Cubic Motion

Cubic Motion is the world leader in real-time model-based computer vision and digital animation, bringing extraordinary characters to life across video games, films, broadcast media, and immersive technologies. 

It was a real pleasure to be commissioned to carried out the documentary, product and portrait photography for their new website: https://cubicmotion.com/

British Ecological Society Conferences

Event Photography: British Ecological Society and Society for Tropical Ecology Annual Conference | McEwan Hall, Edinburgh

I recently photographed the joint annual conference of the British Ecological Society (BES) and the Society for Tropical Ecology, held in the magnificent McEwan Hall in Edinburgh. Covering conferences like this is always fascinating, and it can be a challenge to balance listening to presentations with capturing key moments for documentation and promotional purposes.

The photographs provide an overview of the event, highlighting the diversity of attendees, the atmosphere of the sessions, and the architectural grandeur of McEwan Hall. Capturing these moments visually helps illustrate the importance of the conference as a space for scientific exchange, networking, and engagement with current ecological research.

Capturing Academic Conferences

Event photography for academic and professional conferences requires attention to context, detail, and storytelling. I focused on capturing presenters during talks, delegates engaging in discussions, and the overall environment of the hall. These images are used for marketing, social media, and post-conference reporting, providing a visual record of the event that complements the written proceedings.

Documenting conferences also allows for the dissemination of the event’s energy and significance, giving future participants and collaborators a sense of the professional and social interactions that define such gatherings.

McEwan Hall: A Historic Backdrop

McEwan Hall in Edinburgh provides a dramatic and inspiring setting for conferences, combining historic architecture with modern event functionality. Photographing within this space adds visual interest, framing the attendees and speakers against the grandeur of the venue while highlighting the professional nature of the conference.

Conclusion

Photographing the joint BES and Society for Tropical Ecology annual conference offered an opportunity to create a visual record of scientific collaboration, lively discussion, and academic engagement. These images communicate the scale, professionalism, and atmosphere of the conference, providing valuable content for the societies’ marketing, archives, and social media.

Carolyn Radford

Portrait Photography: Carolyn Radford, CEO of Mansfield Town Football Club

I recently photographed Carolyn Radford, CEO of Mansfield Town Football Club, creating professional portrait images suitable for editorial, marketing, and corporate communications. These portraits capture her presence, leadership, and professionalism in one of the most visible executive roles in English football.

Carolyn Radford was appointed CEO of Mansfield Town at just 29, making her the youngest chief executive in English professional football at the time, and one of the very few female CEOs in the sport. Her role is groundbreaking in a male-dominated industry, highlighting her influence and leadership in football management, as well as her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the game.

Capturing Leadership Through Portrait Photography

Corporate and executive portrait photography is about more than a likeness; it conveys authority, confidence, and approachability. In Carolyn Radford’s session, the goal was to communicate her leadership style and professional presence while producing images suitable for club publications, press releases, and digital media.

Photography of football executives requires careful attention to context, branding, and tone. The portraits balance formality with accessibility, showing both the responsibilities of her role and her personality. These images provide a visual connection for fans, stakeholders, and partners, reinforcing her presence as a trailblazer in the sport.

Conclusion

Portrait photography of Carolyn Radford celebrates her pioneering role as one of the few female chief executives in British professional football while producing high-quality images for editorial, marketing, and social media use. Capturing executives in context ensures organisations can communicate their people, values, and leadership effectively, strengthening their visual presence both online and in print.

Cecily Brown by Shana Wilson

Portrait of Cecily Brown | Featured in Shana Wilson’s TribeShe Series

Portrait Photography Shared and Reinterpreted by Shana Wilson

Earlier this year, artist and creator Shana Wilson approached me about using my portrait of the British‑born painter Cecily Brown as the basis for a new work in her ongoing TribeShe series. TribeShe is a portrait series dedicated to increasing the visibility and empowerment of women over 40, celebrating their resilience, creativity, and continued cultural impact. Wilson’s work reframes existing images by placing them in a broader narrative of visibility and representation, making the original photograph a starting point for a new visual dialogue.

My original portrait of Cecily Brown and Wilson’s nearly completed reinterpretation are featured below, showing how portrait photography can transcend its initial purpose to inspire creative reinterpretation and collaboration within the visual arts. You can find more of Shana Wilson’s work at her website: shanawilsonartist.com.

Who Is Cecily Brown and Why a Portrait of Her Matters

Cecily Brown is a highly influential British painter whose work has been central to the resurgence of figurative painting since the 1990s. Born in London in 1969, she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art before moving to New York in the mid‑1990s, where she quickly established herself on the international art stage. Her early exhibitions at Deitch Projects were met with critical and commercial success, and her career has included solo shows at major institutions such as the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, and Blenheim Palace in the UK, among others.

