Photographing the Manchester Artist Teacher Collective

Manchester Artist Teacher Collective (MATC) is a group of artist teachers from secondary schools and colleges across Manchester, and gallery educators from Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth and HOME. They foster collaboration between art educators, local artists, studios and gallery spaces. Through this collaboration, they seek to develop and share artistic and educational expertise, enabling teachers to engage with contemporary practices and sustained personal making. By centring on the artist teachers’ own creative development, the collective highlights the local cultural ecology and future opportunities within Manchester for the young people they teach. 

Working with IN4 Group: Photographing the Launch of HOST Gametech and CyberFirst EmPower in the North West

Over the past year it has been a privilege to work with IN4 Group documenting a series of events and initiatives focused on innovation, education and the future of technology in the North West. From the launch of new technology programmes to graduation ceremonies celebrating the achievements of young people entering the digital sector, these events highlight the growing importance of skills development and digital opportunity across the region.

For an event photographer, projects like these offer the chance to document not only key moments and milestones but also the wider story of how organisations are shaping the future of technology and education.

Photographing the Launch of HOST Gametech

One of the highlights of the past year was photographing the launch of HOST Gametech at HOST, a hub for digital innovation and skills development based in Salford.

HOST has become an important centre for collaboration between industry, education and emerging technology companies. The Gametech programme was created to support the fast-growing games and esports sector by helping develop talent, entrepreneurial skills and new opportunities for people looking to build careers in this rapidly expanding industry.

Events like the Gametech launch bring together entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers and students, creating an environment where ideas, partnerships and opportunities can emerge. Photographing these gatherings helps capture the energy of the technology community and the conversations that shape new initiatives.

Documenting Graduation Ceremonies and Achievement

Another important aspect of the work with IN4 Group has been documenting graduation ceremonies celebrating the achievements of programme participants. These events are significant moments for students who have completed intensive training programmes designed to help them transition into careers in technology and digital industries.

Photography plays a crucial role in marking these milestones. Graduation ceremonies are not only personal achievements for the individuals involved but also powerful visual moments for the organisations delivering the programmes. Images from these events often become part of promotional materials, annual reports and future recruitment campaigns, illustrating the impact of the training and the success of the participants.

Capturing the pride and excitement of graduates as they move into the next stage of their careers provides an authentic and human perspective on the impact of digital skills programmes.

CyberFirst EmPower and Supporting Girls into Tech Careers

One of the most important initiatives photographed during the year has been the delivery of CyberFirst EmPower, developed in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre.

CyberFirst EmPower is part of the wider CyberFirst programme, which aims to inspire and support young people interested in careers in cyber security and digital technology. The EmPower initiative specifically focuses on encouraging girls from across the North West to explore opportunities in technology and cyber security.

Workshops and events delivered through the programme give participants hands-on experience with technology, exposure to industry professionals and a clearer understanding of potential career pathways. Photographing these sessions helps document the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students involved, while also highlighting the importance of improving diversity and access within the technology sector.

Images from programmes like CyberFirst EmPower often play a role in communicating the broader social impact of these initiatives. They show how education, mentorship and community engagement can help open doors to careers that may previously have felt inaccessible.

The Importance of Photography in Technology and Education Events

Events connected to technology, innovation and education often move quickly, with presentations, networking sessions and workshops taking place across multiple spaces. Professional photography helps organisations capture these moments in a way that reflects both the scale of the initiative and the people involved.

For organisations like IN4 Group, photography provides a visual record that can be used across press coverage, digital platforms, social media and future programme promotion. These images help communicate the organisation’s mission and demonstrate the real-world impact of their work.

Beyond documentation, photography also contributes to the wider narrative of how regions like Greater Manchester and the North West are building strong digital ecosystems. Events that bring together educators, technologists and young people entering the industry represent important steps in developing the future workforce.

Documenting the Growth of the North West’s Digital Economy

Greater Manchester and the surrounding region have become increasingly important centres for technology, digital media and innovation. Initiatives led by organisations such as IN4 Group play a significant role in supporting that growth by connecting education, skills development and industry.

Photographing these programmes provides a visual record of the people and partnerships driving this transformation. From the launch of new technology initiatives to the celebration of graduates beginning their careers, these events capture moments that reflect the region’s ambitions for the future.

Over time, images from these projects become part of a wider story about how investment in skills, education and community programmes helps build a stronger and more inclusive digital economy in the North West.

British Ecological Society Summer School

Event Photography: British Ecological Society Summer School at Malham Tarn

I recently worked with the British Ecological Society (BES) as a documentary photographer during their annual summer school, a week-long residential field experience for students studying sciences at A-level, Scottish Higher, and equivalent qualifications. This year, 31 students from seven schools across the UK gathered at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales to explore ecology, fieldwork, and environmental science firsthand.

I photographed one day of the programme, providing an overview of the day’s activities while creating marketing and social media material for BES. The focus was on capturing students engaged in fieldwork, discussions, and outdoor learning, showing both the educational content and the immersive nature of the experience.

Documenting Fieldwork and Student Engagement

Even within a single day, there are many moments that illustrate the value of hands-on ecological learning. One highlight was the nature walk led by Dr. Daniel Forman, lecturer in Biosciences at Swansea University. Although I had walked the same route previously as part of the Pennine Way, Dr. Forman’s insights into the local ecology and species interactions offered students—and my photography—a new perspective on the landscape.

Photographs captured students observing habitats, taking notes, and interacting with instructors, emphasizing curiosity, engagement, and teamwork. These images help convey the hands-on learning experience to audiences who could not attend.

The Importance of Professional Photography for Educational Programmes

High-quality photography is essential for educational initiatives like the BES summer school. Images from even a single day:

• Provide marketing material to promote future programmes

• Document student engagement for internal review

• Show the collaboration between students and instructors

• Support social media, newsletters, and press coverage to demonstrate programme impact

Capturing these moments professionally ensures that BES can showcase both the learning outcomes and the immersive, field-based nature of the summer school.

Malham Tarn: A Unique Field Site

Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales offers a diverse ecological setting, including wetlands, limestone landscapes, and surrounding habitats. Photographing students in this environment demonstrates how fieldwork brings theory to life and provides unique learning opportunities. Images from the day highlight the interaction between students, instructors, and the environment, which is central to BES’s mission.

Conclusion

Documenting one day of the British Ecological Society summer school allowed me to capture the energy, curiosity, and engagement of the students while providing BES with professional material for marketing, social media, and archival purposes. Working alongside expert instructors like Dr. Daniel Forman made the day both professionally and personally rewarding.

For more information about the British Ecological Society and their educational initiatives, visit britishecologicalsociety.org.

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/