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.

Documentary Photography for Buzzfeed News

Words by Laura Silver, BuzzFeed News Reporter

Harassment Outside Abortion Clinics Is Still Happening, But Local Authorities Are Struggling To Stop It

The Home Office has rejected calls to put a national ban on abortion clinic protests, but councils are a long way off tackling the issue locally.

In a narrow side street outside a Marie Stopes clinic in Fallowfield, Manchester, it’s business as usual for the anti-abortion protesters who have been gathering here for the past decade.

On this particular Saturday, a small group is playing hymns from a sound system pitched up next to a wooden cross and posters showing the Virgin Mary. Their mission is simple: Dissuade women from going ahead with an abortion.

“We’re praying to save the babies, darling,” an elderly woman with an Irish accent tells BuzzFeed News, while offering a string of plastic rosary beads, a leaflet describing the gestational stages of a foetus, and phone numbers for the anti-abortion charities Life and the Good Counsel Network.

A chorus of the “Hail Mary” rings out behind us as she says with much pride that she stands outside the clinic most days, and believes she has “saved quite a few babies” over the years, including one today.

“Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee,” her companions chant over the hum of traffic from the nearby main road. “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”

Watching them from across the street are volunteers from Sister Supporter, an abortion rights group, who gather to deter the protesters from approaching women seeking abortion at the clinic.

Sister Supporter, founded in London in 2015, has also been lobbying authorities to introduce measures such as a buffer zone that effectively bans any group from gathering immediately outside an abortion clinic, to prevent women from feeling harassed.

This year there was a major breakthrough: The campaign led to the UK’s first public space protection order (PSPO) outside a Marie Stopes branch in Ealing, west London, where anti-abortion protesters have had a near-constant presence for over 20 years.

Staff at the clinic told BuzzFeed News that incidents of alleged harassment have virtually disappeared since the buffer zone was put in place.

The PSPO was achieved through the efforts of the local authority, Ealing council, but there had been optimism that a Home Office review of harassment outside abortion clinics — launched by the then home secretary, Amber Rudd — would result in national guidelines that councils could rely on.

Last week, however, Rudd’s successor Sajid Javid dashed those hopes, saying it would "not be a proportionate response" and that individual councils should instead follow Ealing’s lead and tackle the issue locally. The review had received more than 2,500 submissions and identified 36 sites nationwide as problem areas.

His decision has angered clinic staff and local councillors who argue that cash-strapped councils will struggle to undertake the lengthy process of passing PSPOs, leaving women who face harassment outside clinics without protection in the meantime.

“I’m really mad about it,” Jackie Schofield, a clinical team lead at Marie Stopes Fallowfield, told BuzzFeed News. “Everybody has freedom of speech, fair enough, but not outside the place when there’s vulnerable people. I just think it’s wrong, I really do.”

During the years she has worked at the Manchester clinic, Schofield said, she has often had to spend significant time calming her patients who have found it upsetting to be greeted by protesters on what can already be a distressing day.

She said she has regularly witnessed the protesters calling patients and staff “murderers” or telling women they will “go to hell” if they enter the clinic, meaning they’re often too distressed for their appointments. “I’m going through a consent process but I have to calm them down a lot first because of what’s happened to them before they even got started ­— it really messes with them,” Schofield added.

Schofield, and several other staff, told us that recently a protester had stood breastfeeding a baby outside the clinic, and that last Christmas anti-abortion groups handed out wrapped packages containing knitted baby booties, wishing them “Happy Christmas, Mummy.”

She said these incidents can be especially upsetting for women who have travelled from Ireland. Although the country voted to legalise abortion earlier this year, the ongoing legislative process means that services will not be available until 2019 — and remain illegal in Northern Ireland — so Irish women will continue to travel to the UK to access abortion.

“Today is an Irish day,” Schofield said. “Tuesdays and Saturdays we have lots of Irish ladies because the flights are cheaper. Can you imagine having to go through all that anyway, and then coming here and getting this?”

Lynn Bradley, a healthcare support worker who has been at the clinic for nine years, said she was physically assaulted by a protester on one occasion — an account she submitted to the Home Office review.

“She chased after me and started slapping me on the back,” said Bradley, a chirpy, white-haired woman with a thick Manchester accent.

“Whenever she sees me she does this,” she added, making a throat-slitting gesture and sticking out her tongue. “She’s very crafty — she does it when she’s on her own.”

Bradley, whose job involves supporting women before and after they receive treatment, was also disappointed by Javid’s response. “When we arrive in the morning [protesters] make it as awkward as possible for you when you get out the car, calling us murderers, saying you’ll go to hell, and that’s before you start a day’s work,” she said.

“We can cope with it, but at the end of the day, these ladies shouldn’t be put through that.”

Manchester city council has passed a motion to explore the possibility of a PSPO outside the Fallowfield clinic, but even with resounding support across the board, progress will be slow.

“It’s a really long process and we still need to go through the evidence-gathering and mapping where the PSPO would cover,” Rebecca Moore, councillor for the neighbouring ward of Withington, told BuzzFeed News.

Ealing council is facing an ongoing legal challenge over its PSPO, and Moore said she had sensed a nervousness within her own council about the threat of a lengthy and costly court battle if a PSPO were to be introduced in Fallowfield.

“Local government finances are in a really bad state, so if there’s any big costs to implementation I think that’s going to cause concern to a council that’s had to go through such big austerity measures,” Moore continued.

“I don’t think that means that it shouldn’t be done or wouldn’t be done, but it is a concern.”

Grace Fletcher-Hackwood, a councillor for Fallowfield, questioned whether the Home Office would have made the same decision if protesters were gathered outside a local cancer hospital like the Christie, which is situated nearby.

“If they rocked up outside the Christie, people would realise how inappropriate that is,” she said. “You make medical decisions with yourself and your doctor based on what is good for your own health, not because of some ideologues who have posted themselves outside the clinic and decided they’re qualified to speak about what’s best for you and your body.”

Disappointment over Javid’s statement has been felt across the country, including in Portsmouth, where the local authority has agreed to look into ways to prevent protests at the clinic.

It, too, is in still in the early stages and is currently working out how best to proceed in light of the Home Office decision, according to a council spokesperson.

Chris Francis, a clinic manager at the Portsmouth branch of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), another of the UK’s major abortion providers, said: “If there’s national legislation in place, then as soon as women get harassed we can fall back on that.

“But getting a local decision, you have to get an agreement for a consultation process, and then you have to go through the consultation.”

In the meantime, Francis continued, anti-abortion protesters remain active outside the clinic, which is based within the sexual health centre at St Mary’s Hospital, where a mental health ward is situated above. “I know they caused some real upset for some vulnerable women in care there,” she added.

Francis told us that the protesters were especially aggressive during the biannual 40 Days for Life campaign, due to begin on Sept. 26, where anti-abortion protesters around the world increase the frequency of their gatherings outside clinics.

“We’ve had singing outside the hospital so we could hear them inside,” she said, referring to the previous 40 Days for Life campaign, which took place in February. “They were handing out knitted booties and rosaries in baby blue and pink, and generally harassing any woman entering the hospital who looked like she could be childbearing age.”

Francis said that protesters move from clinic to clinic, so it can be difficult to gather evidence of consistent harassment at the particular sites where each individual PSPO is needed.

“With Portsmouth, by the time they were starting to consider the PSPO, the protesters moved to Bournemouth,” Francis told BuzzFeed News. “I know it was the same guys because I went there and saw the same faces. They move around the country. [There] has to be some kind of national legislation.”

The evidence-gathering process also requires women who have been harassed to relive the experience when providing accounts to clinic staff or, in some cases, the police.

Back in Manchester, Katy Kershaw, a clinical team lead at Marie Stopes in Fallowfield, said many women just don’t want to engage. “They just want to forget about it; they don’t want to come back and talk about how traumatic it was to have protesters pass them things, or be told they’re murdering their baby,” she said. “They just want it over and done with.”

For clinic staff, who have full lists of patients to work through every day, working with councils to build a compelling case for a PSPO means a significant increase to their workload.

“It’s a struggle because it’s time-consuming,” Kershaw continued. “We’re such a busy clinic that it’s difficult for us to get out to the council to say how much we need them.”

Manchester council, Kershaw said, has been proactive. “They’ve been coming to see us — we didn’t have to approach them,” she said, but worried that this wouldn’t necessarily be the case everywhere.

