Canary Wharf–based portrait specialist Michael Wharley crafts cinematic, characterful headshots and studio portraits. He blends storytelling, warmth and a calm, actor‑trained approach to put sitters at ease.
I specialise in portrait photography — striking, characterful images that reveal who a person is and why they matter. Based in Canary Wharf, I bring the same theatrical energy and cinematic care you’ll see in my campaign work for film and theatre to every studio or on‑location portrait session. My background as an actor and an English literature student gives me a storyteller’s instinct: I look for the moment that says more than a pose. Why choose me for your portrait? My work is award‑winning and widely published, but more importantly I’ve built a reputation for making people feel understood and relaxed in front of the camera. Whether I’m shooting an actor for key art, a creative for a portfolio, or a professional updating their headshot, I bring warmth, creativity and a craftsman’s expertise to the set. I’m known for bold, cinematic lighting and a characterful approach that suits actors, artists and anyone who needs a portrait with presence. How I work: it begins with conversation. I’ll talk through the brief, the story you want to tell and where the images will live — editorial, promotional, LinkedIn or website — then we plan a look that supports that intention. On the day I aim for calm and focus: clear direction, efficient lighting setups and a relaxed, conversational manner so subjects — even the camera‑shy — find their voice. I shoot both in my Canary Wharf studio and on location across London and the UK, tailoring lighting, lens choice and framing to the mood we’re seeking. I often collaborate with stylists, hair & make‑up artists and retouchers to ensure the final images are cohesive and ready for use. While portraiture is my core specialism, I also work on professional business headshots and LinkedIn portraits when a polished, characterful look is required. My clients include theatre, film and brand teams who need images that read across poster, press and digital formats — I understand how to make a portrait perform at scale. If you want portraits that combine cinematic ambition, theatrical empathy and technical craft, I’d love to talk. My aim is simple: to create images that feel honest, memorable and unmistakably yours.