Corporate Event Photography in Manchester for CDW

I was recently commissioned by Coolbox Films to deliver a comprehensive corporate photography shoot for CDW at their Manchester offices. The brief combined conference coverage with the creation of a versatile marketing image library for future use.

As a Manchester-based commercial photographer, I regularly work with businesses to produce high-quality imagery for websites, social media, PR and internal communications. This project was a great example of how a single shoot can generate a wide range of visual assets.

Conference Photography in Manchester

A key part of the shoot focused on conference photography, capturing speakers presenting to a live audience within CDW’s office space in Manchester.

My approach to conference photography is observational and documentary-led, allowing me to capture natural moments without interrupting the flow of the event. This results in authentic images that reflect both the professionalism and atmosphere of the day.

I documented keynote speakers, audience engagement and wider environmental shots that establish the scale and setting of the conference. These images are particularly valuable for future event promotion, marketing and press use.

Corporate Photography for Marketing and Brand Content

Alongside the conference, I created a series of corporate lifestyle images designed to build a strong marketing image bank for CDW.

I focused on capturing genuine interactions between staff, showing teams working together in a natural and believable way. This style of corporate photography helps businesses present a more human and approachable identity, which is especially important for tech companies.

The final images are suitable for use across websites, social media campaigns and recruitment materials.

Office and Workspace Photography

I also photographed CDW’s office environment in Manchester, producing a range of clean and well-composed interior images.

This included wider shots of the workspace, as well as more detailed images of desk setups featuring both PC and Apple systems. These types of images are ideal for communicating company culture, workplace quality and technical capability.

Office photography like this is often used across websites, presentations and hiring campaigns to give a clear sense of the working environment.

Corporate Headshots in Manchester

As part of the shoot, I produced a series of professional corporate headshots for CDW staff.

I kept the approach consistent to ensure the images work seamlessly across LinkedIn, company profiles and press releases. My aim with headshots is always to create natural, confident portraits that align with the company’s overall brand.

Creating a Flexible Image Library

The goal of this project was to deliver a comprehensive and flexible set of images that CDW can use across multiple platforms over time.

By combining conference photography, corporate lifestyle imagery, office interiors and headshots, I was able to provide a complete visual resource without the need for multiple shoots.

This approach is particularly effective for large organisations and growing businesses looking to maintain a consistent visual identity.

Corporate Photographer in Manchester

Manchester continues to grow as a hub for technology and business, and I regularly work with companies across the region to create high-quality commercial photography.

If you’re looking for a corporate photographer in Manchester for conference coverage, marketing imagery or headshots, please drop me a line at: david@davidoates.net

Documenting the Station Agent's House for The Landmark Trust

In 1830, the Railway Age began with the launch of Liverpool Road Station, recognised as the first railway terminus specifically designed for inter-city passenger travel. The residence of its original Station Agent has been transformed by the Landmark Trust into an eco-friendly and accessible holiday let in the heart of Manchester. I was fortunate to photograph the building before the restoration, during its renovation and after completion.

Significant renovations in the 1980’s altered much of the station's original charm and interiors, so The Landmark Trust have chosen furnishings that reflect the elegance of the 1930’s and the golden age of steam travel.

In 1828, the site for what would become Liverpool Road Station was chosen by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, under the guidance of Engineer George Stephenson, due to its strategic location. This building served as the home for the first Station Agent, Joseph Green, and was central to the station's development. It was here that many features defining train travel emerged, including waiting areas, signaling systems, ticketing, and the offices of the station agent.

As the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, Liverpool Road quickly became too small to accommodate the growing popularity of rail travel, leading to its eventual transformation into a goods and freight station by 1844. The station ceased operations in 1975, but its historical importance was recognized, and in 1983, it was repurposed into the Science and Industry Museum, with the Station Agent’s House serving as office space.

In collaboration with the Science & Industry Museum, our restoration project now allows the public to explore the Station Agent’s House for the very first time, marking an important step in the Museum’s initiative to provide visitors access to all aspects of this significant industrial heritage site, which spans seven acres.

Today, this historic Grade I listed building embodies a blend of innovative technology and environmental sustainability, equipped with features to support individuals with limited mobility, including a lift connecting its main floors.

Professional Headshot Photography to Build Your Personal Brand

As a freelance photographer specializing in headshot photography, I am dedicated to helping you create a strong personal brand that stands out in today’s competitive marketplace. Whether you're an actor, corporate professional, entrepreneur, or creative artist, a high-quality headshot can make a significant impact on how you're perceived.