Brown’s work is characterised by sweeping, gestural brushwork that blurs the boundary between abstraction and figuration. She draws on influences ranging from Abstract Expressionists like Willem de Kooning to Old Masters such as Rubens and Goya, combining historical references with a deeply personal exploration of movement, form, and perception. Her paintings often appear intense and kaleidoscopic, inviting sustained viewer engagement and reflection.

Brown’s paintings are included in the permanent collections of world‑renowned institutions including the British Museum, Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Beyond her aesthetic achievements, her influence stems from how she revitalised painting at a time when conceptual and multimedia art dominated. Her commitment to paint as a medium, and her ability to synthesise figuration and abstraction, marks her as one of the most important painters of her generation.

TribeShe: Amplifying Women’s Voices Through Art

Shana Wilson’s TribeShe series focuses on women over 40, emphasising empowerment, legacy, and representation. By selecting portraits of women who have already made significant cultural contributions, Wilson reframes them in a way that foregrounds lived experience, agency, and continued relevance. Choosing a portrait of Cecily Brown — an artist with an influential career spanning decades and an international presence — aligns with TribeShe’s mission to highlight women whose voices deserve wider recognition.

Wilson’s reinterpretations are not merely aesthetic exercises; they position women’s stories within broader societal and artistic conversations, elevating subjects who have shaped their fields and whose work continues to resonate across communities.

The Power of Portraiture and Collaboration

Portrait photography captures more than a likeness; it reflects presence, influence, and context. A portrait of an artist like Cecily Brown carries weight not just because of her stature in the art world but because her career embodies sustained creativity and a commitment to her medium. Through Wilson’s reinterpretation, the original photographic work becomes part of a larger exploration of identity, ageing, and leadership in the arts.

This kind of artistic dialogue — where photographic portraiture becomes a catalyst for further creation — demonstrates the dynamic interplay between image, interpretation, and cultural narrative. It highlights the ways in which visual representation can both document and reframe the significance of influential figures.

Conclusion

Being approached by Shana Wilson to contribute to her TribeShe series through my portrait of Cecily Brown was a reminder of how photography can extend beyond its initial purpose, becoming part of new artistic stories and collaborations. The partnership between photographer and painter, between original image and reinterpretation, reflects the fluid, ongoing conversations within contemporary art about identity, visibility, and empowerment.

Explore more of Shana Wilson’s work at shanawilsonartist.com.

Nick Freeman

It’s not everyday you get to cruise around Cheshire in a Jaguar XK120, let alone when its 28 degrees outside. Happily, they were the conditions when I photographed motoring lawyer to the stars Nick Freeman for the Sunday Times ‘Me and My Motor’ section.

We found out that classic cars don’t really enjoy idling in the baking heat, but after a bit of cooling off in the shade, we got the job done.

Ian & Andrew McMillan

A few months ago I had the real pleasure of photographing poets Andrew McMillan and his father Ian McMillan for the Relative Values feature in The Sunday Times. Spending time with the two of them was both humbling and enjoyable, and the resulting portraits reflect not just their connection as father and son but also their remarkable contributions to British poetry and culture.

I’ve known of Ian’s work from radio appearances throughout my youth and of course from his long‑standing role as the official poet of Barnsley Football Club. Born in Darfield, South Yorkshire in 1956, Ian McMillan is an English poet, journalist, playwright and broadcaster known for his warm Northern voice and distinctive Yorkshire accent. He has presented BBC Radio 3’s The Verb, written extensively for national publications, and remains deeply rooted in the cultural life of his home region.

His son Andrew McMillan is a leading voice in contemporary British poetry in his own right. Born near Barnsley in 1988, Andrew’s debut poetry collection Physical was published by Jonathan Cape and made history as the first poetry collection to win the Guardian First Book Award. Since then he has published multiple acclaimed works and serves as Professor of Contemporary Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Photographing them together was an opportunity to explore both shared legacy and individual achievement. The session was unhurried and conversational, enabling us to create portraits that communicate personality, mutual respect, and the unique dynamic between two generations of writers. Much of our conversation, inevitably, turned to football — not surprising given Ian’s poetic celebration of sport and his unofficial title as Barnsley’s “Bard” — and it was fascinating to see how the everyday passions of life in Yorkshire inform both of their creative worlds.

The portraits were commissioned to accompany The Sunday Times feature, which invited readers inside the personal and professional lives of these two poets. Editorial portraiture like this goes beyond capturing a likeness; the aim is to reflect character and context, helping readers connect with the subjects on a deeper level. In this case, the images complement the written piece by conveying warmth, humour and the richness of a life spent in language.