Beth Redmond, who leads Manchester’s Sister Supporter branch, was also sceptical that councils across the country would be as dedicated as Manchester. “The thought of having to do this for more than one council doesn’t really bear thinking about,” she added.

Both Birmingham and Leeds city councils have in the last year passed motions to explore measures to prevent harassment outside abortion clinics. They say the work is ongoing, but neither have begun a formal evidence-gathering or consultation period.

Redmond said she worried about what scale harassment outside abortion clinics would have to reach before the Home Office would deem it necessary to act nationally. “What does Sajid Javid want? Does he want someone to get hurt?” she continued. “It feels like waiting for something awful to happen when actually bad things are already going on.”

Despite an ongoing legal challenge to Ealing’s PSPO, protesters have adhered to its restrictions and clinic staff and local councillors consider it to be a success.

The Good Counsel Network’s Clare McCullough, who had organised the vigils in Ealing, told us that as her volunteers are distanced from the clinic, she is unable to “support” as many women. She continues to protest against abortion in the designated area in Ealing, as well as outside a BPAS clinic in Richmond, southwest London, and a Marie Stopes facility in the city centre.

But even Ealing’s PSPO is not without vulnerability. Alina Dulgheriu, who brought the initial legal challenge against the council, has crowdfunded more than £50,000 to launch an appeal. The order is only temporary, meaning Ealing council will have to undergo the same time-consuming process to get it renewed when it expires in three years’ time.

Binda Rai, the councillor for Ealing’s Walpole ward who led the council’s efforts to implement the current PSPO, said it was “outrageous” for Javid to expect other councils to duplicate this effort time and again.

“The current system means that councils have to go through a lengthy and complex process to allow women access to services that they are entitled to with privacy and dignity, free from the interference that causes them distress and harassment,” Rai said.

“It would appear that he has no understanding of what women go through at such a vulnerable and difficult period in their lives,” Rai continued. “It is a national issue: Women up and down the country are facing harassment from protestors outside abortion clinics and this activity is on the increase. To avoid a postcode lottery for women, a national solution is a must and would take this debate away from clinic doors and ensure a consistent approach across the country.”

Responding to Javid’s announcement last week, Labour MP Rupa Huq, who helped bring the issue to national attention, vowed to keep on fighting for a universal ban.

“Shoving the burden on to already cash-strapped local authorities is not addressing the problem, it’s just passing the buck,” Huq, who represents Ealing Central and Acton, told BuzzFeed News.

“I will not give up on this and have been promised a meeting with ministers so as to ensure vulnerable women cannot be sidelined and that they can access healthcare as is the case with any other procedure.”

Huq has received wide political support on the issue, including from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who accused Javid of a “shocking failure to protect women from harassment and intimidation when exercising their right to choose”.

In the meantime, the protests outside abortion clinics are free to continue.

When the 40 Days for Life campaign starts again on Sept. 26, a spokesperson told BuzzFeed News, it will have volunteers stationed outside clinics nationwide, seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

Redmond said she was concerned that the Home Office’s decision could leave protesters feeling emboldened: “I do think they will be saying, ‘Why are you telling us we can’t be here when the most powerful people have told us that we can?’”

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.

Photography of High Street Task Force

The High Streets Task Force was established to England's high streets and town centres to thrive - providing expert training, guidance data to the people who make them. Local leaders and partnerships are be able to access the latest data and evidence to inform their investment and regeneration decisions.

I was pleased to photograph the latest meeting of experts and representatives from the chosen towns at Manchester Metropolitan University business school. I was also able to photograph some portraits of the university staff at the conclusion of the meeting.

The funding will be piloted first in 20 town centres before being rolled out in 101 areas across the country.

The first 14 towns to take part in the pilot schemes and receive funding from the government will be:

Swinton Town centre – Salford, Thornton Heath – Croydon, Cheadle – Staffordshire Moorlands, Aldershot Town Centre – Rushmoor, Stirchley – Birmingham, Accrington Town Centre – Hyndburn, Kendal – South Lakeland, Friargate – Preston, Coventry City Centre – Coventry, Hartlepool Town Centre – Hartlepool, Ellesmere Port Town Centre – Cheshire West and Chester, West Bromwich Town Centre – Sandwell, Huyton Town Centre – Knowsley, Withington District Centre – Manchester.

“The Task Force will provide the tools they need to get the best advice possible and a dashboard of key local data,” Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said.

Ministers will also launch a consultation on whether to build an online register of commercial properties, which could make it easier to bring empty shops back into use.

The government has also pledged to cut small retailers’ business rates bills by 50 per cent from April.

If you require photography of your conference, meeting or event please drop me a line at david@davidoates.net or fill out the form on the ‘Contact’ page of this website.

Professional conference photography at Manchester Metropolitan University

Town centre redevelopment planning session in Manchester

Local leaders discussing town centre regeneration strategies

High Streets Task Force meeting participants reviewing data dashboards

Portraits of staff and experts at High Streets Task Force meeting

Portrait of Manchester Metropolitan University staff supporting Task Force

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

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.

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? 

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.

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. 

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

Vietnam

People relaxing on their Honda’s outside St. Joseph’s cathedral, Hanoi

Capturing Vietnam: Travel Photography of Vietnamese Culture and Streets

As an English freelance photographer, I’ve traveled extensively, but Vietnam presented a vibrant, dynamic environment unlike anywhere else. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful coastline of An Bang Beach, each location offered a striking window into Vietnamese life, culture, and daily routines. The intensity of the cities and the tranquility of rural landscapes provided a rich visual narrative that I was eager to capture.

Members of the Vietnamese Army gathered for a dinner at the Vietnamese Military History Museum in Hanoi. I found later that it’s eerily reminiscent of this http://bit.ly/2PFwOiI from my visit to Beijing a few years ago.

Street Life and Urban Chaos in Hanoi

Hanoi’s streets are alive with energy, from the honking motorbikes weaving through crowded intersections to the street vendors selling local delicacies. Capturing urban life in Vietnam required a careful balance of timing, perspective, and attention to detail. Photography in this environment revealed not only the chaos but also the rhythms, relationships, and traditions that define Hanoi’s unique character.

A man photographs the now famous MiG-21 at the Vietnamese Military History Museum in Hanoi.

Cultural Heritage and Daily Life

Beyond the streets, Vietnam’s culture is visible in its architecture, markets, temples, and homes. Each neighborhood tells a story of community, history, and resilience. Through photography, I was able to document artisans at work, families engaged in daily routines, and cultural ceremonies, illustrating both tradition and the modern vibrancy of Vietnamese society.

The elegantly decaying cockpit of a captured United States Huey helicopter

Coastal Serenity and Rural Landscapes

Traveling from the city to the coast, locations such as An Bang Beach offered a contrast to the urban intensity. The calm beaches, fishing villages, and rural landscapes allowed for reflective, scenic photography that captures the slower pace of life. These settings provide a complementary perspective to the energetic streets of Hanoi, highlighting Vietnam’s diversity and natural beauty.

The Hanoi skyline

Photography as Storytelling in Vietnam

Vietnam is a photographer’s dream: the contrasts between urban chaos and coastal calm, modern life and traditional practices, provide endless opportunities for storytelling. Documenting the country required a mix of environmental portraits, street photography, and landscape work, creating a cohesive visual journey that communicates the spirit of Vietnam.

A woman sells clothes in a night market at Hàng Bè in central Hanoi.

The Allure of Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city, was my first stop. Stepping off the plane, I was immediately hit by the warm, humid air and the symphony of honking scooters and chatter that filled the streets. The city buzzed with life, and I knew I was in for an adventure. As I wandered through the Old Quarter, my camera was glued to my face, capturing the narrow alleyways, the chaotic mix of colonial architecture, and the street vendors who seemed to emerge from every corner.

One of my favorite memories from Hanoi was capturing the street food culture. I watched as locals prepared dishes in makeshift kitchens on the sidewalks. The aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs wafted through the air, drawing me closer. I couldn't resist trying pho from a small stall run by an elderly woman who smiled warmly as she ladled broth into a bowl. The experience was transformative; I felt as if I had tasted the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

A woman washes in the river in Tam Cốc-Bích Động

Despite the city's charm, navigating the streets was a daunting experience. The sheer number of motorbikes zipping past made crossing the road feel like a high-stakes game. I watched in awe as locals seemed to glide through the traffic, their movements fluid and confident. Meanwhile, I hesitated, clutching my camera as I waited for a gap in the chaos.

