Sunday Times is proposing that Jason Bell is the photographer for the christening:
From rock royalty to George
SUMMARY
A BRITISH photographer best known for his dramatic portraits of musicians, actors and sport stars has emerged as the frontrunner to take Prince George’s official christening pictures this week.
In a break with tradition, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are understood to favour Jason Bell, who has worked for publications such as Vanity Fair, Vogue and The Sunday Times as well as having his works exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery, which owns 50 of his pictures.
It is understood that his work there caught the eye of the duchess, one of the gallery’s patrons.
Bell, 44, who studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University, specialises in portraits of rock and Hollywood royalty including Sir Paul McCartney, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter…..David Beckham, the actress Scarlett Johansson and the singer Robbie Williams.
Bell is understood to have been on a shortlist for the christening of at least three photographers including John Swannell, who took the official portraits for the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012, and Jillian Edelstein, a South African-born portrait photographer. Each is understood to have attended an interview for the commission over recent weeks.
Asked this weekend if he had secured the commission, Bell said: “I can’t confirm that.”
Swannell, 66, said: “Unfortunately I didn’t get it…..I believe they have gone for someone younger and perhaps more modern.
Edelstein, who has taken portraits of Kate Moss and Nelson Mandela, said: “I did go for an interview at the palace.... I haven’t got the job.”
The duke and duchess are understood to have wanted a photographer who could capture both the significance of the ceremony and the feeling of an “intimate” family christening.
The palace said: “The photographer will be named on Tuesday.”
