Cover Stars | Sunday Times Magazine
Last Weekend's Sunday Times Magazine features four distinctive front covers, all of which were photographed by me. A commission that is leading the charge as the most fun of 2023 and also an unprecedented feat for me, I've never had four different front covers on the same day!
The photo feature focuses on the colourful world of musical tribute acts. I spent a couple of weeks traversing the UK meeting 7 of the UK’s biggest tribute acts. The picture team at the magazine had the delightful idea of photographing the acts in their full stage outfits, juxtaposed against the backdrop of everyday domesticity. The concept immediately sparked my imagination, with visions of Robbie Williams mowing the lawn and Dolly washing up in pink marigolds, it was fun to think up scenarios. We agreed the concepts for each tribute act ahead of the shoots but had no way of knowing whether they would work well on the day. Thankfully the tribute acts were all fab to work with and game for playing around with the concept. Dan Budd (the Robbie tribute) actually answered the door to me in his bathrobe with the famous Robbie tiger pants on. I instantly knew we were on to a winner!
Naturally the tribute acts all know each other and I later realised how crucial it was that the first Tribute we shot (Katy Ellis / Taylor Swift) went well, they were all in communication with each other, reporting back after each shoot. I feel extraordinarily fortunate that my work grants me access to these unusual worlds and experiences. The tribute world is wildly successful and a fascinating phenomenon. I can imagine that after a few cans of pop and from a distance it’s easy to get lost in the world of your favourite act, even if technically it’s not quite your favourite act.
