The bit about Me
& Under the Skin Portraits

Actor & Creative

For the

While working on a short indie film as both 3rd AD and on-set photographer, I bonded with the cast and offered them all free headshots. I'd been shooting my partner’s headshots for years, so I set up a home studio and invited them over. I fell in love with the collaborative process of our one-on-one sessions—connecting, having a laugh, and creating together—this made me realise this was what I wanted to do.

At the same time, I was stuck in a cycle of job applications and rejections. Eventually, I hit my breaking point and remembered something a uni lecturer I look up to once said: “Sometimes you just have to press the F*CK IT button.” So I did—and gave myself the job.

That moment sparked the birth of Under the Skin, named to reflect my goal: to capture more than just a face, but to represent the personality of the actor and what each actor’s unique arsenal has to offer.

After being involved in casting for indie films, I was taken aback by the volume of headshots that didn’t do the actors justice- especially considering how much they paid for them. I took this into consideration when starting Under the Skin — offering high-quality, affordable headshots without compromise.

How it Started

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How it Started ~

About Me

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About Me ~

Photography has been part of my life since birth—literally. My dad’s a photographer, and I was on his shoots before I could walk, often cradled by musicians and band members. As soon as I could walk, I became his (unpaid) assistant.

Though I grew up around cameras, my own passion for photography began at university when I found a £5 Pentax Espio 115G in a charity shop. I fell in love with 35mm film—the look, the colours, the intention behind each shot—and dove into experimenting with different stocks and street photography. That camera sparked a lasting obsession. I still use it today, even with an expanded collection. Film photography may soon make its way into Under the Skin. Watch this space.

People have always fascinated me. I’m drawn to the quiet, everyday moments rather than flashy highlights. That curiosity, paired with my own training as an actor, helps me understand what it's like on the other side of the lens—especially when it comes to headshots.

In recent years, I’ve worked on big studio films, playing small roles in large productions. When the strikes hit in the U.S., it paused my work and gave me time to reflect. I realised I wanted to lean into photography professionally. Shifting to smaller indie films gave me more creative input, and it was during this time that my hobby evolved into a serious pursuit.

What to Expect

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What to Expect ~

My love for cinema, film & street photography influences my style; I’m drawn to candid, raw, and authentic moments that go beyond the standard headshot. This is what I want to inject when capturing your traditional headshot that will make them stand out for your castings. While I always capture the traditional shots for your castings, I also encourage, but not obligatorily, a performative element to actors to showcase their unique skills and personalities—bringing something real and performative into the frame. After all, you have all acquired unique skills throughout your acting journey.

I’ve created a soft and inviting backdrop set-up using handmade textures and fabrics to give the portraits a distinctive look. I shoot mostly in natural light to keep things feeling alive and genuine.
I also believe in embracing individuality—celebrating the features that make us who we are, rather than hiding them. We’re born with what we’re given, so might as well embrace that!

On the day, we’ll explore what you’re after, listen to some tunes and get some fab foto’s.

If that resonates with you, I’d love to work together.

Warmest always,
AJ x

Other Projects

Immodest

Straight 8 - Top 8 2025

Scrub Me, Daddy

Straight 8 - Top 25 2024

Girlhood

Published in Local Wolves Magazine

Magic 8

Coming soon

Directed by Robyn Faye
Photographed by me

  • “Best Headshot experience ever. AJ made me feel comfortable and at ease, creating a casual and fun environment that felt more like having coffee with a friend than having my photo taken. And I couldn't be happier with the results!!! these are my favourite headshots I have gotten so far!”

    Mimi

  • “I am SO happy with my headshots, highly recommend!!! Friendly, supportive and professional service, the shoot was so fun and relaxed and I’m already getting more bookings from these headshots, which is the whole point right?!! Thank you so much Under The Skin Portraits!”

    Sophie

  • “The service was great and exactly the style of headshots I was looking for to update my CV and profile. A very cozy visit too, with lovely hospitality. Can definitely recommend!”

    Kim

  • “AJ is incredible, professional, efficient, so easy to work with and the pictures are incredible !!! 100/10”

    Sofia

  • “AJ creates an incredibly welcoming space and makes you feel confident whilst nice groovey music is playing in the background. You should get your headshots done with AJ now!!”

    Valentina

  • “Amazing photographer, knows just how to make you look like a star ⭐️ Great atmosphere that’s chilled and relaxed.”

    Scarlett

  • "I absolutely recommend AJ and Under the Skin Portraits - he knows exactly how to bring out the best in an actor. Thank you!"

    Jamie

  • "AJ is an absolute star. I was made to feel at ease from the beginning and the photos were beautiful- no complaints here!"

    Sophie

  • "I'd highly, highly recommend Under the Skin. It was a super relaxing session, and I felt that I had plenty of time to discus what I was needing and then explore different ways to achieve it. You can put your own music on and have a good laugh while getting your headshots done"

    Lydia