Why Choose Professional Headshots?

In a digital world where first impressions often happen online, a professional headshot is more important than ever. It serves as your visual introduction, giving potential clients, employers, or collaborators a glimpse of your personality and professionalism. With years of experience in portrait photography, I understand the nuances that make a headshot truly exceptional. Here are a few reasons to invest in professional headshot photography:

1. Build Trust and Credibility

A well-crafted headshot conveys trustworthiness and professionalism. It can enhance your personal brand and increase your chances of being remembered. In a sea of profiles, a standout image can make all the difference.

2. Tailored to Your Needs

Every client is unique, and I take the time to understand your specific requirements and vision. Whether you prefer a corporate look for LinkedIn, a creative vibe for your portfolio, or a friendly appearance for networking events, I tailor the session to capture your individuality.

3. High-Quality Results

Using professional-grade equipment and techniques, I ensure that each headshot is of the highest quality. From lighting and composition to post-processing, every detail is meticulously handled to deliver stunning results.

The Headshot Photography Process

Consultation

Before we start, I offer a consultation to discuss your goals, preferred styles, and any specific locations you have in mind. This initial conversation is crucial in ensuring that we capture the essence of who you are.

Photoshoot

During the shoot, I create a relaxed atmosphere to help you feel comfortable. Whether in my studio or on location, I guide you through poses and expressions to showcase your personality effectively.

Editing and Delivery

Post-session, I carefully edit the images to enhance their quality while maintaining authenticity. You’ll receive your headshots in various formats, perfect for both online and print use.

Perfect for All Professions

I cater to a diverse clientele, including:

• Corporate Professionals: Elevate your LinkedIn profile and company website with polished headshots that reflect your professionalism.

• Actors and Performers: Showcase your unique character with compelling headshots that resonate with casting directors.

• Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: Establish your brand identity with dynamic images that convey your passion and expertise.

• Creatives and Artists: Capture your artistic essence in headshots that tell your story.

Booking Your Headshot Session

Ready to elevate your image? Booking your headshot session is easy! Visit my Contact Page to schedule a consultation or inquire about pricing and packages.

By investing in professional headshot photography, you’re taking a crucial step toward building your brand and making a lasting impression. Explore the gallery of my recent work to see examples of how I help clients like you shine.

Let’s work together to create a headshot that truly represents you and opens doors to new opportunities!

Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste

I always look forward to photographing the Adidas Marketing conferences, and this year’s event at Factory International in Manchester was nothing short of spectacular. Working alongside Jules from TOL Events, who consistently delivers remarkable experiences, I was excited to capture every moment of this high-energy gathering.

A Unique Venue for an Immersive Experience

The venue, a giant warehouse transformed into a versatile event space, provided the perfect backdrop for a dynamic and immersive conference. The auditorium was buzzing with activity as presentations, fashion shows, interviews, and even a beatboxing performance unfolded, keeping attendees fully engaged throughout the day. Every corner of the space offered opportunities to capture both staged and candid moments that reflected the energy and creativity of the event.

Capturing the Finale: A Fun Fair Surprise

The finale was particularly memorable. As the curtain lifted, the audience was treated to a full-size fun fair inside the warehouse, complete with rides, attractions, and a surprise appearance by Juergen Klopp. Capturing the excitement, expressions, and unique atmosphere of this unexpected twist made this assignment especially rewarding. The combination of dramatic lighting, large-scale installations, and human interaction created compelling photographic moments that told the story of the event from start to finish.

The Importance of Professional Event Photography

Professional event photography plays a crucial role for brands like Adidas. High-quality images not only document the day but also communicate the brand’s energy, professionalism, and vision. The photographs from this conference can be used across marketing campaigns, social media, press releases, internal communications, and future event promotion. Capturing a multifaceted live event like this requires technical expertise, creative framing, and an instinct for storytelling. Every shot contributes to the overall narrative, highlighting both the audience experience and the brand identity.

Collaborating with TOL Events

Working with TOL Events ensured a seamless flow throughout the day. Jules’ ability to push creative boundaries and orchestrate an engaging experience made my work as a photographer both challenging and exciting. From structured presentations to spontaneous interactions around the venue, there was always something compelling to capture.

