Jane Goodall Portrait- Black & White Photograph
Dame Jane Goodall Portrait
A few weeks after completing the David Attenborough portrait, I was commissioned by the same German magazine to shoot a companion image of Jane Goodall. I wanted this Jane Goodall portrait to have a similar visual tone to Sir David’s, so I opted for a simple lighting setup—two lights and a black velvet backdrop—in the front room of her London house. The idea was to create a sense of continuity between the two portraits, placing emphasis on their expressions rather than elaborate staging.
Jane struck me as someone not particularly enamoured with the idea of having her photograph taken. She’s known for her humility and genuine modesty, and during the shoot, it was clear she viewed the whole process as rather an unwelcome distraction. It was important to respect that sense of restraint and create an image that was true to her nature. Her words capture it perfectly: “I’d like to be remembered as someone who really helped people to have a little humility and realise that we are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it.”
I selected this particular image because it felt reflective, as if caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. There’s a gentleness to her expression, yet also a resilience that speaks of someone who has spent decades fighting for the planet. The result is a portrait that is both understated and quietly powerful.
This Jane Goodall portrait was later shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was an honour to have it recognised in such a way, particularly given that the image aims to capture not just a likeness, but the essence of a woman whose dedication to conservation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Setting Up
The Perfect Portrait
My assistant Nick and I spent around 20 minutes setting up the lighting and testing everything before inviting Jane in front of the camera. The journalist from the magazine was with us too, conducting his interview as we made the necessary adjustments. For portraits like this, where time with the subject is limited, thorough preparation is essential. It’s always better to work out the lighting, angles, and framing beforehand to avoid wasting precious time when the subject finally steps in.
Looking back at the images now, it’s striking that the portrait finally selected was only the second frame I took of Jane. It’s a testament to the importance of being fully prepared and knowing exactly what you want to achieve before the session begins. For this Jane Goodall portrait, I took as many test shots of Nick while tweaking the lights as I did of Jane when everything was ready.
When photographing high-profile subjects who aren’t particularly fond of the process, efficiency is key. If you’re still adjusting lights or fumbling with settings when they’re in front of the camera, it can quickly erode their confidence and patience. This is particularly true for environmentalists and campaigners like Jane Goodall, who may see the whole procedure as an unnecessary distraction.
Being organised and decisive in these situations not only helps to capture a stronger portrait but also shows respect for the sitter’s time. By having a clear plan, I was able to capture a reflective moment without overextending the session. It’s a fine balance between technical preparation and creating a relaxed atmosphere, making sure the final image reflects the true essence of the subject.
Alternate Shot of
Jane Goodall
This is another image from the same shoot—a more classic, down-the-lens Jane Goodall portrait. Shot in black and white and inspired by the timeless style of Yousuf Karsh, this photograph focuses entirely on her face and expression, stripping away any distractions. I love the texture and detail in this version—the lines etched into her face, the depth in her eyes. It’s a privilege to create a portrait that celebrates such an iconic figure.
Yousuf Karsh was known for his dramatic, richly detailed images of some of the 20th century’s most important figures. His use of lighting and meticulous attention to detail captured not only the physical likeness but the spirit of his subjects, a quality I hoped to emulate in this Jane Goodall portrait. Like Karsh, I wanted to create a portrait that reflected her strength and character without embellishment.
In a world where photography often elevates youth above all else, I wanted this image to reflect Jane’s wisdom and experience, rather than chasing some idealised notion of perfection. With Jane, the challenge was to create an image that honours her life’s work and dedication, capturing the gravitas of a woman who has spent decades fighting for the natural world.
This portrait stands in contrast to the ubiquitous, self-celebratory images of the ‘look-at-me’ generation. Jane embodies a deeper concern for humanity and the survival of the planet—qualities that are the antithesis of the modern, superficial obsession with appearance. In photographing her, I wanted to create something that felt authentic and powerful, allowing the viewer to see beyond her role as a campaigner and glimpse the profound empathy and intelligence that have driven her lifelong mission.
Dame Jane Goodall
Dame Jane Goodall is a pioneering English primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace. She is globally renowned for her groundbreaking research on the social and familial interactions of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. Beginning in the early 1960s, Goodall’s studies challenged conventional scientific beliefs and reshaped our understanding of primates, revealing the complexity of their behaviours and the depth of their emotional lives.
Her work revolutionised primatology by demonstrating that chimpanzees use tools, exhibit distinct personalities, and experience a range of emotions previously thought to be exclusive to humans. This research blurred the boundaries between humans and animals and has had a profound impact on how we perceive our closest animal relatives. Goodall’s compassionate approach to her subjects, combined with meticulous research, elevated her findings beyond academia, making her a prominent figure in both scientific and conservation communities.
She is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, an international conservation organisation dedicated to environmental protection, animal welfare, and sustainable community development. Through the Institute’s initiatives, Goodall has been a tireless advocate for the protection of chimpanzees and their habitats, as well as for promoting the broader conservation of biodiversity.
A celebrated author and speaker, Goodall has written numerous books, including In the Shadow of Man and The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior, which are regarded as seminal works in primatology. As an environmental activist, she travels extensively, raising awareness about environmental crises and her enduring hope for a more sustainable future.
Goodall’s life’s work has earned her international acclaim and countless honours, including the Kyoto Prize and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science. Her unwavering dedication to conservation continues to inspire new generations to respect and protect the natural world.