Boisdale Belgravia - a home away from home
As a London portrait photographer, I’m always looking for ways to capture the true essence of a person in their environment. With Ranald Macdonald, founder of Boisdale Restaurants, the setting had to be his beloved Boisdale Belgravia. I’ve always had a soft spot for this place—the haggis alone is reason enough to visit—but beyond that, it’s a space full of character. Boisdale feels like a home away from home, which is perhaps why it was the perfect backdrop for this environmental portrait session.
For this project I typically shoot people in their own homes but I made an exception for Ranald. He spends more time at his restaurants than anywhere else, and it only felt right to capture him where he truly belongs. Boisdale Belgravia is steeped in history, from the decor to its roots in the Macdonald clan’s rich heritage. You can feel the legacy in every corner, and it mirrors Ranald’s own deep connection to his Scottish ancestry.
The trick to a good portrait
For me, environmental portraits are all about making the subject feel at ease in a space that reflects who they are. That’s why I enjoy documentary photography—there’s no posing, not really, I try to make my subjects feel totally at ease so they can just be themselves and then I offer a little gentle direction. It's the same way I shoot weddings or studio portraits. If someone feels even slightly ill at ease it shows. That’s the power of a well-executed environmental portrait. It’s about preserving memories in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Every portrait session is an opportunity to get to know someone a little better, and with Ranald, it was clear how much passion he pours into everything he does. From the rich Scottish traditions to the vibrant live music, Boisdale is a reflection of him. And that’s what makes portraits like this so rewarding—showing the world who someone truly is.
If you're looking to capture genuine moments, whether in your home or a space that means the world to you, environmental portraits are the perfect way to do it. It’s about more than just the photo. It’s about capturing life.
Featured in Luxury London Magazine
You can read more about Ranald and see these photos in print in the Autumn/Winter issue of Luxury London Magazine.