Conclusion: Capturing the Energy and Spirit of the Event

Photographing the Adidas Marketing conference at Factory International in Manchester was an exhilarating experience. From the energetic auditorium sessions to the whimsical fun fair finale, every moment offered a unique story. Event photography is not simply about taking pictures—it is about capturing the spirit of the occasion, the energy of the participants, and the essence of the brand.

A Commercial photography commission for Transport for the North

I recently completed another commission for Transport for the North, focusing on the intersection of modern transportation infrastructure and sustainable mobility. The shoot took place in and around Warrington Bank Quay station on a cold, wintry day, providing a striking backdrop for capturing both railway and electric vehicle infrastructure.

As a professional photographer, I approached this project with the goal of documenting the full spectrum of travel and mobility, from railway tracks and station platforms to electric vehicle charging points and urban transport hubs. The result is a series of images that highlight how modern infrastructure supports people on the move, whether by train, car, or bicycle.

Photographing Railway Infrastructure at Warrington Bank Quay

Warrington Bank Quay station offered the perfect environment for railway photography. I captured expansive shots of the tracks, including the overhead equipment, signalling systems, and the intricate details of railway infrastructure. The wintry weather added texture and atmosphere, enhancing both wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups.

One of the highlights of the shoot was documenting people on station platforms. Photographing commuters and travellers in motion allowed me to combine the technical aspects of railway infrastructure with the human stories that give these spaces life. The balance between people and machinery emphasizes the dynamic nature of modern rail travel and creates compelling visual narratives for photography portfolios.

Capturing Electric Vehicle Charging and Sustainable Mobility

A significant focus of the commission was electric vehicle infrastructure. I photographed people charging electric cars in a variety of settings, including outdoor charging points and inside a multi-storey car park. Capturing the signage for charging points, as well as the interaction between people and technology, helped highlight the practical and user-focused aspects of sustainable transport.

In addition to electric cars, I documented cyclists and people recharging electric vehicles, emphasizing the broader picture of environmentally conscious travel. These images illustrate how modern transport networks accommodate multiple modes of mobility, from trains to electric vehicles and bicycles, making them highly relevant for transport-focused photography projects.

Integrating Aviation and Urban Context

While the primary focus was rail and electric vehicle infrastructure, the location provided opportunities for capturing more of the surrounding transport ecosystem. I managed to include a couple of aeroplanes in the sky above Warrington, adding an extra dimension to the story of regional connectivity. Including air travel alongside rail and electric vehicle transport underscores the diversity and interconnectedness of modern transport systems, making these images particularly valuable for photography clients and portfolios.

Photography Approach and Techniques

Shooting in a cold, wintery environment posed certain challenges, but it also created striking visual contrasts and textures. I used natural light and ambient conditions to enhance the atmosphere, emphasizing the industrial aesthetic of railway tracks and the clean design of electric vehicle charging stations. Photographing people interacting with infrastructure—whether boarding trains, using charging points, or cycling—added scale and narrative to the images, making them more engaging for viewers and highly relevant for SEO-focused content about photography.

Every aspect of the shoot was designed to highlight not only the functionality of transport infrastructure but also the human experience. This approach ensures that the photographs are versatile, suitable for commercial, editorial, or promotional use, while maintaining a strong visual impact for photography portfolios.

Why This Commission Matters for Photography

Documenting modern transport infrastructure is a compelling subject for professional photographers. From capturing the engineering details of railway systems to the interaction between people and electric vehicle technology, these projects provide a rich variety of visual opportunities. This commission demonstrates how photography can tell the story of regional transport development, sustainability initiatives, and human engagement, all while producing images that are visually striking and technically precise.

For photographers looking to expand their portfolios, projects like this are invaluable. They allow exploration of urban environments, transportation networks, and technological innovation, all while practicing composition, timing, and storytelling.

Commercial photography for Transport for the North

I recently completed a comprehensive series of images for long-standing client Transport for the North, documenting railway stations across the North of England. As a professional photographer, I am proud to contribute to their efforts to demonstrate to the government the region’s growing need for well-planned and efficient transport infrastructure. This project combines technical photography with human-focused storytelling, highlighting how people navigate the North’s key transport hubs.

Photographing Major Railway Stations Across the North

This commission took me inside several of the North’s most important railway stations, including Manchester Piccadilly, York, Liverpool Lime Street, and Newcastle station. Manchester Piccadilly was a central focus, allowing me to capture the flow of commuters, the architecture of the station, and the dynamic interaction between people and the transport environment.

