Unit Stills

As a unit stills photographer, I play a crucial role in film and television production by capturing high-quality still images during filming. My work serves multiple important purposes:

• Photographing key scenes during filming for marketing materials, movie posters, and press kits

• Documenting the production process, including set design, costumes, and makeup

• Taking gallery portraits of actors in character

• Working closely with the publicity department to ensure all necessary shots are obtained.

As a unit stills photographer I must:

• Be extremely quiet and unobtrusive while shooting to avoid disrupting filming

• Work quickly during brief windows between takes

• Understand lighting and composition to match the cinematographer's vision

• Have technical expertise with professional camera equipment

• Coordinate with various departments to get needed shots

• Know when to capture emotional moments versus technical aspects

My photos are used for:

• Movie posters and promotional materials

• Press releases and media coverage

• streaming platform artwork

• Production documentation and archives

• Social media content

• Awards season campaigns

The role requires both technical photography skills and strong interpersonal abilities, as I must work harmoniously with cast and crew while remaining essentially invisible during actual filming. I often need to anticipate key moments and be ready to capture them without direction.

Working with the likes of Channel 4, I take unit stills photography on shows such as George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations and Married at First Sight. I’ve also assisted on scripted shows such as The Change and had the privilege to take unit stills photography for short films in London.