Charlie Cooper for Bafta

From a giraffe, to a tree, to a washed out rock and roll star Charlie Cooper dived into every idea I threw at him on our photoshoot to celebrate his recent Bafta for best actor in a comedy. “Charlie tried to get me to become characters during the shoot. We created this backstory of a washed up, Bill Nighy type, rock and roll star.” Who knew what a simple red carnation could inspire? I wasn’t surprised to see amazing ideas spurting out of Mr Cooper whilst we messed about together, this man has created a much loved comedy with his sister by embracing the strange and wonderful things that happen nearby. Living in the middle of the Cotswolds he still loves to be near nature and finds it helps his work. “To be able to look out the window and see miles and miles of greenery, it’s important to me. And it’s important for my writing.”⁠ So it was vital that I photographed him there, surrounded by nature. When chatting before the shoot I also discovered Charlie’s immense love for fishing, and I was eager to combine the two. So a plan was hatched, a lake found, and a fishing trip was organised. Massive thanks to Claire Rees and Jordan Anderson for helping to make the shoot happen. Video – Philip Hardman Photography assistant – Becca Gray Editing and interview – Bafta