Newcastle station provided a similarly engaging setting, with opportunities to document both the movement of travelers and the details of railway infrastructure. York and Liverpool Lime Street added variety to the series, each station presenting unique architectural features, passenger dynamics, and lighting conditions that make railway photography particularly rewarding.

Capturing Multi-Modal Travel: People and Bicycles

A key element of this series was documenting people using bicycles inside the stations. Capturing sustainable and multi-modal transport is increasingly important in photography that highlights modern infrastructure. These images not only show the integration of cycling with rail travel but also reflect how people interact with station environments in their daily journeys. Photographing people in motion, whether walking, cycling, or navigating platforms, added context and life to the technical aspects of the stations.

Photography Approach and Techniques

Shooting inside busy railway stations requires a combination of careful planning and adaptability. I focused on using natural light wherever possible, capturing wide shots of station interiors alongside detailed close-ups of commuters, signage, and architectural features. Documenting both the human experience and the technical infrastructure allowed me to create a balanced series that is visually compelling while accurately reflecting the function and design of each station.

The challenge of busy environments, fast-moving people, and varying lighting conditions made this project particularly rewarding. By combining architectural photography with candid street-style portraits, the series demonstrates how professional photography can tell a story about transport systems, infrastructure, and human mobility.

Why This Project Matters for Transport and Photography

This commission for Transport for the North is part of a broader effort to communicate the urgency of transport investment in the North. My images serve as visual evidence of the challenges and opportunities facing the region, from crowded platforms to the integration of cycling and rail travel.

For photographers, projects like this are an excellent way to develop a diverse portfolio, combining urban photography, architectural documentation, and lifestyle imagery. The resulting images are relevant not only for editorial and commercial purposes but also for advocacy, policy, and storytelling around sustainable transport infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Visual Record of the North’s Transport Hubs

Documenting railway stations across the North of England allows both the public and policymakers to see how infrastructure supports daily life. This series highlights Manchester Piccadilly, Newcastle, York, and Liverpool Lime Street as vibrant hubs of movement, showing people, bicycles, and the architecture that supports regional travel. As a professional photographer, I am proud to contribute to projects that combine aesthetic storytelling with practical insight into the North’s transport systems.

Documentary Photography - BP's LiDAR buoy at Liverpool Docks

Another commission from BP as they work on the development of the Mona and Morgan Irish Sea wind farms. This time I was taking photographs to document the maintenance of one of their Fugro Seawatch LiDAR buoys which are surveying the field to find optimal wind turbine locations. The Seawatch buoys run on solar panels and fuel cells using methanol fuel. Although autonomous in the field the buoys need to be towed to shore for refueling and servicing.

As an ex-engineer with a background in Physics, this was a really interesting - if freezing! - few days shooting in Liverpool.

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, can measure wind speed by using the Doppler effect. The Doppler effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the frequency of a wave changes as the source of the wave moves relative to the observer. This effect is commonly experienced in everyday life, for example, the change in pitch of a siren as an ambulance approaches and then passes by.

In the context of LiDAR, a laser beam is directed towards the atmosphere, and the reflected light is detected by a sensor. As the laser beam passes through the atmosphere, it interacts with particles in the air, such as dust or water droplets. These particles scatter the laser beam in different directions, and some of the scattered light returns to the sensor.

By analyzing the scattered light, LiDAR can detect the movement of air particles and calculate wind speed. The movement of the particles changes the frequency of the scattered light, and this change in frequency is detected by the sensor. The amount of frequency shift is proportional to the wind speed, allowing LiDAR to calculate the wind speed with high accuracy.

LiDAR can also provide information about the direction and turbulence of the wind, helping to identify potential challenges for wind turbine installations. This information is particularly useful in the development of wind farms, where accurate wind measurements are essential for identifying the most suitable locations for wind turbines.

Event Photography - Adidas and Versus at Manchester United

VERSUS is the platform championing the future of football and its rising influence on new music and culture. Adidas is well, Adidas. On commission for the wonderful TO Events, I photographed the launch of a collaboration between the two brands on the occasion of a games between Manchester United and Aston Villa’s women’s teams.

Photography of BP's public consultation at Bodelwyddan

I worked with BP to photograph a consultation event at Bodelwyddan Village Hall that helped explain to residents of the area the changes that would be brought about by the development of two new wind farms off the North Wales coast. The Mona and Morgan windfarms will be two of the largest offshore windfarms in the Irish Sea.

