It's a picture that has gained iconic status in a matter of hours. Grazia speaks to the man behind the camera, Samir Hussein. Read more on G
The image of Harry and Meghan arriving at the Endeavour Fund Awards has caused a sensation, the perfect depiction of a happy couple. Samir Hussein, who took the photograph, talks Grazia through the already iconic moment.
'The engagement with Harry and Meghan attending the Endeavour Awards was highly anticipated: they had been out of the UK since announcing they were stepping down as Royals. As one of their last official engagements, I knew the photos would be used around the world with enormous interest. I had made the trip back from covering the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Ireland to capture these photos.
Arriving at the engagement my hopes were not high - it was pouring down with rain which can be very tricky when shooting flash photography, and also meant Harry and Meghan would be under an umbrella which usually means it's hard to get clean photos of the couple. Little did I know these elements would come together so spectacularly to produce a timeless image of the couple.
After speaking to Harry and Meghan's press officer, I learnt they would be dropped off short of the entrance to Mansion House and walk around 10 meters before entering the event. I positioned myself in the official photographer's pen in the best line possible to capture the couple head on. When they arrived their body language and affection for one another was amazing - they were smiling and seemed excited to be photographed together.
As they walked towards me I noticed a flash going off from a camera in the crowd behind them. I knew that if that light could be lined up to be right behind as they walked, then it could create a dramatic photo, acting like a back light in a studio shot. I managed to manoeuvre myself to line up the flash behind them, and then had to work quickly with just a second of two to get the shot as they smiled wonderfully at each other.
Immediately I downloaded the photos onto my laptop and that image jumped straight out at me. I held my breath as I zoomed in, to to check if it was sharp (with the rain pouring and many flashes firing, it's easy to end up with soft images). Thankfully it was sharp, and I knew I had a truly special shot.
I've photographed the royals for over 12 years, but this photo really resonates. I've taken many photos I'm really proud of, but in terms of the huge interest in the subjects and the response I've had this is probably the most iconic photo I've taken.
It's a one in a million, when all the elements you could wish for as a photographer come together - perfect timing, great lighting, strong symbolism and amazing subjects make this a magical photo I am extremely proud of.
Whatever people think about Harry and Meghan, this photo shows a couple very much in love, and them walking so confidently through the pouring rain with such a glow has a lot of symbolism.'