This guy appeared to be chopping up a monster in Tam Cốc-Bích Động. I later discovered it was a goat and realised were the Baphomet mythology comes from. I like the matching under bites of man and beast.

The Scary Bus Rides

After a few days, it was time to venture beyond Hanoi. I boarded a sleeper bus heading to Tam Coc, and the adventure took a turn I hadn’t anticipated. The bus driver, a seemingly fearless man in his 30s, sped down the winding roads with a reckless abandon that left my heart racing. With each sharp turn, I clutched my seat, whispering silent prayers. I managed to snap a few photos of the breathtaking landscapes outside the window, but the sheer terror of the ride overshadowed my artistic intentions.

A scene familiar the world over that always seems worth a photograph. Note the still very popular in Vietnam pith helmet and the ubiquitous scooters.

When we finally arrived in Tam Coc, I was greeted by stunning limestone karsts rising majestically from the rice paddies. The landscape felt like a painting come to life, and I quickly set out to capture its beauty. A boat ride along the river revealed views that were straight out of a dream. I photographed local rowers navigating the tranquil waters, their movements graceful against the backdrop of towering cliffs.

Tam Cốc-Bích Động is a backpackers haven at some times of the year. Here one of the two bus bars opposite the lake.

A Culinary Detour in Hue

From Tam Coc, we made a brief stop in Hue. While my time there was short, it was not without its highlights. After changing buses, I took the opportunity to seek out the famed Bun Bo Hue—a spicy beef noodle soup that is a local specialty. I found a bustling little eatery filled with locals, the air thick with the scent of herbs and spices.

And in the lake the local kids who swim here every night another picture that reminded me of a shot from China http://bit.ly/38T4rW0

As I savoured each spoonful, I captured the vibrant colours and textures of the dish, the glistening broth swirling with greens and tender beef. It was a simple meal that resonated deeply, embodying the essence of Vietnamese culinary culture.

Young Vietnamese man playing pool in one of the nearly empty backpacker bars of Tam Cốc. Vietnam is a country completely enamoured by counterfeit designer wear and these boys didn’t disappoint.

Da Nang: A City of Contrasts

Next on my journey was Da Nang, a city that struck me as a blend of modernity and tradition. Here, I explored the Dragon Bridge and the stunning beaches that lined the coastline. The juxtaposition of skyscrapers against the natural beauty of the sea was captivating.

Forgive me for the sunset shot. The limestone karsts emerging from an otherwise billiard flat plateau define the geology of much of Vietnam most famously at Halong Bay. The area around Tam Cốc is an inland version with rice paddys covering the water for much of the year.

While in Da Nang, I discovered a thriving street food scene. I encountered vendors selling banh mi, the beloved Vietnamese sandwich that is as varied as it is delicious. I snapped photos of the colorful ingredients piled high—crunchy pickled vegetables, savory meats, and fresh herbs. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, and I felt a rush of excitement as I documented the culinary artistry before me.

A woman cleans part of the absolutely vast Bái Đính Buddhist Temple in Ninh Bình Province

Hoi An: A Photographer’s Paradise

Just a short journey from Da Nang is Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved ancient town. The moment I arrived, I knew I had stumbled into a photographer’s paradise. The streets were lined with yellow-hued buildings, their facades adorned with vibrant lanterns that seemed to glow in the soft evening light.

Vietnam is the home of the face mask and the spiritual home of Chanel.

I spent hours wandering the narrow alleyways, capturing the intimate moments of daily life—vendors preparing their goods, children playing in the streets, and couples sharing quiet moments along the riverside. Hoi An’s charm was intoxicating, and I found myself lost in the magic of it all.

Book keeping at the market in Hoi An

I also made my way to An Bang Beach, just a short bike ride from the town center. The beach was a breathtaking escape, with soft sand and azure waters. Here, I captured the juxtaposition of relaxation and the vibrant energy of beachgoers enjoying their day. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the scene, and I felt a sense of fulfillment as I clicked away, the light perfectly framing my subjects.

Shoppers in Hoi An market

Quy Nhon and Bai Xep: Hidden Gems

Continuing my journey, I ventured to Quy Nhon and Bai Xep, two coastal towns that felt like hidden gems. In Quy Nhon, I found a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling cities. The beaches were less crowded, allowing me to connect with the local culture on a deeper level. I photographed fishermen mending their nets, their weathered faces telling stories of hard work and dedication.