The wind farms will be located approximately 20km - 30km from the coast and be operational by 2029. Together, they will form one of the largest wind farms in the world, with a combined potential generating capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW). This is enough to power the equivalent of approximately 3.4 million UK households with clean electricity.

The development of the Mona and Morgan windfarms represents a significant achievement in the UK's transition towards renewable energy, and highlights the potential of offshore wind to play a key role in meeting the country's energy needs in a sustainable way.

On board the Fugro Synergy for BP

By far the best thing about working as a professional photographer is the variety of the work. The camera can gain you access to environments that are wildly different each shoot day and if you’re lucky, can sometimes take you to some incredible and unexpected places. One of the most interesting of my shoots in 2022 was an assignment from bp to photograph the crew and workings of the Fugro Synergy while on a recent stop at Liverpool docks.

The Synergy Modular Drilling Unit is a unique geotechnical vessel capable of delivering

high quality geotechnical data. Its design, standards and capacity make it an efficient

platform for geotechnical investigations and scientific drilling in challenging and remote offshore marine environments.

The shoot focussed on the Synergy’s role in sea bed core sampling, determining the sea bed composition to ensure that the sea bed substrate was capable of providing solid foundations for the siting of an array of wind turbines.  Sea bed composition is critical, mud, sand or silt that is too soft and uncompacted will not provide a firm enough foundation, while solid rock is impossible to drill to the depths required for the footings.

EnBW with EnBW and bp are leading the development of the Morgan and Mona – two offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea. Roughly located 30km from shore between the north coast of Wales and the Isle of Man the total area of the two farms will be 800 square kilometres – about half the size of Greater London and when complete the farm will generate 3GW of energy – enough to power an astonishing 3.4 million UK homes.

These projects are helping to achieve the UK's ambition of generating 50GW of power from offshore wind by 2030.

Fugro Synergy’s Party Chief, Jim Bridge

British Cycling Team Photography: New Kalas Kit Shoot at Manchester Velodrome

It’s always a pleasure collaborating with video production company What Media, and this time the project involved producing a complete series of images of the latest British Cycling team kit by Kalas. The shoot took place at the Manchester Velodrome, capturing the team both on and off their track bikes in a variety of settings, from studio photography to dynamic on-track action shots. As a professional photographer, I focused on highlighting the design, functionality, and style of the new kit while telling the story of the team and their environment.

Photographing the British Cycling Team in Action

The shoot provided numerous opportunities to photograph the British Cycling team in their element. I captured cyclists wearing the new Kalas kit inside the velodrome, on their track bikes, and in areas where all the bicycles are stored and maintained. These behind-the-scenes shots showcase the athletes interacting with their equipment and provide insight into the preparation and technical side of professional cycling.

Close-up photography played a key role, allowing me to document the details of the new kit, including team branding, fabric, and fit. I photographed cyclists putting on their kit, securing shoes, and preparing for training sessions, creating intimate, human-focused images that complement the action-oriented shots.

Studio Photography and Detail Shots

In addition to the velodrome environment, I conducted studio photography sessions to produce clean, professional images of the cyclists wearing the new kit. This approach allowed me to focus on the kit’s details, including logos, textures, and colorways, while ensuring consistent lighting and composition. Studio photography is essential for commercial use, marketing campaigns, and media promotion, making it a key part of the overall shoot strategy.

Outdoor and On-Bike Photography

The Manchester Velodrome surroundings offered excellent locations for photographing the cyclists outside, on their bicycles, and in motion. These images highlight the versatility of the Kalas kit, showing how it performs in different conditions and settings. By capturing the cyclists on track bikes in the outdoor areas around the velodrome, I was able to produce dynamic, visually compelling images that showcase both the athletes and their equipment.

Behind the Scenes at the Velodrome

Documenting the team in the Velodrome’s changing rooms added another layer to the project. I photographed cyclists as they prepared for training, putting on kit, adjusting shoes, and getting ready for action. These behind-the-scenes images provide context and authenticity, showing the human side of professional cycling and the preparation required to perform at the highest level.

The Importance of Collaboration and Photography

Working with What Media allowed me to capture both the creative and technical aspects of the shoot. Coordinating studio, on-track, and behind-the-scenes photography ensured that every image told part of the story of the British Cycling team and the new Kalas kit. This comprehensive approach is essential for creating marketing content, editorial imagery, and promotional material that highlights the team’s professionalism, equipment, and athleticism.

