The Cinematic Storyteller (Featuring Sean Lewthwaite)

This episode steps inside the world of master photographer Sean Lewthwaite. From London streets to Stockholm scenes, his journey is incredible. Graphic design pro for Thomson Reuters and the BBC? Check. Now, he captures actors' raw, natural essence—the kind that lands roles on Netflix and Viaplay. Sean spills secrets on photorealism, getting the best from his subjects, and even the power of mentorship. It's about more than photos—he tells a person's story, capturing their essence with the tenacity of a cinematic storyteller. What We Talk About Journey from Design to Photography: Sean's transition from a graphic designer at Thomson Reuters and the BBC to a renowned photographer in Stockholm is highlighted, showcasing his path into photography. Cinematic Style and Photorealism: The discussion reveals Sean's approach to blending graphic design principles with photorealism, aiming for cinematic and authentic portraits. Career Transformation through Photography: Sean's expertise in headshot photography has significantly impacted actors' careers, helping them secure roles on platforms like Netflix and Viaplay. Minimal Editing Philosophy: Emphasizing realness, Sean advocates for minimal editing, focusing on capturing a person’s true character without over-processing images. -- Episode Chapters Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:11Photography Style and Approach 06:09Weddings and Portraits 07:24Artistic Approach to Headshots 10:12Pushback from Actors and Agents 12:15Mentoring and Headshots Matter 16:34Photography Scene in Stockholm 17:06Seasonality of Headshot Photography 21:08Mentoring and Working with New Photographers 27:03Gear and Equipment 29:14Tips for New Photographers 33:12Importance of Feeling and Atmosphere 40:30Final Thoughts and Advice 43:11Creating in a Familiar Environment 44:07Seeking Inspiration and Learning from Others 44:25Building a Supportive Community 45:07Where to Find Sean Online -- Visit Our Website photographyadjacent.com -- Follow Us on Instagram Host: @tomtrevatt Connect with our guest: Sean Lewthwaite at @s⁠tockholm_sean Production: @Keenliico. -- Subscribe and Engage If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes. Comment and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. Support Our Podcast To support our podcast and help us bring more content to you, please consider leaving a review on YouTube or sharing this episode with your photography-loving friends. About Photography Adjacent Welcome to Photography Adjacent, a podcast about photography and everything else. Each week on our show, we speak to artists, activists, writers, and the occasional photographer to learn about life through their lens. Discover the Stories Behind the Lens: Join us as we explore more than just the art of photography. This podcast celebrates the voices shaping our understanding of the world—from the creative minds that capture life's moments to the change-makers who challenge our perceptions. We hope to uncover experiences that inspire artistic and personal growth through these conversations.