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.

Mark Radcliffe for the Daily Telegraph

Portrait of Mark Radcliffe at Dunham Massey | Daily Telegraph Motoring Feature

While going through old hard drives recently I came across another set of photographs from an earlier editorial commission. The images feature broadcaster and writer Mark Radcliffe, photographed at Dunham Massey Country Park in Cheshire for a motoring feature in the Daily Telegraph.

Mark Radcliffe is exactly as you might expect from his radio persona: knowledgeable about music, quick-witted, a lifelong Manchester City supporter and generally an extremely good person to spend time with on a shoot. I have photographed him a couple of times over the years, and this particular session was for a feature pairing him with a beautifully restored vintage Volkswagen Beetle.

Mark Radcliffe: Broadcaster, Author and Music Journalist

Mark Radcliffe is well known in the UK for his long career in broadcasting, particularly on BBC Radio where he has presented a wide range of music programmes across several decades. Many listeners first encountered him through his partnership with Marc Riley on BBC Radio 1 in the 1990s, before Radcliffe went on to present programmes on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

His work has always been characterised by a deep enthusiasm for music, ranging from alternative rock and indie through to folk and country. In addition to broadcasting, Radcliffe is also a writer and musician, contributing regularly to publications and performing with his folk group The Shirehorses.

Because of this long-standing role in British music broadcasting, he remains a familiar and well-liked figure to audiences across the UK. Photographing personalities like Radcliffe is often straightforward because their ease in conversation translates naturally into relaxed portraits.

Editorial Portrait Photography for Newspapers

This portrait session took place at Dunham Massey Country Park in Cheshire, a location that provided an appropriate rural backdrop for the Daily Telegraph’s motoring feature. Editorial portrait photography for newspapers often involves finding a setting that complements the theme of the article while still allowing the subject’s personality to come through.

The vintage Volkswagen Beetle featured in the piece added a strong visual element to the shoot, combining classic automotive design with a relaxed outdoor location. Working with well-known public figures in this kind of editorial context requires balancing documentary observation with informal portraiture, capturing both the person and the environment in which the story is set.

Photographing Personalities for Editorial Features

Portrait photography for editorial publications often moves quickly, with limited time to establish rapport and create images that work both visually and narratively. When the subject is comfortable and engaged, the process becomes much easier, allowing the photographer to focus on composition, light and atmosphere.

In this case, the combination of a distinctive car, an attractive location in Cheshire and an engaging subject made for an enjoyable shoot and a memorable commission for the Daily Telegraph.

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.

What Makes a House a Home? for Hawkins/Brown

Hawkins\Brown have been debating this question for over 30 years and on Thursday 18 July 2019, hosted a party at Glass House One, Festival Square, to celebrate another successful year for Hawkins\Brown Studio North and their continued support of and involvement in Manchester International Festival.

The house: “a machine for living in” (Le Corbusier), or a place “to dream” (Gaston Bachelard)?

The panel delved into this rich and varied topic covering everything from co-living and the concept of community, to shifts in social demographics and changing lifestyles, to DfMA, buildability and volumetric housing, to what “home” means personally to each of the panellists. Some suggestions included: “my record collection”, “acoustic insulation (three children under the age of three!),” and “the freedom to DIY”.

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.