Conclusion: A Complete Visual Record of the British Cycling Kit

This shoot produced a full range of imagery, from studio portraits to action shots, behind-the-scenes preparation, and outdoor cycling photography. By focusing on the athletes, their equipment, and the details of the new Kalas kit, the series provides a compelling visual narrative suitable for media campaigns, commercial use, and portfolio work. Collaborating with What Media and the British Cycling team made this project both professionally rewarding and creatively inspiring, resulting in images that showcase the cutting-edge design and functionality of the new kit while celebrating the skill and dedication of the athletes.

TJX Headquarters Photography: Capturing Staff and Lifestyle in the New Watford Office

I recently completed a commission for Vicky Fagan at film production company Fagan Jones to produce a full series of campaign images for TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK. The project focused on capturing both the design of the building and the way people interact with the space, producing images that feel authentic, professional, and lifestyle-oriented.

Photographing Staff in Social and Collaborative Spaces

A key focus of the shoot was documenting staff in the breakout rooms and social areas of the new headquarters. I photographed people having informal conversations, sharing laughs, and enjoying their workday, creating images that convey a positive and welcoming environment. The relaxed, lifestyle-focused photography highlights how TJX’s office design encourages collaboration, creativity, and employee wellbeing.

Meetings, Presentations, and Professional Interactions

In addition to casual social spaces, I photographed staff attending presentations and participating in group meetings. Capturing employees engaging with each other professionally provides context to the office environment while maintaining a natural and authentic feel. These images are perfect for campaign use, illustrating both the functionality of the office spaces and the culture of teamwork at TJX.

Lifestyle and Leisure Photography in the Workspace

I also photographed people relaxing in the café, using the computer bar, and enjoying their lunch breaks. Capturing these moments of downtime adds a human dimension to the office photography, showing the balance between productivity and relaxation. Outdoor spaces, including the secret rooftop garden, were also featured, with staff enjoying fresh air and informal social interactions. These images emphasize the modern, lifestyle-driven design of the office and its focus on employee comfort.

Photography Approach and Techniques

The shoot combined environmental portraiture, candid lifestyle photography, and interior architectural photography. By photographing people naturally interacting with the space, I was able to produce a series of images that feel authentic, dynamic, and visually engaging. Attention to composition, natural light, and the interaction between people and their surroundings was key to creating a versatile set of campaign-ready images.

Conclusion: A Complete Visual Story of TJX Headquarters

This commission with Fagan Jones captured TJX’s new office in Watford as a lively, professional, and human-centered workplace. From collaborative breakout rooms to rooftop gardens, cafés, and meeting areas, the photography tells the full story of a modern corporate environment designed for both productivity and wellbeing. The resulting images are suitable for marketing campaigns, corporate communications, and professional portfolios, showcasing TJX’s commitment to workplace design and employee experience.

Langfields

Langfields Process Plant Fabrication Photography | Manchester Industrial Photography

I recently visited Langfields, specialist fabricators of process plant equipment for the pharmaceutical, chemical, offshore, oil and gas, marine, defence, and nuclear industries. Based just one mile from Deansgate in Manchester, Langfields demonstrates that advanced manufacturing continues to play an important role in the city’s economy and industrial heritage.

As a former engineer, visiting facilities like Langfields is particularly rewarding. Photographing industrial operations captures both the technical processes and the human skill involved in producing high-specification equipment.

Advanced Industrial Fabrication at Langfields

Langfields transforms large 18mm aluminium plates into complex, water-jacketed vessels, following precise specifications required by some of the most demanding industries in the world. Within a compact production space, the plates are cut, bent, and welded with exceptional precision, showing the combination of craftsmanship and engineering expertise required for modern process plant fabrication.

The process highlights both the machinery and the skilled fabricators who operate it, demonstrating the scale, precision, and professionalism of high-tech industrial fabrication.

Precision Engineering for Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries

The vessels and plant components produced at Langfields are used in critical applications across pharmaceutical production, chemical processing, offshore energy, nuclear technology, and other high-spec industries. Photography captures the company’s technical capabilities, quality standards, and expertise.

Every stage of fabrication, from cutting and bending to welding and finishing, reflects the attention to detail and precision engineering that underpin Langfields’ operations. These processes illustrate the combination of modern technology and human skill required to meet exacting industry standards.

