Special Edition contact sheet featuring all 8 frames shot in 60 seconds with actor Ralph Fiennes, in celebration of his 60th birthday on 22nd December 2022.

We'd been looking to get an interview with Ralph for our podcast, while he was playing the role of Richard III, at the Almeida Theatre. It's a full on part, and a long play so time was precious.

He agreed to a 15 minute interview. There was no mention of photos.

It was a gamble, but one worth taking. I spoke with the stage manager and lighting technician with 5 minutes to spare and asked them to focus a single light at the front of the stage. Another cross light to pick up some details in the wall behind. Nothing else.

Ralph stepped out from the shadows. I introduced myself, and asked if he would mind if I took a couple of shots.

He insisted that he did not have longer than 15 minutes at most, and asked if the photos would take long.

"Less than a minute" I answered.

I framed up, set the exposure, and manually focused my rangefinder. Rattled off a couple of frames, directed him a little, shot a couple more, another position, then the final frames. All done.

This was the first time I worked with Ralph.

The next time was at his request, and I've had the pleasure to work with him a few times now.

As the mint date of this image is his 60th birthday, it seemed appropriate to release this first meet - shot in 60 seconds.

Collector may choose a single frame from this shoot to get an archival giclee physical print.

Dimensions: 4096 x 1714 px

License: Can be used to display privately, or in non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no commercial rights. Provides no editorial rights.

Copyright retained by the photographer, Matt Humphrey.