Check out Gilderoy Lockhart's insane unearthed author photo shoot for Harry Potter

Lockhart's Pompous Pics

As Gilderoy Lockhart, Kenneth Branagh played a famous wizarding writer with a penchant for deception and ex-aggeration. The one thing he did not lack, however, was charisma, as evidenced in this unearthed author photo shoot. Chamber of Secrets director Chris Columbus walks us through the gallery.

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Flying High

"We shot all of these on a bluescreen stage, and Ken had no problem hamming it up and having a great time," recalls Columbus.

Big Fella

Look at that catch! "[Kenneth Branagh] is one of the funniest people I've ever met—he has a great sense of humor, and he was up to it," Columbus says.

Say Cheese, pt. 1

That smile's got just the right amount of smug. "These photos were meant to be tongue-in-cheek and very funny," explains Columbus. Mission accomplished.

Say Cheese, pt. 2

"But my favorite moment [with Lockhart] — it's one of my favorite scenes in the movie — is when Ken [Branagh] and Dan [Radcliffe] are signing the photos in his office," Columbus reveals of a scene from The Chamber of Secrets. "I loved that."

Over There!

Does Columbus have a favorite photo? Sadly, he can't choose. "They all made me laugh," he concedes.

Ahoy!

Lockhart is commonly known as a fraud, but in conclusion: These photos are a serious accomplishment. Get this man another book deal!