Manchester’s Post-Industrial Manufacturing Scene

Langfields’ location near the centre of Manchester highlights the ongoing relevance of manufacturing in a post-industrial city. Facilities like this provide skilled technical employment while maintaining advanced production capabilities that support a wide range of industries. Capturing these processes visually helps tell the story of a city that continues to innovate and manufacture complex equipment.

Documenting Industrial Expertise and Human Skill

Visiting Langfields provides an opportunity to record the intersection of engineering excellence, technical innovation, and human skill. From raw aluminium plates to fully fabricated vessels, the facility offers a rich visual narrative of high-tech industrial processes. The images reflect both the technical and human dimensions of manufacturing, illustrating the expertise and care involved in producing equipment for demanding industries.

What Media

What Media help brands engage with clients by producing creative video and animation content.

They asked me to photograph their team at their new location in central Manchester. As always when working with this team, the shoot was full of positive energy and went by in a flash.

Adidas Superstar Awards

Adidas Superstar Awards Event Photography at Adidas UK Headquarters

I was commissioned to provide professional event photography for the Adidas Superstar Awards, held at the Adidas UK headquarters. The Superstar Awards are an annual ceremony where Adidas Europe recognises the outstanding contributions of its staff, celebrating achievements across teams and departments. This high-profile corporate awards event brings together employees from across Europe to highlight excellence, commitment, and innovation within the company.

Providing photography for an event of this scale is always rewarding, but working for a globally recognised brand like Adidas adds a unique dimension. Adidas is not just a sportswear company; it is a brand with significant cultural influence. Its impact stretches across sport, music, fashion, and lifestyle, making it one of the most aspirational and respected brands worldwide. Being involved in documenting their events allows me to connect with a company whose reputation for innovation and quality is synonymous with excellence in global culture.

Corporate Event Photography at Adidas

The Superstar Awards combine formal presentations with social and celebratory moments, creating ideal conditions for corporate event photography. Award presentations, stage ceremonies, and staff recognition moments provide opportunities for structured imagery, while candid interactions, networking, and celebration offer a natural, documentary style. These photographs capture both the achievements being celebrated and the energetic atmosphere of the event.

Events at Adidas UK headquarters are particularly well-organised, providing a professional environment with high-quality lighting, staging, and design. This allows for high-quality images that can be used for internal communications, social media campaigns, corporate reporting, and marketing materials. Documenting such an event contributes to Adidas’ broader brand narrative, showing both the recognition of staff and the brand’s commitment to excellence.

The Significance of the Superstar Awards

The Superstar Awards are an important part of Adidas’ corporate culture. They reinforce the company’s commitment to recognising talent and rewarding excellence across Europe. From a photography perspective, capturing these moments is about more than documenting trophies being handed out—it’s about reflecting the company’s values, professionalism, and culture.

Adidas’ influence extends far beyond corporate achievements. The brand has shaped sportswear innovation, influenced music and street culture, and consistently collaborated with designers and artists to push boundaries in fashion and lifestyle. Photographing events for a company with this kind of global recognition allows me to contribute to their visual legacy and document a brand that resonates culturally and professionally.

Why Working with Adidas is Distinctive

For a photographer, working for Adidas is both rewarding and prestigious. The brand carries cultural and professional authority that few companies can match. Their products are of high quality, their events are carefully executed, and their staff embody a dynamic and creative ethos. Being associated with a brand of this stature reflects positively on the work itself, enhancing the perceived value and reach of the photography.

The Superstar Awards event was managed by the professional team at TOL Events, whose coordination ensured the evening ran smoothly. This level of organisation, combined with the high-profile nature of Adidas as a global brand, provides the ideal context for professional, high-impact event photography.

Capturing Staff Recognition and Corporate Culture

Event photography for Adidas is not simply about recording awards; it is about capturing moments that tell the story of the brand, the culture, and the people behind it. From winners’ reactions to team interactions, candid photographs convey energy, engagement, and the celebratory atmosphere of the Superstar Awards. These images form part of Adidas’ visual identity, used in corporate communications, online campaigns, and internal reporting to showcase excellence and achievement.

By documenting the Superstar Awards, I contribute to a record of one of the most influential brands in sport, fashion, and culture. Each photograph not only highlights the award recipients but also reflects the professionalism and prestige that make Adidas a global leader.

