Max Marshall is a portrait photographer whose work moves between the commercial and the conceptual, capturing people with precision, care, and striking clarity. Based at Create Space London’s Hammersmith studios, Max brings a deep technical knowledge and a genuine creative vision to his practice — one that encompasses headshots for senior executives and actors, as well as dramatic, large-scale photographic art.
Max’s relationship with photography began in the film era. He was just 12 when he started developing and printing his own photographs in a darkroom, and that early, hands-on training shaped his respect for process, light, and detail.

 

 

Although he now works in high-resolution digital formats, he maintains a strong connection to the material history of the medium. His film cameras are still ready to use, particularly for black and white projects, where he believes analog processes continue to deliver unparalleled tonal depth and print quality.

 

While Max’s commercial work serves high-profile clients — including actors, CEOs, and editorial subjects — his artistic practice explores themes of time, perception, and transformation. He is also a conceptual artist. Max is currently working on his third solo show to be staged in the Hammersmith studio space. His previous shows were exhibited at York Street Gallery (BIG, 2023) and Waterloo Station (Majesty, 2024). 

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Across both sides of his practice, Max’s approach is thoughtful and collaborative. Every shoot — whether for a client or an artwork — is guided by mood boards, pre-shoot consultations, and a clear artistic vision. He places great emphasis on helping his subjects feel at ease, creating a relaxed and vibrant studio atmosphere that allows for genuine expression. “I enjoy giving people great pictures of themselves,” he says. “That’s always been part of what drives me.”

 

His studio sessions are planned with care, often involving several hours of setup, shooting, and retouching. He prefers to do his own post-production, maintaining control over every aspect of the image’s final look. In recent months, Max has also begun exploring behind-the-scenes videos of his shoots — offering a glimpse into his lighting setups, posing techniques, and the subtle alchemy that happens between photographer and subject.

 

Alongside his artistic projects, Max is keen to expand into fashion photography and is actively seeking collaborations with designers who produce bold, visually striking garments. His passion for lighting and texture makes him a natural fit for avant-garde fashion work, and he’s looking to grow this part of his portfolio through creative partnerships.

 

If Max’s work could speak, it might say:
“Less is more.”