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.

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.

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.

Barnfather Wire for HTP Digital

Barnfather Wire Factory Photography | Industrial Wire Manufacturing in Wednesbury

I was commissioned by long‑time collaborators HTP Digital to photograph Barnfather Wire, the UK’s largest independent wire production company, for imagery to support the company’s new website. The assignment took place at Barnfather’s factory in Wednesbury, West Midlands, capturing the facility, production operations, and skilled workforce that make Barnfather a leader in the wire manufacturing industry.

About Barnfather Wire and Its Manufacturing Expertise

Barnfather Wire specialises in the production of high‑quality drawn wire products, serving a diverse customer base that includes blue‑chip companies supplying major global brands as well as small and medium British manufacturers. The company manufactures a wide range of wire types, including baling wire, bright mild steel, cut lengths, cold heading quality wire, galvanised wire, and bespoke wire solutions tailored to specific industrial needs.

The company’s state‑of‑the‑art facility and experienced team enable it to deliver reliable products that meet and often exceed industry standards. One notable achievement was supplying the wire used to create the stems for the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ Tower of London poppy installation, demonstrating both production capacity and technical quality.

In recent years Barnfather Wire has invested in advanced machinery, including high‑speed precision drawing equipment, expanding production capacity and reinforcing its position as a leading wire producer in the UK and Europe.

Industrial Photography at Barnfather Wire

Photographing industrial environments like the Barnfather Wire factory involves more than simply documenting machines. The images capture the scale of operations, the precision of manufacturing processes, and the human skill that drives production. By including shots of raw materials, machinery, production lines, and operators at work, the photography provides a visual narrative of what makes the company’s output reliable and high quality.

These photographs can be used across Barnfather Wire’s new corporate website, in marketing materials, sales brochures, technical documentation, industry catalogues, and investor communications, helping customers and partners understand the company’s capabilities at a glance.

The Importance of Industrial Photography for Manufacturers

Industrial photography plays a critical role in how modern manufacturers present themselves online and in print. Quality images allow companies to visually communicate professionalism, facility standards, production processes, and workforce expertise. Showing the operations behind the products helps build trust with potential customers who need assurance about quality and capability before entering into commercial relationships.

Well‑executed industrial imagery also strengthens brand identity by humanising the business, showing the people behind the products and the environments where engineering and manufacturing happen. When customers see detailed and authentic visuals of a factory floor or production line, it can reinforce the perception of quality and transparency, helping differentiate a manufacturer in a competitive market.

Beyond websites, these photographs can be leveraged across marketing channels including social media, trade show displays, printed catalogues, press releases, and corporate reports. Consistent, high‑quality visuals increase engagement and support brand recognition across digital and offline platforms.

Creating a Visual Narrative for Customers and Partners

For businesses like Barnfather Wire, industrial photography provides visual proof of technical expertise, production capability, and operational scale. Detailed images of machines in action, technicians at work, and finished products help prospective clients quickly assess whether the company meets their requirements. High‑quality photography is a tool that supports sales, improves engagement, and reinforces credibility with customers, suppliers, and partners alike.

Phoenix Healthcare distribution for Fagan Jones

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BeClear Orthodontics for What Marketing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New website photography for Nufox

Industrial Photography at Nufox | Manufacturing, Materials and Polymer Engineering

It has been a long time since I finished my PhD in Materials Science. My research focused on high-temperature materials, yet my office was not in the upper laboratories with the furnaces and laser flash equipment. Instead, I was based in the basement alongside the polymer engineers, surrounded by extruders, water baths and the persistent, slightly rubbery smell that seems to accompany plastics processing everywhere.

So it was with a certain sense of nostalgia that I recently found myself once again among the extruders and cooling baths while photographing the manufacturing processes at Nufox. The commission involved creating a set of industrial and documentary images of their people, processes and products as part of an upcoming redesign of the company’s website.

Photographing Manufacturing and Industrial Processes

Industrial photography often involves documenting complex production environments in a way that is both visually clear and technically accurate. At Nufox, the focus was on capturing the interaction between machinery, materials and skilled operators working across the production line.

Extrusion processes are particularly interesting to photograph because they combine movement, heat and material transformation. Polymer compounds pass through heated extruders before being shaped, cooled in water baths and processed into finished products. Visually, these processes create strong lines, textures and contrasts that lend themselves well to documentary industrial photography.

Materials Science and Manufacturing Context

Having previously worked in a materials science environment made it especially enjoyable to return to this type of setting. Many of the sights and sounds of a polymer processing facility are instantly familiar: the steady rhythm of extruders, the cooling lines running through water baths, and the careful monitoring of materials as they move from raw compound to finished product.

That background also helps when photographing technical environments, where understanding what is happening in the process can make it easier to anticipate key moments and capture meaningful images of both equipment and people at work.

Industrial Photography for Website and Marketing Use

The images produced at Nufox were designed primarily for their forthcoming website redesign. For manufacturing companies, professional photography plays an important role in communicating capability, scale and expertise to potential clients and partners.

Photographs of production environments, staff and finished products help create a clear visual narrative of how a company operates. These images are typically used across websites, marketing materials, recruitment campaigns and corporate communications.

Documenting facilities like Nufox provides an authentic visual record of the manufacturing process while helping companies present their work clearly and professionally online.

Aaron Heinzelmann of Assa Abloy for Off the Wall, Stockholm

Aaron Heinzelmann Hero Award Photography for Assa Abloy

I recently photographed Aaron Heinzelmann of Assa Abloy for Swedish agency Off the Wall, Stockholm, documenting his recognition as a workplace hero for a feature in the company magazine. Aaron was awarded a hero accolade after coming to the aid of a mother and her seriously ill daughter while at work, demonstrating quick thinking, compassion, and professionalism.

