In the room

Access is everything in photography, if you can’t be there then you can’t take the picture. If you’re not in the room you’re not going to get the shot. On assignment it is imperative the photographer is present at the heart of the matter, but while it is good to be in the room, it isn’t good to be in the way.

Kate Forbes of Scottish National party. © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert 2024, all rights reserved.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, inside Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland, Edinburgh . © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert 2024, all rights reserved.

That’s where my experience as a Scotland, Glasgow-based photographer, with many years experience of being in the important rooms of business and politics comes into play. I know what to wear (it’s important!), I know to arrive early and in plenty of time (I hear some other horror stories!), I know when to take the pictures, I know when it is ok to speak, and when it is best to just keep my own counsel and to photograph.

From the business boardrooms of Tokyo, to the Cabinet Room of the Scottish Government’s First Minister’s Bute House, I’ve been in there, I’ve measured the light and in a personal capacity taken the portrait, as well as the measure of the man or woman through my lens.

Humza Yousaf, of the Scottish National party. © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert 2024, all rights reserved.

This week brings tumult in the world of Scottish politics, with First Minister Humza Yousaf resigning his post as soon as a successor can be decided, it may be Kate Forbes MSP who I photographed portraits for The New Statesman, or it may be John Swinney MSP. I’ve photographed them all over the years, in many scenarios, portraits and reportage. As well as with their previous colleagues, First Ministers Donald Dewar, Henry McLeish, Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.

But a contemporary of Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes, and just to keep things balanced I’ve also photographed on assignment for the Financial Times, with leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar MSP.

Anas Sarwar, of Scottish Labour party. © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert 2024, all rights reserved.

Being at the heart of the story, being in the room, is my speciality. If I can help you with your photo needs from inside the rooms of your business, your boardroom, or even on the factory floor, drop me a note and let’s chat.

Thanks for reading and look,

Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert.