PHOTOGRAPHY, THEATRE, PORTRAIT
Behind the Scenes of Photoshoot for "The Crucible".
Creating promotional image for the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin featuring Niamh McCormack
Caption: Niamh McCormack as Abigail in "The Crucible". phot. Marcin Lewandowski | soundofphotography.com for Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety Theatre approached me to create a promotional image for The Crucible, and the initial spark came from one of the photographs on my website, setting the tone and mood for what the team envisioned. To make sure we were all aligned, they shared a placeholder poster design and a collection of additional visual references before the shoot.
I loved the brief as there is something endlessly magnetic about Abigail and the story of Salem. Witches always linger in our imaginations. Half real, half myth. Like echoes that never quite fade.
“The spark of inspiration came from one of my own photographs.”
Finding the location
The Gaiety team had scouted a forest setting that perfectly matched the atmosphere of the play. I knew the area from previous hikes, and I arrived early to explore and find the exact spot that would help define the final photograph. I identified four or five potential locations offering different moods and look variations, and once Niamh McCormack with the team arrived, we quickly narrowed locations down together.
“I arrived early to find the spot that would define the final photograph.”
On set — one hour to tell a story
We had just one hour to complete the shoot. Time constraints can sharpen focus, and this session was no exception. Niamh’s ability to take directions and intuitively channel the character made the session flow naturally — that shared creative language helped us to be smooth.
Gear-wise, I used 500-watt Elinchrom head fitted with a reflector and the Fujinon 90mm f/2.0 lens. This setup gave me the depth and separation I was looking for — a quiet, cinematic distance with lots of character.
“Finding a common creative rhythm is everything.”
Caption: Final image from "The Crucible" photoshoot. phot. Marcin Lewandowski | soundofphotography.com
The moment it came together
The shot came to life when the storytelling, composition, light, choice of lens and distance all aligned. We previewed the image and I felt completely satisfied. It captured Niamh as both hunting and haunted, exactly as we’d envisioned.
From a longlist of images, the Gaiety team selected three key looks and from that shortlist, everyone agreed on the same frame — the one that became the final image for The Crucible’s promotional campaign.
“It captured Niamh as both hunting and haunted, exactly as planned.”
Closing thought
Every photoshoot is a collaboration in its own way, especially when everyone is tuned to the same wavelength.
"The Crucible" opens at the Gaiety Theatre on 9 February 2026.
If you’re planning a production and think I might be a good fit to help shape the visual side of it, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s start a conversation and see where it leads.
Marcin Lewandowski | soundofphotography.com
Caption: Few location images from "The Crucible" photoshoot. phot. Marcin Lewandowski | soundofphotography.com