Motorcycling wear in Vietnam is the best I’ve seen anywhere.

At Bai Xep, I discovered a tranquil setting that felt worlds away from the frenetic energy of Hanoi. The beach was dotted with traditional fishing boats, their bright colors contrasting beautifully with the sandy shore. I spent my days capturing the idyllic scenery and the simple joys of life along the coast.

Probably the final journey before this guy becomes Pho Ga

One evening, as I watched the sun set over the horizon, I reflected on the journey thus far. My experiences had deepened my appreciation for Vietnamese culture, particularly its resilience and warmth.

Relaxing in Hoi An

The Return Journey

As I prepared to leave Vietnam, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The bus rides, though often harrowing, had become part of the adventure, a reminder of the unpredictability of travel. The street food, with its incredible flavors and colors, had fueled my passion for photography and storytelling.

The outdoor fan is an absolute necessity for any restaurant hoping to attract custom.

I returned home with a treasure trove of images, each one a testament to the beauty and complexity of Vietnam. My camera had captured not just landscapes and meals, but the spirit of the people I met along the way.

A typical traffic jam in Da Nang. Everyone rides.

In sharing my journey, I hope to convey the essence of Vietnam: a land of contrasts, where chaos meets tranquility, and tradition dances with modernity. My adventure was more than just a trip; it was a deeply transformative experience that will continue to inspire my work as a photographer.

Even though the machines are incredibly reliable, Vietnamese Honda mechanics are rarely out of work due to the vast numbers on the roads. Here are young man waits for a street corner mechanic to mend his bike in Da Nang.

Vietnam, with its captivating streets and tantalizing food, has etched itself into my memory—a destination I will cherish and revisit through my lens for years to come.

Street food vendors in Da Nang. Everything you’ve heard is true, this is how to eat the best food in Vietnam. My highlight was a bowl of Bun Cha eaten knees round ears in a garage entrance with motorbikes whizzing by. Unimprovable.

One of the most stylish people I’ve seen this year. In Qui Nhon in the centre of the country.

At night in Qui Nhon

A very typical view down an alley in Hoi An.

Seamstresses work late in the night in Da Nang.

Another great Hanoi Bun Cha spot. The people get bigger the chairs don’t.

A man and his dog in Hanoi.

A typical side street motorcycle mechanic/valet service in Hanoi

The street food essentials, outdoor fan, low plastic tables, beautiful sunlight.

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.

British Association for Applied Linguistics conference

Conference Photography at the BAAL Conference, Manchester Metropolitan University

A few weeks ago I photographed the latest conference organised by the British Association for Applied Linguistics (BAAL) at Manchester Metropolitan University. The event brought together researchers, academics and students working across the field of applied linguistics, with presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions taking place throughout the day.

Photographing academic conferences like this is always engaging, not only from a visual perspective but also intellectually. As a photographer you are immersed in subjects that you might not otherwise encounter, documenting conversations and presentations while absorbing ideas and research happening around you.

Applied Linguistics and Academic Research

The BAAL conference this year explored a range of themes connected to language learning and linguistic research. Topics included language acquisition, the experience of learning foreign languages, and the ways in which emerging technologies are influencing communication and linguistic change.

Events like these highlight the diversity of contemporary research in applied linguistics. Bringing together scholars from different institutions allows for discussion and collaboration while giving attendees the opportunity to share new insights and approaches to teaching, learning and analysing language.

Photographing Academic Conferences

Conference photography requires a balance between documentary observation and careful timing. The aim is to capture a clear visual record of the event: keynote speakers presenting their research, audience engagement during talks, informal discussions between delegates, and the overall atmosphere of the venue.

Universities and academic organisations often use these images for future conference promotion, websites, social media, and institutional archives. High-quality photographs also help illustrate the energy and collaborative nature of academic gatherings.

Feedback from the Conference Organiser

Freelance photographers often deliver work after an event without hearing much about how the images are received, so it was particularly gratifying to receive this message from the BAAL conference organiser afterwards:

“I’ve just downloaded the photos – absolutely fantastic. I’ve never given a photographer such a haphazard brief and had it nailed so well, so thanks very much. I wouldn’t hesitate to use you again based on these.”

