The sparse furniture in his new Abu Dhabi apartment was
ideal in creating a moody, atmospheric story. As we fell into easy conversation, I opted for
a clean and simple lighting arrangement, with basic speedlights and an umbrella softbox, so I could easily set up and
shoot on my own, without an assistant.
Over what felt like endless cups of espresso, we talked
about his book, his time in Corsica and Rome and his job teaching philosophy in
Abu Dhabi.
Interestingly, a few weeks later I was contacted by leading
French newspaper Le
Figaro to photograph Jerome – a
happy coincidence. I headed back to Abu Dhabi this time to a busy household that
was fully furnished; his family has also arrived. . What struck me as dramatic,
but with beautiful muted tones, was his enviable library that had finally made
its way to Abu Dhabi and I decided to use it as a backdrop for this shoot. The
books almost becoming a character, the influence in the background that shaped
and nurtured those vivid ideas and philosophies and is an extension of Jerome’s
personality. It’s not often that a photographer is gifted with such a ‘prop’
that elevates the story, and even more rare to revisit a subject as his life
progresses. I’m glad to have had another opportunity to chat over espresso.
