“For me,” says Frank Doorhof, “portrait photography is 99% about communication and only 1% about pressing the shutter button. That sets me apart from a ‘standard’ way of working. I want to dive into the person that I photograph and get to know their personality, their music or their art, and I want all those things to resonate through my images.”It’s an approach that’s helped Frank’s work no end, especially when shooting celebrities, musicians and other performing artists, giving his images an intimate and vibrant appeal. And a big part of it is keeping those interactions down to earth. “ I don’t see famous people any differently from normal people,” he explains. “Yes, they’re on a stage for a living, but they’re still humans like you and me. I’ve found treating them that way makes them more comfortable, but so they’re able to trust me,” says Frank.”

Of course, for a photographer to invest such a large proportion of their time building trust with a subject, they also have complete trust in their camera. Frank’s trusted choice is the Sony Alpha 7R IV. “Gear doesn’t make the image,” he explains, “but it definitely helps, especially when you know you can rely on it. I think what sets Sony apart is that when you need it, it doesn’t let you down. The Alpha 7R series has been awesome for me, and the latest body combines amazing high ISO performance with huge 60MP images. When you add in the silent shutter it becomes a tool that lets me get on with my work, without worry. I don’t even have to think about the camera from one shot to the next.”

Frank recalls shooting pianist Wibi Soerjadi, during live concerts. “In those conditions, I’m happy if I can stay below ISO 64000 – and yes, I do mean 64000 because the performance is so good – but I’ve been as high as 102400, and after processing, that shot was used on a huge A0 poster. It’s something that would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. With the silent shutter, I’m allowed on stage, too, and can shoot at arm’s length of artists like Wibi. He actually messaged me during the intermission to say he didn’t hear a thing! It’s trust between photographer and subject that’s strengthened by technology, because I know the Alpha 7R IV will perform perfectly even when I’m pushing it to the limit.”

That element of trust comes through loud and clear in Frank’s photos, letting him get a truer impression of his subjects, and also take some creative chances to make stronger, more impactful portraits. “I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of an artist or model feeling at ease with the photographer,” he explains. “They’re super-aware of their image and how important it is, so to build that trust I make sure that the first images we make are spot on in terms of lighting and mood.” Setting up and testing lights, as well as using light meters helps here, and means that no time – or trust – is spent fiddling with settings.” “I constantly show my subject the images I’m getting, too,” Frank continues, “and if they don’t like something, I make sure they know I’ve deleted it straight away.”

“In that way,” he continues, “us photographers have a lot of power. A great shot can really skyrocket someone’s career.” Frank recalls cooking up an idea with flutist Nathanael Carré which excited the pair of them. “With classical musicians you might think to keep it formal but he wanted something different,” Frank explains. “We discussed the name of the album, the colours he saw in the music and so on… and we ended up with some almost-over-the-top images with funky colours and smoke. He loved the shot as much as I did, and it shows what can happen when you make portraits that are personal or fitting to their own projects.”

Moving forward and continuing to enjoy the trust that brings him creative freedom, Frank sees no end to shooting artists and musicians. “Sometimes these jobs are one-time assignments,” he says, “but personally I like to continue being involved with the people I photograph. That speaks to the more human and social side of photography that I enjoy. It’s through those relationships that you grow to realise we’re all the same, famous or not. If you’re truly connected to someone in that way, a shoot will be more natural and real, your subject will love being in front of the camera, and your portraits will be all the better for it.”