A film about portraiture, process, and presence.
In a time when images are often fast, fleeting, and digitally manipulated, “Henry Black. The Art of Intention” is a short film that slows down the act of seeing.
Photographer Henry Black, with a background in film and a commitment to precision, has embraced the deliberate pace of large format photography. His portraits of artists are made in their own everyday spaces, shaped with light, contrast, and patience.
This film follows Henry as he creates a portrait of Australian/New Zealand artist Tessa MacKay, known for her large-scale hyperrealist works. Filmed in her Fremantle (Walyalup) studio, the session becomes a meeting point of two practices: a painter of detail and a photographer of intention.
Why large format photography?
With his head under the dark cloth, Henry views the world upside down and back to front. The process is tactile and methodical, every frame carries weight. For Henry, portraiture is not simply about making an image. It’s about slowing down, being present, and honouring the craft of the artist in front of him.
The choice of film is more than technical. It mirrors the physicality of Tessa’s own work, resisting the sameness of digital shortcuts. The result is a portrait shaped not only by lens and light, but by the shared integrity of two creative practices.
Tessa MacKay: Artist and subject
Tessa’s reputation as a hyperrealist painter extends beyond her meticulous technique. Her work reveals an intimacy with detail, a patience with process, and a deep connection to the human form.
To see her step into Henry’s frame is to witness two crafts in conversation, realism meeting realism, precision meeting presence. The portrait becomes both document and dialogue.
More than a portrait
What emerges is more than a photograph. It’s a meditation on method, mindset, and the quiet anticipation of creation.
Every portrait is an act of deep respect. To take time, to work with integrity, is to remind ourselves that how we create matters as much as what we create.
Watch the film
“Henry Black. The Art of Intention.” was filmed in Fremantle (Walyalup) and Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, and produced by Sum Effect.
We invite you to watch, reflect, and share the branded film with those who value slow craft, real artistry, and the celebration of human connection.
Watch on Youtube: Henry Black. The Art of Intention.
Still frames from the film
A Sum Effect Production
Director, DOP, Editor // Matt Reed
Producer // Lisa Reed
Featuring // Henry Black, Tessa MacKay
First Assistant Director, Camera // Jessica Correia
BTS Cinematographer // Elliot Ramsay
Sound Design // Rob Johnson
Music in order of Appearance, courtesy of Artlist.io:
“Twilight” by Risian
“Vera” by Borrtex
“Waking Life” by Risian
“Sense Of Music” by Borrtex
“Forest Fire” (instrumental version) by Louis Island
“Reflections” by Risian
Supported by:
Canon Professional Services
Wonderful Machine
Image Makers Association
