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.

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.

Black and white portrait of a woman looking directly into the camera, professional headshot photography for personal branding and online profiles

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.

Colour environmental portrait of a woman sitting at a desk in a corridor, editorial and corporate headshot photography capturing personality and professionalism

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.

Black and white corporate headshot of a person against a white background, studio portrait photography for LinkedIn, actor portfolios, and business profiles

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.

Stylized environmental portrait of a man in a brutalist concrete space, looking towards natural light, professional photography emphasizing mood, structure, and personal branding

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.

Studio portrait of a woman against a white background, looking directly into the camera, high-quality headshot photography for corporate and creative professionals

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!

Environmental corporate portrait of a woman seated in a modern office headquarters, smiling and engaging, editorial photography highlighting approachable professionalism
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Advertising, Commercial, Documentary, Industrial David Oates Advertising, Commercial, Documentary, Industrial David Oates

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.

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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.

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Phoenix Healthcare distribution for Fagan Jones

A shoot documenting the high technology pharmaceutical facility in Preston Brook commissioned by the wonderful Vicky at film production company Fagan Jones. I was once again shooting stills alongside the exceptionally talented film cameraman Dan Lightening.

Miles and miles of robotised, computerised conveyors pick, sort and pack drugs for distribution to pharmacies around the country.

An enjoyable and very busy day that reminded me that running shoes are required equipment for photography professionals.

Automated conveyors transporting pharmaceutical products at Preston Brook facility

Pharmaceutical Facility Photography in Preston Brook | Automated Drug Distribution and Logistics

I was commissioned to photograph a high-technology pharmaceutical distribution facility in Preston Brook on behalf of the film production company Fagan Jones. The shoot was organised by producer Vicky at Fagan Jones, and I was working alongside the exceptionally talented cinematographer Dan Lightening, who was filming moving footage for the same project.

Close-up of automated drug handling and sorting machinery

My role on the day was to create a set of still photographs documenting the scale, infrastructure and day-to-day operations of the site. These images would complement the film production while also providing a visual record of the facility for marketing, communications and corporate use.

Pharmaceutical production line at Preston Brook with automated systems

Inside a High-Technology Pharmaceutical Logistics Facility

The distribution centre in Preston Brook is an impressive example of the level of automation now present in modern pharmaceutical logistics. Within the facility, miles of robotised and computer-controlled conveyor systems move medicines through a carefully designed network of routes. These automated systems pick, sort and pack drugs before they are dispatched to pharmacies across the UK.

Packaging and sorting of pharmaceuticals using robotic technology

From a photographic perspective the site offered a remarkable environment to document. Long corridors of conveyors run through the building, with automated picking machines selecting products at speed before they are routed through packing stations. Containers glide through the system in a constant flow, guided by computerised logistics software that ensures the correct medication reaches the correct destination.

High-tech pharmaceutical production process for safe medicine delivery

Facilities like this are essential parts of the national healthcare supply chain. The efficiency and reliability of the logistics systems ensure that pharmacies and healthcare providers receive the medicines they need quickly and accurately. Photographing such environments provides a glimpse into the highly organised infrastructure that underpins pharmaceutical distribution.

Close-up of automated drug handling and sorting machinery

Photographing Automation, Robotics and Industrial Systems

Industrial photography in environments like this requires a combination of wide architectural views and detailed documentary images. Wide photographs show the scale of the operation, with long lines of conveyors stretching across large warehouse spaces. These images help communicate the sheer size of the facility and the complexity of the logistics network.

High-tech logistics for drug distribution in Preston Brook facility

At the same time, close-up photographs reveal the precision of the machinery involved. Sensors, scanners and robotic arms guide containers along the system, while packing stations assemble shipments ready for distribution. Capturing these smaller details helps explain the process visually, showing how individual components of the system work together to form a seamless operation.

Industrial automation in pharmaceutical manufacturing plant

Lighting conditions in large industrial buildings can also present interesting challenges. High ceilings, mixed light sources and moving machinery require careful attention to exposure and timing in order to produce clear and dynamic images.

Overview of automated pharmaceutical facility operations in Preston Brook

Stills Photography Alongside a Film Production

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the commission was working alongside a film crew. While Dan Lightening focused on capturing cinematic footage of the logistics process, my role was to produce still images that documented the same environment from a complementary perspective.

Packaging and sorting of pharmaceuticals using robotic technology

Working in parallel with a film crew requires a degree of coordination. Film productions often involve lighting setups, rehearsed camera movements and multiple takes, whereas still photography typically requires more mobility in order to capture spontaneous moments. The aim is always to work collaboratively so that both the stills and the moving images can be produced efficiently without interrupting the workflow of the facility itself.

Warehouse logistics for pharmaceutical distribution in Preston Brook

Photographs created during these types of productions are often used in a wide range of contexts, including websites, press releases, annual reports and promotional material. They provide organisations with a visual record of the project that can be used long after the filming itself has been completed.

Packaging and logistics of drugs for UK pharmacies

Documenting the Scale of Modern Logistics

Large automated facilities like the one at Preston Brook are fascinating places to photograph because they combine architecture, engineering and human expertise. Despite the high level of automation, the site is still supported by skilled staff who oversee the systems, monitor quality control and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Close-up of automated drug handling and sorting machinery

Capturing both the human and technological aspects of the environment helps create a more complete narrative of how the facility operates. Images of staff interacting with the machinery, monitoring computer systems or managing packaging operations provide context to the vast automated infrastructure surrounding them.

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The visual rhythm of the conveyors, the repetition of containers moving through the system and the geometric lines of the machinery all contribute to a distinctive aesthetic that is unique to industrial and logistics photography.

Conveyor belts moving medicines for packaging and dispatch

A Fast-Moving Day on Location

Facilities of this scale are rarely static environments. Conveyors are constantly moving, robots are continuously sorting products, and staff are working across different areas of the building to keep operations running smoothly. For a photographer, this means covering a significant amount of ground in a limited amount of time in order to capture the full story of the site.

Warehouse logistics for pharmaceutical distribution in Preston Brook

By the end of the day it was clear that running shoes should probably be considered essential equipment for photographers working in environments like this. Moving quickly between different areas of the facility, keeping pace with both the film crew and the production schedule, makes for a busy but very rewarding assignment.

Packaging and sorting of pharmaceuticals using robotic technology

Documenting the combination of advanced technology, logistics infrastructure and human expertise that keeps a pharmaceutical distribution centre operating is always fascinating. It also offers a reminder of the enormous systems working behind the scenes to ensure medicines reach pharmacies and patients across the country.

Warehouse logistics for pharmaceutical distribution in Preston Brook
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Portraits, Commercial, Social Media, Advertising David Oates Portraits, Commercial, Social Media, Advertising David Oates

BeClear Orthodontics for What Marketing

During the quiet times of our coronavirus disrupted summer it was great to get a call from the team at What Marketing to work with them on a shoot for cosmetic dentist BeClear Orthodontics.

Cosmetic dentistry campaign shoot with BeClear Orthodontics

BeClear Orthodontics Cosmetic Dentistry Photography and Campaign Shoot

During the quieter months of the coronavirus-disrupted summer, I had the pleasure of working with What Marketing on a photography and video campaign for BeClear Orthodontics, a leading cosmetic dentist specialising in Invisalign teeth aligners. The shoot offered a unique opportunity to document the precision, care, and aesthetic results that make BeClear’s services stand out.

Campaign images for cosmetic dentist BeClear Orthodontics

Capturing Invisalign and Cosmetic Dentistry

BeClear Orthodontics are specialists in Invisalign aligners, designed to be almost invisible, even in extreme close-up shots. The campaign required detailed photography that could showcase the effectiveness of the aligners while maintaining a natural and approachable aesthetic for potential patients. Capturing these subtle details required careful lighting, angles, and technical precision.

Behind-the-scenes campaign photography with What Marketing

Adapting to Covid-19 Safety Protocols

This was my first shoot following social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. These measures presented a challenge for everyone on set, from models to the creative team, but the day ran smoothly. Photography and video were completed successfully, balancing safety with high-quality visual content for the campaign.

Models wearing Invisalign aligners for BeClear photography

Collaboration with Models and Marketing Team

The campaign shoot involved several models and close collaboration with the BeClear Orthodontics team. Their professionalism and enthusiasm helped ensure that the photography captured the natural confidence and satisfaction that comes with Invisalign treatment. Working with What Marketing on this project was an enjoyable experience, and I’m looking forward to the next campaign shoot scheduled for October.

Professional marketing photography for Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry

Highlighting Cosmetic Dentistry in Campaigns

Professional photography for dental and cosmetic services plays an important role in marketing. Images need to convey precision, trust, and aesthetic outcomes while appealing to potential patients. The BeClear Orthodontics campaign highlights the company’s expertise and commitment to subtle, effective dental treatments, positioning them as a leading provider of Invisalign in the UK.

Cosmetic dentistry campaign shoot with BeClear Orthodontics
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Professional photography of cosmetic dental treatment results
Team and models during BeClear Orthodontics shoot
Professional marketing photography for Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry
Dental photography showcasing nearly invisible aligners
Photography highlighting Invisalign aligner precision and aesthetics
Socially distanced photography shoot at BeClear Orthodontics
Dental photography showcasing nearly invisible aligners
Models wearing Invisalign aligners for BeClear photography
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Documentary, Event, Schools David Oates Documentary, Event, Schools David Oates

British Ecological Society Summer School

The British Ecological Society’s summer school is a week long residential field experience for students studying sciences at A-level, Scottish Higher and other similar qualifications. This year 31 students from 7 different schools across the UK gathered at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales. I was there as documentary photographer giving an overview of the day’s activities and providing marketing and social media material.

As ever, working for BES was extremely interesting, a personal highlight being the nature walk led by Dr. Daniel Forman, lecturer in Biosciences at Swansea University. I’d walked the same route as part of the Pennine Way last year but his fascinating insights into the ecology around us was illuminating.

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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.

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