Latest Editorial, Portrait & Commercial Photography Projects

A selection of my most recent commissions and ongoing projects.

The work shown here spans editorial assignments, portrait commissions, documentary projects and commercial photography for organisations and publishers. It reflects current areas of focus and the range of contexts in which I am working.

New projects are added regularly.

Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates

Manchester Conference Photography: Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase Event Coverage

I recently photographed the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase, organised by the Centre for Digital Innovation and held in Manchester. The event brought together technology companies, researchers, and innovators working across fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital manufacturing, and sustainable technology.

Business professionals networking and exchanging ideas at Innovate to Elevate coffee break

I recently photographed the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase, organised by the Centre for Digital Innovation and held in Manchester. The event brought together technology companies, researchers, and innovators working across fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital manufacturing, and sustainable technology.

two men look at data on a laptop at a conference in Manchester

Events like this highlight how important it is for organisations to document conferences and innovation programmes with clear, professional photography that communicates their work long after the event has finished.

For organisations running conferences, innovation showcases, or industry awards, photography is not simply a record of the event. It is a marketing asset.

A delegate giving a presentation at a conference in Manchester

High-quality conference photography supports press coverage, social media communication, funding reports, and future event promotion. The images produced during an event often become the primary visual documentation used by organisers, sponsors, and speakers.

A woman smiling during networking during a conference in Manchester

The Innovate to Elevate event focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses working in digital and emerging technologies. The programme included presentations, workshops, networking sessions, and an awards ceremony recognising companies developing innovative solutions.

Delegates seen from above at a conference in Manchester

Many of the discussions at the conference centred around responsible AI, digital transformation, hydrogen technology, cybersecurity, and the role of emerging technologies in supporting innovation across industry.

A panel discussion during a conference in Manchester

Events like this allow organisations to present research and innovation outcomes, connect businesses with potential collaborators, and demonstrate the impact of regional technology programmes.

Events like this allow organisations to present research and innovation outcomes, connect businesses with potential collaborators, and demonstrate the impact of regional technology programmes.

For initiatives funded through innovation programmes, strong visual documentation is particularly important. Photography from these events is frequently used in reports, communications campaigns, and stakeholder updates.

A woman presenting during a conference in Manchester

Photographing a technology-focused conference requires attention to the moments that communicate what is actually happening at the event.

A woman viewing a projection during a conference in Manchester

Rather than simply photographing audiences, the goal is to capture the work being presented: keynote speakers delivering talks, panel discussions, demonstrations of new technology, and conversations between researchers and businesses.

Two women discuss the programme at a conference in Manchester

Conference venues can be challenging environments to photograph. Lighting conditions change constantly, schedules move quickly, and photographers often have limited access to speakers and presenters.

A man giving a presentation at a conference in Manchester

Capturing clear and usable images under these conditions requires experience in anticipating key moments while working efficiently and without interrupting the event itself.

A delegate takes note during a presentation at a conference in Manchester

At events like Innovate to Elevate, photographs of speakers, panel discussions, and audience engagement help illustrate how ideas are shared and discussed within the conference setting.

A man giving a presentation at a conference in Manchester

Networking and collaboration are also a central part of innovation events. Images showing attendees discussing projects or reviewing demonstrations help communicate the connections being formed between organisations.

A phone using the app Mentimeter to gather votes at a conference in Manchester

The awards section of the event recognised companies contributing to technological innovation and regional economic development. Photographing award presentations provides organisers and winners with images that can be used for press announcements and marketing.

A man watching a presentation at a conference in Manchester

For organisations hosting conferences, professional photography helps ensure that the event continues to generate value long after it has finished. Images can be used across websites, social media, reports, and promotional material for future events.

Manchester conference photographer capturing keynote speaker

If you are organising a conference, awards ceremony, or industry event in Manchester and need professional photography coverage, feel free to get in touch.

A man watches a presentation during a conference in Manchester
Read More
Conference, Event, Social Media David Oates Conference, Event, Social Media David Oates

Conference Photography for The Invisible Orthodontist

It was a real pleasure to photograph The Invisible Orthodontist’s conference in Murcia, Spain earlier in the year. Fantastic weather and accommodation, even time for a quick dip in the pool between sessions and great to see everyone letting their hair down at the conference dinner.

I’m looking forward to the next one!

Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain

It was a real pleasure to photograph The Invisible Orthodontist’s conference in Murcia, Spain earlier in the year. Fantastic weather and accommodation, even time for a quick dip in the pool between sessions and great to see everyone letting their hair down at the conference dinner.

I’m looking forward to the next one!

Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Motivational speaker at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates take a selfie on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Speaker addresses the audience at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Speaker addresses the audience at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates write on a flipchart pad at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates at the Flamengo themed conference dinner at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates at the Flamengo themed conference dinner at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Delegates dancing at the Flamengo themed conference dinner at a conference in Murcia, Spain
Read More