European Geophysical Services

Commissions for HTP Digital always take me to interesting locations, none more so than this recent shoot to capture images for the new website of European Geophysical Services.

Established in 1994, EGS are a leading borehole geophysical logging and video surveying company providing a large range of measurements and services to the water, environmental, mining and geotechnical industries.

I visited on a calibration day, a rare event when all of the vehicles and equipment return to their home base in Shropshire for testing, inspection, recalibration, cleaning and repair. A few weeks later I joined a the engineers on a site visit, inspecting underground aqueducts for blockages, contamination and physical condition. As a former Physicist and Measurement Engineer, it was fascinating to learn about the techniques and methods by which these investigations are carried out, despite the first two hours being photographed in a torrential downpour!

Travelling the country to often remote, inhospitable climes, off roading in modified Land Rovers to get there and doing science in the great outdoors. There are worse ways to make a living.

Sue Steer for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

I was asked by London-based agency Sunday to visit Sue Steer at her home in Shropshire a few weeks ago to take some portrait photographs. Sue is a rural surveyor and the pictures were to accompany an article in the Royal Society for Chartered Surveyors’ Modus magazine.

Sue’s house proved incredibly difficult to find hidden as it is deep in the beautiful Shropshire Hills, Sue’s husband Martin gave me copious instructions, dropped Whatsapp pins and even sent the What Three Words reference all to no avail and finally he had to drive out to find me passing the same bemused farmer for the sixth or seventh time.

Their house was well worth the effort of finding, a 15th Century thatched cottage with an accompanying listed timber barn. It resembled a scene from Hansel and Gretel.

We spent a happy few hours taking photographs around the house, the barn and the orchards before their lovely, gentle old Collie dog joined us for the photoshoot.

A wonderful day and I was fortunate to be back in Shropshire a only a few weeks later for a very different kind of shoot, more of which in a later post.

Leeds City Station for Transport for the North

Another great assignment for Transport for the North this time at Leeds railway station.

Transport for the North exists to make the case to central government for increased transport spending in the North of the country and I’m proud to be able to contribute in some way to that necessary and long overdue aim. To use the existing infrastructure is to see it’s limitations, the age of the rolling stock, the lack of capacity a general sense of a system neglected and lacking the requisite investment over many years.

To photograph these environments deserted or very sparsely populated as they currently are is an eerie experience as we’re usually fighting through a sea of people to reach our locations and seeing the networks struggling with the shear volume of commuters. Perhaps seeing the network in this disrupted state gives us a glimpse of what a properly invested in network would look like, reliable, punctual, spacious. We certainly have the people - if not the finance or political will - to make it happen.

All power to Transport for the North and the staff that keep us moving.

Luneside for U+I

It was a real pleasure to work for Just H architects again, this time on their latest project for developers U+I.

Photographing their Luneside student accommodation a few weeks ago was helped along by some gorgeous unseasonal weather and the presence of the beautiful River Lune.

You can find Just H at just-h-architects.co.uk

and more about U+I can be found at uandiplc.com

Travel in the time of Covid. An assignment for Transport for the North

Another great assignment for Transport for the North this time looking at the transport infrastructure in Liverpool and Sheffield and how it was dealing with the impact of Coronavirus.

Transport for the North exists to make the case to central government for increased transport spending in the North of the country and I’m proud to be able to contribute in some way to that necessary and long overdue aim. To use the existing infrastructure is to see it’s limitations, the age of the rolling stock, the lack of capacity a general sense of a system neglected and lacking the requisite investment over many years.

To use and photograph the network in these strange virus-disrupted times could have been expected to be a pretty depressing process, but the remarkable resilience and adaptability of both the staff and those using public transport during this period was heartening and impressive and made the shoots extremely enjoyable despite some occasionally catastrophic weather conditions - the story of a Northern photographers life!

These assignments marked my first commercial foray into video making as I made some short video sequences at each of the locations the schedule. I’m please to report that these sequences are being used along with my photography in recently released promotional and campaign materials.

To photograph these environments deserted or very sparsely populated as they currently are is an eerie experience as we’re usually fighting through a sea of people to reach our locations and seeing the networks struggling with the shear volume of commuters. Perhaps seeing the network in this disrupted state gives us a glimpse of what a properly invested in network would look like, reliable, punctual, spacious. We certainly have the people - if not the finance or political will - to make it happen.

All power to Transport for the North and the staff that keep us moving.