The way I as a photographer approach an early shoot with a young actor is to set simple contexts or characters for them to work on. This is not meant to be "real life" but images with a theatre style to them. It's a sketch portrayal of the subject, situation or role. So it was here with this image with James yesterday.

I am very aware that part of the project series will demand hard hitting "real" images, but this remember is preparation leading up to those shoots in real environments with a combination of people being themselves and actors.

It is also important to understand that the depictions are with actors or models, who may be seen depicting situations or activities which are simply acting and role play. Smoking for example is included in most shoots with actors, but rarely with real cigarettes, [James is 15 & does not smoke]. An actors portrays many characters  time periods and cultures - it does not mean he/she is like that portrayal. Please remember that!!