Ian’s body of work spans poetry collections, plays, journalism and broadcasting, and he has long been celebrated for promoting poetry to wider audiences. Whether performing live, writing columns or bringing regional voices into national conversation, his career has been rooted in community and accessibility. Andrew’s work is both deeply personal and widely resonant, addressing themes of identity, belonging and emotion while winning recognition on major literary stages. The time spent photographing them offered a glimpse into how these creative lives intersect and diverge, making for a compelling visual story.

In the portraits, you’ll see expressions and gestures that hint at their personalities — Ian’s ease and characteristic humour, Andrew’s quiet intensity and reflective presence — and a sense of connection that only time spent in conversation can reveal. These images do more than illustrate a feature; they document a moment in the lives of two major voices in contemporary poetry.

It was a pleasure to be part of this project, and I’m grateful to The Sunday Times for the opportunity to shoot such thoughtful subjects.

Kingsway School

Some pictures from my first commission for Kingsway School. I’m glad to have been back for a further shoot later this year.

You can see the pictures in action on the school’s website: https://www.kingsway.stockport.sch.uk/

Nadia Nadim for Scandinavian Airlines

Nadia Nadim Photography for Scandinavian Airlines | Editorial Portraits

I recently photographed Nadia Nadim, the Danish international footballer and Manchester City midfielder, for a commission with Scandinavian Airlines. Nadim’s story is extraordinary: born in Afghanistan, she fled the country as a child after her father was executed, resettled in Denmark, and went on to become a professional footballer, a medical student training to be a surgeon, and a polyglot fluent in nine languages. Meeting and photographing her was genuinely inspiring.

This commission was a collaboration with sports journalist Claire Bloomfield and Swedish design agency Off The Wall. The photographs accompany a feature in Scandinavian Traveler magazine, capturing Nadim’s achievements, resilience, and extraordinary personal journey.

Capturing Nadia Nadim: Editorial and Portrait Photography

The photography focused on portraiture and environmental shots rather than on-pitch action. The aim was to convey Nadim’s character, determination, and life story, highlighting her journey from refugee to professional athlete, her academic pursuits in medicine, and her advocacy for social issues including refugee support and gender equality in sport. Professional editorial photography in this context brings her story to life, showing her as a role model, a global citizen, and an inspirational figure beyond football. The images were designed to engage audiences, complement the written profile, and be used across social media, print, and digital publications.

Nadia Nadim: An Inspirational Life Story

Nadim’s achievements extend far beyond football. She has represented Denmark in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups while balancing her studies in medicine, reflecting a remarkable dedication to both sport and education. Fluent in nine languages, she uses her platform to advocate for refugees, gender equality, and social responsibility. Her experiences as a refugee, professional athlete, student, and humanitarian make her an inspirational figure whose story resonates across sports, education, and social advocacy. Capturing her in portraits allowed the photography to reflect both her achievements and her personal strength, portraying the resilience and leadership that define her career.

Collaboration with Claire Bloomfield and Off The Wall

Working alongside Claire Bloomfield and Swedish design agency Off The Wall ensured that the images complemented the editorial narrative for Scandinavian Traveler magazine. The session was carefully directed to highlight Nadim’s personality, presence, and inspirational journey, creating photographs that communicate both her character and the story behind her achievements. In editorial projects like this, professional photography supports storytelling, engages audiences, and conveys the context, personality, and impact of the subject.

Conclusion

Photographing Nadia Nadim for Scandinavian Airlines and Scandinavian Traveler magazine was a unique opportunity to highlight her achievements, resilience, and global influence. By focusing on editorial portraiture, the photography captured her inspirational story and personality rather than football action, providing a lasting visual record of her remarkable journey.

Read the full feature in Scandinavian Traveler magazine here.

Jimmy Banks for Royal Bank of Scotland

Portrait photographs of Jimmy Banks for the Royal Bank of Scotland magazine. Jimmy transformed his life through healthy eating and exercise. We shot these pictures at Worthington Lakes in Wigan, Jimmy's usual running route.

Whitworth Young Contemporaries

Portrait Photography: Whitworth Young Contemporaries

I recently photographed some of the Whitworth Young Contemporaries, a programme at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester that supports emerging artists and creatives. The portraits capture the diversity, creativity, and individuality of the participants, highlighting both their artistic identity and their connection to the gallery community.

Capturing Young Artists

Portrait photography for programmes like the Whitworth Young Contemporaries focuses on personality, presence, and storytelling. The aim was to create images that are authentic and engaging, reflecting the unique qualities of each participant while providing professional material for marketing, social media, and archives.

By photographing the artists in a relaxed and creative environment, the portraits convey both confidence and curiosity, giving audiences a sense of the talent and potential nurtured through the Whitworth’s programme.

Why Professional Portrait Photography Matters

High-quality images of young artists help showcase the impact of programmes like the Whitworth Young Contemporaries. Photographs communicate the individuality of participants, illustrate the gallery’s support for emerging talent, and provide content for exhibitions, press, and online platforms.

