Swannell’s elegant take

You couldn't ask for a better introduction to fashion and celebrity photography than an apprenticeship at Vogue Studios, under the auspices of the industry's biggest cheese David Bailey. Brit photographer John Swannell benefited from such an education, and the results speak for themselves. A fashion-magazine regular and consummate portraitist, Swannell's signature black-and-white shots ooze elegance and classic simplicity. Never one to cross the line into dullness, he maintains a fondness for adding an enjoyable and sometimes cheeky twist to his photographs - getting an 80-year-old Sir John Gielgud to make a sprightly leap into the air for one.
Holly Kyte
John Swannell at Chris Beetles Gallery until April 5, 8-10 Ryder Street, London SW1Y 6QB, chrisbeetles.com