Positive feedback like this is always encouraging, especially when working in fast-moving environments such as conferences where capturing the right moments requires careful observation and responsiveness.

Conference Photographer in Manchester and the UK

If you are organising a conference, academic event or professional gathering and require a photographer in Manchester, the North of England or elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to get in touch via email or through the contact form on the About page of this site.

British Ecological Society Summer School

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.

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”.

Cubic Motion

Cubic Motion is the world leader in real-time model-based computer vision and digital animation, bringing extraordinary characters to life across video games, films, broadcast media, and immersive technologies. 

It was a real pleasure to be commissioned to carried out the documentary, product and portrait photography for their new website: https://cubicmotion.com/

Castle House for Just H Architects

Architectural photography for Just H architects. Documenting the retrofitting of the modernist former Co-operative Society’s Castle House market in Sheffield into a new food hall, venue, gallery, co-working space and home for the National Video Game Museum.

British Ecological Society Conferences

Event Photography: British Ecological Society and Society for Tropical Ecology Annual Conference | McEwan Hall, Edinburgh

I recently photographed the joint annual conference of the British Ecological Society (BES) and the Society for Tropical Ecology, held in the magnificent McEwan Hall in Edinburgh. Covering conferences like this is always fascinating, and it can be a challenge to balance listening to presentations with capturing key moments for documentation and promotional purposes.

The photographs provide an overview of the event, highlighting the diversity of attendees, the atmosphere of the sessions, and the architectural grandeur of McEwan Hall. Capturing these moments visually helps illustrate the importance of the conference as a space for scientific exchange, networking, and engagement with current ecological research.

Capturing Academic Conferences

Event photography for academic and professional conferences requires attention to context, detail, and storytelling. I focused on capturing presenters during talks, delegates engaging in discussions, and the overall environment of the hall. These images are used for marketing, social media, and post-conference reporting, providing a visual record of the event that complements the written proceedings.

Documenting conferences also allows for the dissemination of the event’s energy and significance, giving future participants and collaborators a sense of the professional and social interactions that define such gatherings.

McEwan Hall: A Historic Backdrop

McEwan Hall in Edinburgh provides a dramatic and inspiring setting for conferences, combining historic architecture with modern event functionality. Photographing within this space adds visual interest, framing the attendees and speakers against the grandeur of the venue while highlighting the professional nature of the conference.

Conclusion

Photographing the joint BES and Society for Tropical Ecology annual conference offered an opportunity to create a visual record of scientific collaboration, lively discussion, and academic engagement. These images communicate the scale, professionalism, and atmosphere of the conference, providing valuable content for the societies’ marketing, archives, and social media.

New facility opening for DB Cargo

Event and Industrial Photography: Deutsche Bahn Cargo Facility Launch in Wolverhampton

DB recently opened its new facility in Wolverhampton, situated close to the heartland of the West Midlands motor industry. I photographed the launch of the facility, capturing the scale of the giant hangars, the trains delivering enormous rolls of steel, and the industrial context of this major logistics hub. These images were created to document the event and illustrate the operational scale of Deutsche Bahn Cargo’s new UK presence.

My visit to the West Midlands last year took me to the region twice on assignments related to Britain’s motor industry. The launch of the new DB facility is pictured below, with its expansive structures and dynamic industrial environment. Earlier in the year, on commission for the German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche (Business Week), I documented the factory of German supplier Brose, where seats and equipment are manufactured for Jaguar Land Rover models.

Capturing Industrial Scale and Event Context

Photographing industrial facilities and their launches requires a balance of documentary and editorial approaches. At the Deutsche Bahn Cargo event, the focus was on capturing the imposing scale of the new facility, the movement of freight trains delivering steel, and the atmosphere of the launch itself. The images provide a visual overview of the infrastructure and operations, contextualising the significance of the site within the UK’s manufacturing and logistics landscape.

Industrial photography like this supports editorial stories, corporate reports, and marketing materials. By showing the relationship between people, machines, and structures, the images help communicate the operational realities of major logistics investments and industrial facilities.

Brose and the Motor Industry in the West Midlands

Earlier visits to the West Midlands included a commission for WirtschaftsWoche to photograph the Brose factory, a German manufacturer producing components such as seats and interior equipment for Jaguar Land Rover. This work captured the production lines, workforce engagement, and manufacturing processes at the factory, emphasising the ongoing connections between German engineering firms and British automotive production.