Capturing a Workplace Hero

The shoot aimed to capture Aaron Heinzelmann both as an employee of Assa Abloy and as an individual recognised for his bravery. Photography included portraits, environmental shots, and a behind-the-scenes image used for the rear cover of the magazine. The shoot was collaborative, with Aaron’s uncle Dave assisting as second camera, providing additional perspectives to tell the story.

Working with Off the Wall, Stockholm

The commission was managed by the creative team at Off the Wall in Stockholm, who ensured the photography aligned with Assa Abloy’s corporate communications and magazine style. Collaborating with the agency allowed for a smooth workflow and a visually engaging representation of Aaron’s achievement, highlighting both personal narrative and professional context.

Employee recognition photography of Aaron Heinzelmann at Assa Abloy

Portrait of Aaron Heinzelmann during Assa Abloy feature shoot

Workplace photography documenting heroic actions of Aaron Heinzelmann

Assa Abloy employee feature photography in Kenn, North Somerset

Aaron Heinzelmann featured in corporate storytelling for Assa Abloy

Photography capturing heroic employee recognition at Assa Abloy

Environmental portrait of Aaron Heinzelmann for company magazine

Corporate feature photography highlighting heroic actions of staff

Aaron Heinzelmann photographed for Assa Abloy hero award feature

Behind-the-scenes photography with second camera support

On Location in North Somerset

The shoot took place in Kenn, North Somerset. Preparation included an overnight stay in a holiday cottage and a stop for tea on the seafront at Clevedon before the drive north. Capturing environmental context adds depth to the story, connecting the heroic actions of Aaron Heinzelmann to the locations where they occurred.

About Assa Abloy and Employee Recognition

Assa Abloy is a global leader in door opening solutions and security technology. The company regularly features staff achievements in its magazine, showcasing examples of initiative, care, and dedication. Photography plays an important role in this, highlighting individuals like Aaron Heinzelmann and reinforcing the company’s culture of recognition, safety, and service excellence.

Research Matters Magazine

Manchester Metropolitan University Research Matters Photography | Academic and Research Editorial

Seeing your work published in print never loses its appeal. I was delighted to see my photography featured in the latest edition of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Research Matters magazine, highlighting the university’s research initiatives in health and social care. Working on this ongoing editorial project allows me to capture staff, students, and research activities in a professional, visually engaging way for an academic audience.

I have collaborated with Stu Wilkin of THMedia since the first edition of the magazine, and it was rewarding to see my work continue to feature prominently following the magazine’s recent redesign. The new layout showcases the photography effectively, complementing the written content and helping communicate the impact of MMU’s research to readers.

I would like to thank Jackie Rees and the staff at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Health and Social Care for their cooperation during the shoots. The sessions focused on documentary and portrait photography, illustrating the university’s innovative research projects, student engagement, and professional academic environment.

Academic and Research Photography for Manchester Metropolitan University

Professional photography for university publications like Research Matters serves multiple purposes. It documents research activity, highlights staff and student achievements, and provides compelling visual content for marketing, social media, and institutional outreach. By capturing authentic moments of collaboration, experimentation, and presentation, editorial photography reinforces the university’s reputation as a leading centre for research in health and social care.

Using documentary and portraiture techniques, the photographs convey professionalism, engagement, and the human side of academic research. Each image is composed to resonate with prospective students, researchers, and institutional partners, enhancing both the magazine’s editorial value and Manchester Metropolitan University’s wider communication goals.

Conclusion

Photography for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Research Matters magazine demonstrates the importance of professional visual storytelling in academic publications. The latest edition highlights staff, students, and research projects while providing marketing and social media assets for the university. Capturing research initiatives and academic collaboration ensures that the magazine not only informs but also engages readers, reinforcing MMU’s role as a hub of innovation and expertise in health and social care.

Many thanks to Jackie Rees and the staff at Manchester Metropolitan University's Department of Heaslth and Social Care for their co-operation with the shoots.

Night at the Museum

Event Photography: Manchester Museum Adult Programme | Museum Meets Evening Events

I was commissioned by Manchester Museum to document a recent evening event as part of their Adult Programme. The highlight of the evening was a cyanotype workshop led by Angela Tait and Ian Clegg of ATIC. Cyanotype is a historic photographic printing process, and while the UV tubes used in the workshop are now considered a Health & Safety concern, it’s fascinating to reflect that similar equipment was once widely used in sunbeds.

The Museum Meets programme offers a unique opportunity to experience the museum after hours, combining art, science, music, and performance. These evening events bring together artists, scientists, filmmakers, writers, and musicians to animate the museum collections in immersive one-off performances. My role was to capture the atmosphere of the event, participants engaging with the workshops, and the creative energy of the space.

Capturing Museum Events and Workshops

Event photography in a museum setting requires careful attention to lighting, composition, and storytelling. At the Adult Programme evening, I focused on photographing participants at the cyanotype workshop, interactions with facilitators, and the ambience of Manchester Museum’s galleries. Documentary images like these provide a visual record for the museum, helping to promote future events and showcase the diversity of the programme.

By capturing both candid moments and staged shots, the photography communicates the creativity, engagement, and collaborative spirit of the museum’s Adult Programme. These images support marketing materials, social media content, and editorial coverage, demonstrating how museums can connect audiences with collections through innovative programming.

Conclusion

Photographing Manchester Museum’s Adult Programme highlighted the unique opportunities provided by the Museum Meets evening events. From workshops like cyanotype printing to performances that animate the collections, professional event photography documents these experiences, creating a lasting visual record that promotes engagement and celebrates creativity.

Check out the Museum Meets programme for upcoming events that explore the intersection of art, science, and performance in inspiring ways.