Portraits, Faces, and the Occasional Bikini

Portrait photography has become one of my favourite parts of carrying a camera around. Not because of complicated lighting setups or artistic theories, but because it gives me an excuse to talk to complete strangers and document the exact moment they realise a Viking with a camera is heading directly towards them.

A lot of that inspiration comes from Tom Wilkins Photography. Tom has a remarkable ability to encourage people to relax, be themselves, and stop treating a camera as if it’s a tax inspection. Watching how he puts people at ease helped me realise that the best photographs happen when people stop worrying about how they look and simply exist in the moment.

Most people assume they aren’t photogenic. The evidence suggests otherwise. Whether they’re wrapped up in winter layers, dressed for an event, or standing on a beach in a bikini wondering why a large bearded man is smiling in their direction, the reaction is usually the same. Mild panic, confusion, suspicion, followed by reluctant cooperation.

My favourite part is watching faces change. The initial expression often says, “Why is this Viking approaching me?” A few minutes later they’re laughing, chatting, and completely forgetting the camera exists. That’s when the real portrait appears. Not the carefully rehearsed smile, but the genuine person underneath.

The truth is I love the interaction as much as the photographs. People are endlessly interesting. Their expressions, personalities, and reactions tell stories far better than any landscape ever could. So if you find yourself on a beach, at an event, or standing somewhere minding your own business when a Viking with a lens wanders over, don’t be alarmed. I’m probably not here to raid your village. I’m just hoping to capture a photograph you’ll like before you escape. 

As I photograph faces from all walks of life, I occasionally wonder what would have happened had my ancestors assessed my suitability for a career as a Viking.

Viking Recruitment, circa 900 AD

Question: Can you wield an axe?

Answer: Not particularly.

Question: Can you navigate by the stars?

Answer: No, but I can find my way to a coffee shop.

Question: Are you prepared to raid distant shores in search of glory and treasure?

Answer: Define “distant”. Does the Isle of Wight count?

Result: Rejected.

Fortunately, modern recruitment standards are somewhat different.

Photographer Recruitment, 2026

Question: Will you stand in the rain for three hours waiting for the perfect light?

Answer: Absolutely.

Question: Are you comfortable approaching complete strangers and asking to take their portrait?

Answer: Eventually.

Question: Will you carry several kilograms of expensive equipment up a hill to photograph one interesting face?

Answer: Without hesitation.

Result: Hired immediately.

My Viking ancestors crossed oceans in search of legends.

I wander festivals, coastlines, city streets and hilltops collecting portraits and stories instead.

The treasure is different.

The obsession remains exactly the same.