Together, these visits paint a broader picture of the West Midlands as a centre for industrial innovation, logistics, and automotive supply chains. Photographing these facilities highlights the region’s economic significance and the cross‑border relationships that shape modern manufacturing.

Conclusion

Photographing the launch of Deutsche Bahn Cargo’s new facility in Wolverhampton provided an opportunity to document both a major industrial event and the scale of modern logistics infrastructure. Alongside earlier work at Brose’s automotive supply factory, these images form a coherent visual record of significant industrial activity in the West Midlands, illustrating the interplay between transport, manufacturing, and economic growth in the UK.

Blazing Winter vs. The Beast from the East...

A few pictures from a hike up Helvellyn in the Lake District on 22nd February 2019…full sun, 16°C

And some from the Old Man of Coniston on 28th February 2018, bitten by the Beast from the East, -5°C with wind chill to -17°C. Ice axes, crampons, all phone batteries dead from hypothermia.

Kingsway School

Some pictures from my first commission for Kingsway School. I’m glad to have been back for a further shoot later this year.

You can see the pictures in action on the school’s website: https://www.kingsway.stockport.sch.uk/

Sortimo for WirtschaftWoche

Documentary Photography: Sortimo and German Businesses Post-Brexit | WirtschaftWoche

I recently photographed a feature for the German business magazine WirtschaftWoche (Business Week), focusing on the effects of Brexit on German companies operating facilities in the UK. The assignment explored how businesses have adapted to regulatory changes, supply chain shifts, and operational challenges following the UK’s departure from the EU.

The shoot took me to Sortimo, a van racking company based in Warrington. My role was to capture documentary-style images that illustrate the day-to-day operations of the facility, the workforce in action, and the broader context of a German firm navigating the post-Brexit landscape. The photographs accompany Sacha’s editorial piece, providing a visual narrative that complements the magazine’s analysis.

Employees installing van racking systems at Sortimo facility

Sortimo van racking assembly line in Warrington UK

German company Sortimo UK operations post-Brexit

Documentary photography of Sortimo warehouse interior

Sortimo production workflow in Warrington factory

Workers preparing vehicles for commercial van racking at Sortimo

Editorial photography of German business operations in UK

Sortimo UK employees at work during Brexit adaptation feature

Van racking systems being installed at Sortimo UK facility

Business documentary photography for WirtschaftWoche magazine

Operational processes at Sortimo warehouse UK post-Brexit

German firm Sortimo staff assembling storage solutions for vans

Industrial and corporate photography of Sortimo UK production

Capturing Business and Operational Context

Documentary photography for business features requires balancing authenticity, clarity, and editorial storytelling. At Sortimo, I photographed employees assembling and installing van racking systems, operational workflows, and the facility’s production environment. These images help readers visualise the human and operational side of corporate adaptation to Brexit, showing how German companies continue to maintain high standards and efficiency in a changing business climate.

Professional photography adds value to editorial coverage by highlighting both context and narrative. By capturing the people, processes, and infrastructure of Sortimo, the photographs provide a tangible sense of the challenges and innovations described in the article.

The Impact of Brexit on German Firms

The assignment illustrates how Brexit has influenced German companies with UK operations, from logistics adjustments to regulatory compliance. Sortimo exemplifies firms that have invested in continuity and operational resilience, ensuring that their UK facilities remain productive and competitive. Through photography, these adjustments are made visible, helping readers understand the human, operational, and strategic dimensions of the story.

Conclusion

Photographing Sortimo for WirtschaftWoche allowed me to create a visual record of a German firm operating in the UK post-Brexit. The documentary images support the editorial narrative, conveying both operational detail and the broader challenges faced by businesses in a changing European and UK economic environment.

Victoria Jordan

Victoria Jordan photographed in Greater Manchester for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University

The Right Honourable Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn was in Manchester yesterday for the launch of the Labour election campaign. I caught up with the campaign bus in my home town of Wythenshawe.

David Cameron came here and someone waved an imaginary gun at him, cue a frenzy of demonising 'chavs' and hoodies all over the papers. Corbyn turns up, gets treated like a returning hero and guess what? No one's bothered.

If only everywhere was like Wythenshawe, the people of Wythenshawe might stand half a chance...

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.