Highlighting Meghan's discerning taste, Harriman stated, "I mean, her taste is impeccable. She is someone that looks for great depth of meaning and intention in what she engages in. And I believe she felt that in this film." The After, an 18-minute short film on Netflix, marks Harriman's directorial debut and features actors David Oyelowo and John Julius Schwabach as co-writer. The film explores the profound grief experienced by an ordinary man and has been nominated for Best Live-Action Short at the upcoming 96th Oscars.
Meghan, aged 42, hosted a special screening of The After and moderated a talkback session with Harriman and Oyelowo on November 15, which took place at a private residence in Montecito. This is where the Duchess of Sussex resides with her husband Prince Harry and their two children, 4-year-old Prince Archie and 2-year-old Princess Lilibet.
In a heartfelt Instagram post in December, Harriman expressed his gratitude, describing the event as "extra special" with Meghan and "so many of my film idols" in attendance. He also mentioned Meghan's surprise video appearance to introduce him before his TED Talk, titled "The Power of an Image — and the Mind Behind It," in April 2023.
Harriman expressed his pride and deep appreciation for Meghan recognizing his work, as he navigates a world familiar to her. He shared, "To have her recognize this work is just something I'm really proud of. And I'm deeply thankful as well... little old me trying to get into this world that she knows so well."
Over the years, Harriman has become Meghan and Harry's trusted photographer, capturing significant moments since the couple's departure from their roles as working royals. This includes their 2021 pregnancy announcement and a photo of Princess Lilibet on her first birthday in 2022.
Reflecting on his photography, Harriman emphasized the importance of capturing truth and the human condition, whether it be through portraits of royalty or his involvement in civil rights movements. He stated, "My images of them do all the talking. Portraiture for me, whether it is royalty or whether I'm in the tip of the spear in any of the civil rights movements that I care deeply about, is looking for truth. That's fundamentally what my lens is there to capture—the human condition in full fidelity."