Professional portrait photography creates a visual narrative that complements the programme’s goals, connecting audiences with the people behind the art and highlighting the gallery’s role in fostering creative development.

Conclusion

Photographing the Whitworth Young Contemporaries was a rewarding experience, providing portraits that capture the personality, creativity, and individuality of emerging artists. These images help the gallery communicate the energy and talent of its participants while creating a lasting visual record of the programme.

Victoria Jordan

Victoria Jordan photographed in Greater Manchester for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University

Karsten Schubert

Karsten Andreas Schubert, art dealer and gallerist, born 12 August 1961; died 30 July 2019

Alistair Hudson

Portrait of Alistair Hudson, Director of Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth

I photographed Alistair Hudson, director of Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth, during the opening of Alison Wilding’s exhibition at the Whitworth in February 2018. The exhibition, including her work in the Wyoming series, brought together gallery staff, artists, and visitors to celebrate one of the most significant contemporary sculpture presentations at the gallery in recent years. The Wyoming works exemplify Wilding’s exploration of material, form, and spatial relationships, making this exhibition a key moment in the Whitworth’s programme.

Alistair Hudson is a British curator and museum director with a long career in the cultural sector, known for championing the role of art as a tool for social change and education. Before taking up the dual directorship of Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth, he was director of the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), where he developed the concept of the “Useful Museum,” positioning the institution as a centre for community engagement and artistic relevance. Prior to that he spent a decade as deputy director of Grizedale Arts in the Lake District, recognised for radical approaches to working with artists and communities. Earlier in his career he worked at the Anthony d’Offay Gallery in London and at The Government Art Collection, devising public art strategies.

During his time in Manchester, Hudson also held an honorary professorship at the University of Manchester, promoting a vision of cultural institutions as active spaces for social engagement and learning. In 2023 he moved on to become the Artistic‑Scientific Director and Chairman of the Zentrum für Kunst und Medien (ZKM) in Karlsruhe, Germany, a leading institution at the intersection of art, technology, and media.

Photographing Hudson at the opening involved capturing both formal and candid moments, documenting his presence, interactions with guests, and the dynamic environment of the Whitworth during this key exhibition launch. The images provide a visual record of the event, supporting the gallery’s marketing and archival needs while illustrating the presence and role of the gallery director.

Cecily Brown

Cecily Brown: Shipwreck drawings

This is an exhibition of a extraordinary series of drawings by Cecily Brown, of wrecked ships and their passengers. Brown’s practice of painterly interrogation of an existing image, here takes on one of the most celebrated paintings in the world; Gericault’s The Raft of the Medusa, 1819. Also taking inspiration from other Old Masters, notably Delacroix, Brown re-examines human presence, figuration and representations of maritime tragedy throughout history

17 November – 15 April 2018

Shot at the opening of Shipwreck Drawings at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester 

Research Matters Magazine

Manchester Metropolitan University Research Matters Photography | Academic and Research Editorial

Seeing your work published in print never loses its appeal. I was delighted to see my photography featured in the latest edition of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Research Matters magazine, highlighting the university’s research initiatives in health and social care. Working on this ongoing editorial project allows me to capture staff, students, and research activities in a professional, visually engaging way for an academic audience.

I have collaborated with Stu Wilkin of THMedia since the first edition of the magazine, and it was rewarding to see my work continue to feature prominently following the magazine’s recent redesign. The new layout showcases the photography effectively, complementing the written content and helping communicate the impact of MMU’s research to readers.

I would like to thank Jackie Rees and the staff at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Health and Social Care for their cooperation during the shoots. The sessions focused on documentary and portrait photography, illustrating the university’s innovative research projects, student engagement, and professional academic environment.

Academic and Research Photography for Manchester Metropolitan University

Professional photography for university publications like Research Matters serves multiple purposes. It documents research activity, highlights staff and student achievements, and provides compelling visual content for marketing, social media, and institutional outreach. By capturing authentic moments of collaboration, experimentation, and presentation, editorial photography reinforces the university’s reputation as a leading centre for research in health and social care.

Using documentary and portraiture techniques, the photographs convey professionalism, engagement, and the human side of academic research. Each image is composed to resonate with prospective students, researchers, and institutional partners, enhancing both the magazine’s editorial value and Manchester Metropolitan University’s wider communication goals.

Conclusion

Photography for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Research Matters magazine demonstrates the importance of professional visual storytelling in academic publications. The latest edition highlights staff, students, and research projects while providing marketing and social media assets for the university. Capturing research initiatives and academic collaboration ensures that the magazine not only informs but also engages readers, reinforcing MMU’s role as a hub of innovation and expertise in health and social care.

Many thanks to Jackie Rees and the staff at Manchester Metropolitan University's Department of Heaslth and Social Care for their co-operation with the shoots.