Unit Stills Photographer — God’s Creatures

It was a profound privilege to serve as the Unit Stills Photographer on God’s Creatures, a haunting psychological drama set in a remote Irish fishing village. Every day on set, I had the unique opportunity to capture behind-the-scenes photography and on-set moments that complemented the film’s intimate storytelling.

Directed by Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer, the film stars Emily Watson as Aileen O’Hara, a devoted mother whose protective instincts lead her to make a life-altering decision, and Paul Mescal as her estranged son, Brian, whose return home disrupts the fragile balance of their community. The ensemble cast also features Aisling Franciosi as Sarah Murphy, Declan Conlon as Con O’Hara, Toni O’Rourke as Erin O’Hara, Marion O’Dwyer as Mary Fitz, Brendan McCormack as Francie D’Arcey, and Lalor Roddy as Paddy O’Hara.

Filming took place across County Donegal, including Kilcar, Glencolmcille, and Killybegs, capturing the essence of the coastal village and its inhabitants. Cinematographer Chayse Irvin utilized 35mm film to achieve an observational and somber aesthetic, immersing viewers in the emotional landscape of the story.

As the film stills photographer, I was entrusted with documenting both the powerful performances and the subtle moments between takes. Each day on set offered the opportunity to capture the nuanced dynamics between the cast and the evocative settings, contributing to the film’s visual identity across promotional materials, press campaigns, and social media narratives.

⸻

Cast: Emily Watson, Paul Mescal, Aisling Franciosi, Declan Conlon, Toni O’Rourke, Marion O’Dwyer, Brendan McCormack, Lalor Roddy
Directors: Saela Davis, Anna Rose Holmer

Screenwriter: Shane Crowley
Producers: Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly
Cinematographer: Chayse Irvin
Editors: Jeanne Applegate, Julia Bloch
Music: Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
Production Designer: Inbal Weinberg
Casting Directors: Michelle Giovanni, Nick McGinley, Layla Gibbon
Gaffer: [Gaffer’s Name]
Hair Designer: Niamh Glynn
Hair Stylist: Shirley Talbot
Makeup Artist: Edwina Kelly
Makeup Designer: Freddie Stopler

Production Companies: A24, BBC Film, Screen Ireland, The Wrap Fund, Nine Daughters
Distributors: A24 (Worldwide), BFI Distribution (UK), Volta Pictures (Ireland)
Filming Locations: Kilcar, Glencolmcille, Killybegs, County Donegal