Entertainment Weekly

Jul 2026

In this evocative portrait series for Entertainment Weekly, photographer Max Montgomery captures actor Tom Rhys Harries in a study of cinematic tension that defies the standard conventions of celebrity editorial photography. The project, which highlights Harries' chameleon-like presence, leans heavily into chiaroscuro and moody lighting to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and slightly subversive. Working in tandem with hair stylist Candice Birns, who brings a polished yet textured edge to the subject's look, the imagery moves fluidly between clean, sharp studio aesthetics and more experimental, raw compositions. Throughout the series, Montgomery utilizes techniques such as macro focus, intentional motion blur, and analogue-inspired film textures to strip away the artifice often found in high-profile shoots. The result is a nuanced exploration of character, where the interplay of deep green backdrops, warm golden light, and sharp silhouettes forces a quiet, pensive engagement from the viewer. Whether through the crisp clarity of a strobe-lit portrait or the ethereal, distorted refraction of a glass lens, the work succeeds in grounding the theatricality of the entertainment industry in a palpable, human reality. By prioritizing authentic texture over superficial gloss, the campaign elevates the editorial portrait, ensuring that each frame captures not just a face, but a fleeting, evocative moment of introspection that resonates long after the initial glance.

Vertical, Cinematic

Natural light