About Michael Wharley

Hello! I’m a Portrait Photographer & Director for Screen, Stage, Brands & Beyond.

I shoot dynamic, atmospheric work filled drama & colour, energy & emotion. I used to be an actor, which perhaps explains why…

Over 16 years, I’ve learned to light like a dervish, but my background means I handle talent with aplomb. The director Ian Rickson once called me ‘the actor whisperer,’ which, I’ll happily take, but I have an easy way with my subjects, famous or not.

You’ve likely seen my work on the underground, on buses & billboards, in newspapers or magazines, or maybe while scrolling your streaming service of choice.

My style does lends itself to key art, but increasingly I’m bringing my skills to bear on commercial campaigns. And my award-winning personal projects trace the connections between people & place: how a love of green spaces defines our contemporary Englishness, how a group of young classical musicians relate to the history of Brixton.

I’m naturally warm & collaborative, so I love to work in a team to make a brief sing & my sets tend to be happy, easy places. No divas please!

I’d love to work with you on your next project, so do drop a line for a chat.

In My Life

I live in Crystal Palace, South London, with my screenwriter/director wife, a small cocker spaniel called Newt & a functioning caffeine addiction. I’m often to be found playing trumpet and drums in a band, though not often at the same time.