align, the results can be more than just a good photo—they can tell a story.
