First Minister, twice.

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing portraits of Humza Yousaf, First Minister, twice. It isn’t every week you get to visit Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland. Never mind twice in one week.

Both portrait sessions took place alongside interviews for UK newspapers, Financial Times and The Guardian. I had previously photographed with Humza Yousaf, when he was campaigning to become First MInister.

As ever with these types of portraits, and sessions, time is tight, the First Minister has a country to oversee. The interviews take place, with my esteemed journalist colleagues trying to maximise their allotted time for their hard hitting questions of the day, trying to find a nugget of new information for their story and feature.

Meanwhile, I’m photographing, knowing good access to high profile politicians is ever rare and trying to make the most from the opportunity. And this is where experience pays off on these shoots, knowing how to use that time wisely. Not trying to perfect one particular shot taking too long, but going for variety, going for options in poses, and of locations.

It’s good to be in the room, but not in the way. Working without interrupting the interview, maximising what I can from the interview session to photograph the First Minister looking animated, looking happy, relaxed, serious or contemplative. Variety is key.

Then time comes for photos and I’ve also used the interview time to size up the room, see where the light is coming from, where it is best. I’ve decided my locations, know what I’m going to go for. A few frames here, then move to here, shoot a few more, then squeeze time to change room for a different shot. Variety, variety, variety. Trying to maximise limited time, but not out stay your welcome, as you never know when you’ll be back. As in this case, not outstaying the welcome first time, as two days later I was back again.

It’s good to be in the room, but not in the way. A maxim for many photo shoots, keeping the subject happy, while getting the shots for your clients.

Thanks for reading. – Jeremy

See more portraits by Glasgow-based photographer Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert.