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.

Commercial, Advertising David Oates Commercial, Advertising David Oates

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.

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.

Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.
Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.
Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.
Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.
Staff at work in the new headquarters building of TJX. Watford, England, UK.campaign images showcasing TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK.
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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, Artists, Event David Oates Documentary, Artists, Event David Oates

Documentary photography of Helen Knowles 'Trickle Down', Arebyte Gallery, London

Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty is a tokenised four-screen video installation and generative soundscape, which explores value systems and wealth disparity. The artwork is composed of auction scenes, performances and choral interludes by different communities such as prisoners, blockchain technology employees, market sellers, and Sotheby’s auction bidders.

Helen Knowle’s four-screen installation Trickle Down at final set-up

Helen Knowle’s immersive four-screen installation ‘Trickle Down’ opened on 23rd January.

I attended the final set-up day to photograph the completed installation ahead of the opening night.

Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty is a tokenised four-screen video installation and generative soundscape, which explores value systems and wealth disparity. The artwork is composed of auction scenes, performances and choral interludes by different communities such as prisoners, blockchain technology employees, market sellers, and Sotheby’s auction bidders.

Immersive video installation Trickle Down by Helen Knowle

The installation commences when a visitor drops a pound coin into a machine designed to expose the mechanisms needed to convert fiat currency into crypto-currency. The sensors, software and electronic components along with a read out of the blockchain ledger are exposed, embedded in a large sheet of glass. Each and every member of the Trickle Down community, who has helped the work come to fruition,  will receive a share of the ETH via a crypto-currency wallet, questioning: can technology be a unifying force to enable more equality in society or does technology only work effectively for those who are educated to navigate it? 

Contemporary art installation exploring wealth disparity by Helen Knowle

Knowles documented a series of auctions in widely different settings, which reflect the disparities in wealth and financial power individuals in different communities have. These include prisoners at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, Ethereal Summit attendees, employees at blockchain company ConsenSys in New York, shoppers at Openshaw market in North Manchester and the Russian community in central London buying cultural artefacts at Sotheby’s auction house. Knowles photographed members of these communities during the bidding process, documenting their attire rather than identities.

Audience view of Helen Knowle’s Trickle Down video installation

Images of expensive handbags, jewels, fur and beautifully woven fabrics accompany sounds of rising numbers as cultural artefacts are offered for sale. At the opposite end of the wealth spectrum, bric a brac and basic goods are being bought in bulk at the north Manchester market and prisoners bid with their labour for plants to send to relatives for Christmas, during an auction staged by the artist exploring prison economies. 

Contemporary art installation exploring wealth disparity by Helen Knowle

Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty seeks to explore and provoke questions about labour, automation, value in art, decentralised sharing economies and distribution of wealth.

https://www.arebyte.com/trickle-down-a-new-vertical-sovereignty

Four-screen projection of auction scenes in Trickle Down
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