What made you choose photography?

I actually chose photography quite late. It wasn't until my mid twenties. My first goal was rockstar bassist. Which I gave a really good go of, but we all know the music industry right? Aside from that, when I was in secondary school I had a teacher called Stephen Millard, who gave me and one of my school friends the keys to the sound and lighting room in the school hall to play with all the toys. We were hooked, and when leaving that school we went and knocked on the door of the local theatre where Geoff Cripps let us play with all of their toys. I then studied lighting at college. It wasn't until years later I moved into a flat share with a photographer and got roped into opening the photo studio. It was then, when setting up lights for other photographers I questioned why I wasn't also taking the pictures... the rest is history, as they say.

Why photograph people?

It's not an original answer, it's one I have heard. but the photograph are the mementos of what really happened... I got to meet an awesome person and chat about our lives and projects whist occasionally pressing a shutter button. Luckily I have got good enough and fast enough with the technical aspects of lighting I can do it whilst keeping up with the atmosphere of the room.

Is it just you? or is there a team?

It is just me, mostly. I am however married to an incredible production designer called Anna Kezia Williams. She can create you any kind of set you want. Also, there are all the other creatives I have met and collaborated with over the years I could call upon. Hair stylists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, digital techs, lighting techs and even caterers. So if you have an idea but none of the contacts, let me know and we can discuss putting a whole team together.

How much do you cost?

How long is a piece of string? Shoot costs vary based on what you want. day rates fluctuate, image licensing is based on how long and where in the world you want to use it and what you want to stick it on. For unit stills, have a little look at the BECTU rate cards to get an idea of what the industry is charging and paying. But, with all that said. it's photography, and at its core something is achievable for any cost. If you have budget you are trying to work to, let me know up front and I can attempt to find something that meets your needs. 

Do you collaborate?

Like every creative, I have personal projects I want to shoot, and I am always building my portfolio to show what I can achieve and what I want to shoot. Mostly when this happens I am the one who initiates those shoots, but who knows, maybe you have an idea I cannot refuse. so definitely still get in touch.

Can I assist you?

The short answer is yes. I use assistants. However, I use assistants in cases where I need someone else who can accomplish a particular task on set I won't have time to complete while working on something else on set. so you need to at least have experience and know what you are doing. On days I use assistants it's because the set is busy. It is never a day I have time to teach someone how to be a photographer, what a sandbag is, or why i've chosen a particular lens or light. That's not to say you won't learn anything. but it will be from osmosis rather than direct teaching. 

Is your surname really Riot?

Yes!!! 100% real and official. It's on my driving licence and passport. How and why though is a fairly long and decent story. Maybe take me for a coffee and I'll tell you the story. Take me out for whiskey and you will get the full unabridged story.. 

What gear do you use?

For my main work, I use a Sony a7r iv with a Sony 24-70mm f2.8 and a Sony 70-200mm f2.8 and a 2x extender taking that lens all the way up to 400mm while retaining that f2.8. I also have a Fuji XT-5, which is my personal daily camera that I take almost everywhere with me. Then there are various bits of lighting, reflectors, deli cases, rucksacks, tape, filters, battery chargers and hay fever meds. 

Do you still have your North London studio?

I don't. Being a studio manager was never a job I really signed up for, and it also felt like it was getting smaller and smaller as my ideas and requirements got bigger and bigger. Plus my life change quite considerably, I met and got married to my incredible wife Anna, and we have ended up basing ourselves in the South Oxfordshire countryside. Coincidentally the journey to central London from here is the same time as it would have been from Golders Green. And I have the RiotJeep to get all my equipment around the country. 

Last updated June 2025. I will keep updating this as and when I get time and get asked more questions.