I Thought Russell Brand Was Brilliant... Then I Met Him.

Harry Borden on Photographing Russell Brand

Harry Borden reflects on photographing Russell Brand for a Guardian feature in 2017. Borden says he was initially a fan of Brand’s apparent shift from a frivolous celebrity persona toward spirituality and intellectualism. During the shoot, he was charmed by Brand’s wit and confidence.

But when Borden showed Brand a copy of his own book, Brand seemed uninterested in anything beyond himself. The encounter made Borden question the thoughtful image he had believed in.

The Photographs

Borden says the early portraits made Brand look handsome, serene, and almost messianic. In retrospect, they seem to him like flattering publicity. The less polished photographs, taken near the end of the shoot when Brand was eager to leave, strike Borden as darker and more revealing, though he does not consider them strong enough for his portfolio.

He describes Brand as a highly skilled performer who can create a convincing public persona, while stressing that he is not equating Brand with Jimmy Savile.

Public Image and Legal Proceedings

Discussing Brand’s public religious turn, Borden speculates that it could be sincere, strategic, or both. He worries that a prominent media appearance and a redemption narrative could shape potential jurors’ perceptions and complicate the prospect of a fair trial.

These are Borden’s opinions, not findings of guilt. He notes that Brand had not been found guilty and says the legal outcome should be determined in due course.

Borden’s Reflections

Borden does not regret photographing Brand, saying photographers document the people and culture of their time. However, in light of later allegations and public scrutiny, he views the especially flattering images differently.

Presenters and Contributor

Fred and Harry Borden; Harry Borden is the interviewee.