Unit Stills Photographer — Small Things Like These

It was an incredible honour to be on set every single day as the Unit Stills Photographer, documenting the behind-the-scenes photography for the deeply moving and highly poignant feature film Small Things Like These. Working as the film stills photographer on this production was a dream come true — capturing intimate moments on set, portraits of the cast, and the cinematic transformation of New Ross, County Wexford, where the story is set and was filmed.

The production was passionately led and crafted by actor/producer Cillian Murphy and director Tim Mielants, who brought breath, illumination, sensitivity, and empathy to Enda Walsh’s brilliant screenplay adaptation of Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novella. As an on set photographer, I could feel both the motion and the stillness of Keegan’s words in the air each day. The film was beautifully realised through the lens of gifted cinematographer Frank Van Den Eeden, whose work added depth and atmosphere to every frame.

From the very first day, I knew I was standing on the most incredible emotional live stage I could wish for — witnessing extraordinary performances from Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, and Zara Devlin. Being there to capture both the dramatic scenes and the quiet moments in between was a privilege I’ll always treasure.

I’m deeply grateful to have been part of this remarkable production with such a brilliant cast and crew. Special thanks to producer Catherine Magee, line producer Lorraine Hewson, and First AD Daire Glynn with his exceptional AD team for their warmth, professionalism, and support throughout filming.

“It feels like a completely different country now, but the events in the film take place in living memory. It’s a small book, but not a small story — not politically or emotionally, and not to me.” — Cillian Murphy

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Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Zara Devlin, Eileen Furlong
Director: Tim Mielants
Screenwriter: Enda Walsh
Producers: Alan Moloney, Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Drew Vinton
Co-Producers: Catherine Magee, Susan Mullen
Line Producer: Lorraine Hewson
1st AD: Daire Glynn | 2nd AD: Tanya Rosen | 3rd AD: Nicola Jackson
DOP: Frank Van Den Eeden | Gaffer: Simon Magee | Grip: Oisín Kelly
Art Director: Paki Smith | Continuity: Áine Máire Ní Thaibhís
Costume Designer: Alison McCosh | Hair Designer: Lorraine Glynn
Make-Up Designer: Lynn Johnston