Stewart Bywater

A former features and copy writer for Dennis Publishing and various large international clients, in 2009 I started working in television as a researcher, quickly working my way up to being a shooting Producer/Director and occasional DOP. While I really loved working in television, I realised that I was usually more interested in the visual side of it so I decided to focus all my efforts on photography and video making, which would give me the chance to choose my own projects and, to a larger extent, the people with whom I work.

A commercial, portrait and fine art photographer, based in Highgate, North London, my favourite jobs include those that empower decent people and make them feel good about themselves. I love working with creatives and people who are truly passionate about the path they have chosen in life. I especially like working with those who have overcome difficulties and succeeded against the odds and those who have surpassed other people’s expectations of what they could achieve. My main focus during the shoot, whether portrait or fine-art is creating a safe and comfortable environment for the subject.

Rates

Please get in touch via the contact page for rates.

A deposit of 50% must be paid when the booking is made and is non-refundable.

Reviews

‘Stewart is one of the most lovely and talented photographers I have ever worked with. He has a wide skill set and a calming aura, which is what makes people come back again and again! I would highly recommend him to fellow actors or anyone looking to shoot some unique and awe inspiring portraits. He goes above and beyond to retouch images and make sure you’re happy and I think his enthusiasm comes across in the work. Would highly recommend! X x x’
- Aimee Kelly - actor

‘Stewart completely changed my career with the photos he took of me. He was able to capture me in a way other photographers had completely missed. He is incredible generous of heart, creative and professional.’
- Georgia Small - actor

‘I have known Stewart for over 10 years and over this time we have worked together on a number of editorial projects for consumer magazines. Working with Stewart is a pleasure; he’s able to quickly understand and add value to any briefs I’ve commissioned and his work is first-class, always hitting the mark and returned well before deadline. The job of any freelancer is to make the editor’s life easier and Stewart fits this bill perfectly, bringing a professional approach to every project with his typically positive energy. I would definitely recommend Stewart to any company looking for an image-making specialist.’ -- Matty Graham - founder, Pixel-Click digital content

‘Working with Stewart was a dream and much fun. He made me feel so comfortable meaning I enjoyed every second of the shoot and his ideas and creativity made it so exciting. I was so happy with the shots. So much love to you Stewart, would highly recommend! xxx’
- Heather Ewart - actor (shot for the Milkmjolk project)

‘I had a really fantastic shoot with Stewart. He made me feel so at ease and spent so much time making sure we had the shots I needed and that I felt safe and comfortable. He was able to offer such an amazing range of locations for us to shoot in as well. I was blown away with the final results, and have really loved using my new headshots! I look forward to working with him again in the future!’
- Grace Hogg-Robinson - actor

‘Stewart is an incredibly talented photographer with whom I have been lucky enough to shoot a few times over the years, since meeting him in Hackney Wick back in 2015. He took my first ever head shot after I signed with IAG and not only has he helped me professionally as a result of these shots, but he has really grown my confidence in front of the camera. He is an incredibly generous photographer, always checking in to see if you are comfortable and showing you the photos as you go to ensure that you are on the same page creatively. He is extremely supportive and takes the time to ensure that you are happy with the direction of the collaboration. His positivity and talent  shine through and I have always been over the moon with the final photos. Stewart’s photos are truly stunning and he has an incredible eye for light and form, adapting to your needs or to suit to the creative vision. I was honoured to be a part of his both his Forest series and a part of his project, ‘Milkmjölk’; both of these projects involved nudity and Stewart was incredibly professional, ensuring that I was comfortable and that the space was a safe one. These images in particular have really helped me to see myself and my body with confidence and gratitude; to criticise less, to embrace my body as it is and to respect this art form. I would highly recommend working with Stewart. His recent head shots have helped to bring a new energy to my casting, one that feels more authentic and in line with the sort of work I want to make. Thank you!’
- Rose Lucas - actor

‘Stewart is an extremely talented photographer and a great pleasure to work with. He’s very professional and friendly. I felt super relaxed and happy for the whole shoot. And, on top of that, his work is stunning.’
- Soledad de la Hoz - dancer/yoga teacher

‘Stewart was an absolute pleasure to work with. His professionalism and care for the people he works with is always his number one concern. We shot together and created some beautiful images and I felt comfortable and enjoyed the entire process.’
- Samantha Dunn - writer, photographer and model (shot for the Milkmjolk project)

‘Stewart recently took some excellent portraits for my headpiece business. He was relaxed and professional to work with, making both myself and the models feel comfortable on the shoot. I was very pleased with the images and would not hesitate to recommend him.’
- Michelle Krausz - jewellery designer

‘Stewart's talent and skill is evident in his fantastic, beautiful portfolio - there's no denying he's one of the best. What you can't necessarily see from his photos is the care he provides for his clients. Stewart was so kind and thoughtful throughout our shoot and I could not have enjoyed the day more. He spent a lot of his own time helping me when I didn't know which of the many photos to choose. The final images are simply incredible and he respected me entirely when editing them as I had a couple of requests regarding imperfections on my face. I cannot wait to shoot with him again. Thank you, Stewart, you're phenomenal.’
- Katherine Thomas - actor and writer

‘I had a wonderful day shooting with Stewart for his Milk series. He is a true artist with the most brilliant eye - I don’t have the best body confidence but he made me feel totally at ease and created a really safe and respectful space. In fact, I not only felt at ease but had terrific fun! I am so in awe of his work and what he created in the photos he took of me. I hope we will work together again in the future. I can’t recommend him highly enough!’
- Maria Austin - actor

‘Every time I’ve had the pleasure to work with Stewart has been an absolute delight. His work never fails to mesmerise and his work ethic never fails to impress. I’ve always felt incredibly at ease when shooting with him and free to communicate and collaborate. A wonderful man and an exceptional photographer.’
- Xenia Rakovshik - journalist/writer/dancer