Delaine Le Bas at the Whitworth Art Gallery

At the opening of Un-Fair-Ground at The Whitworth, Delaine Le Bas filled the gallery with layered textiles, painted slogans and fairground imagery. The exhibition reads as a single immersive environment rather than a series of separate works.

The large-scale mural Un-Fair-Ground, first created for Glastonbury Festival and reworked here, dominates the space. Its bold lettering and graphic style suggest spectacle, while addressing questions of visibility and representation.

In Witch House, wallpaper and stitched phrases reframe domestic space as a site of resistance. Performance elements during the evening shifted the atmosphere, drawing audiences together and reinforcing the exhibition’s emphasis on shared experience.

Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground is at the Whitworth, Manchester until 31 May

Portrait photograph of Delaine Le Bas

Portrait photograph of Delaine Le Bas by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Performance at Whitworth Art Gallery by Delaine Le Bas

Performance at Whitworth Art Gallery by Delaine Le Bas. by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Young woman looking at a painting by Delaine Le Bas

Young woman looking at a painting by Delaine Le Bas at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester

by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Young woman photographs an artwork by Delaine Le Bas

Young woman photographs an artwork by Delaine Le Bas at Whitworth At Gallery, Manchester, UK

by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Woman looks at Artwork in glass case.

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Crowd seen through diaphanous sheet

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Attendees chat at an art gallery opening

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

women look at art books

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

The crowd in an art gallery

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

A woman reads an art book

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

People look at a painting

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Man looks closely at a large painting

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Two women observe a loose canvas

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

A crowd with an installation behind them

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

People look at paintings

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

The crowd at a gallery 'NO' is painted on the floor in the foreground

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

A woman looks at artwork on the floor in which she is partially reflected

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

People talk at an art gallery opening

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Two people read an art book

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

The audience in front of an installation

At the opening of an exhibition at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Photograph taken by Manchester based event photographer David Oates

Manchester Artist Teachers Collective

Manchester Artist Teacher Collective (MATC) is a group of artist teachers from secondary schools and colleges across Manchester, and gallery educators from Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth and HOME. They foster collaboration between art educators, local artists, studios and gallery spaces. Through this collaboration, they seek to develop and share artistic and educational expertise, enabling teachers to engage with contemporary practices and sustained personal making. By centring on the artist teachers’ own creative development, the collective highlights the local cultural ecology and future opportunities within Manchester for the young people they teach. 

Art Fund Partnerships event

Art Fund is the UK’s national charity supporting museums and galleries. For over 120 years grants have helped them to acquire, commission and display great works of art, fund curatorial training and research, and reach new communities and audiences across the UK. Their Art Partners are a group of patrons who share our passion for museums and galleries, providing annual support that makes our work possible. I was asked to document a patron’s event in Liverpool that gave exclusive insights into their work and the museums they support. The tour took us to the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool Library, FACT and the Bluecoat and was led by Liverpool Biennial CEO Sam Lackey, who I was delighted to meet again having known her for her great work in her previous role as Head of Collections and Exhibitions at the Whitworth in Manchester.

Mantra of the Cosmos for the Times

When the news broke that Shaun Ryder, Zak Starkey, Andy Bell, and Bez were joining forces, the music world collectively raised an eyebrow. Would this be a glorious collision of musical titans or a cosmic car crash? Their debut single, "Gorilla Guerilla," suggests the former. A psychedelic groove with a swagger that only these veterans could deliver, it's a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come.

I had a fun afternoon photographing these lads for the Times, a bunch of legends.

Meer Ali Khan for the Wall Street Journal

It was a privilege to meet Meer Ali Khan while on assignment for the Wall Street Journal.

Meer’s brother was killed only three months after starting work on the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. He hopes that by raising awareness of the fate suffered by his family, he can help prevent similar tragedies caused by harsh and unsafe working conditions.

Recent reports and documentaries have painted a disturbing picture of labour abuses at NEOM. Migrant workers, who make up the vast majority of the construction workforce, allege gruelling hours, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions. Some workers have even claimed that they were not paid for months and were forced to work in extreme heat without access to clean water or shade.

"We are made to work extremely hard," said one worker, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. "There is little time to rest. We get tired. We suffer from anxiety day and night."

These allegations are not new. Human rights organisations have long documented the exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the construction sector. The kafala system, which ties workers' visas to their employers, has been widely criticised for giving employers excessive power and control over workers' lives.

While Saudi Arabia has made some reforms to the kafala system in recent years, advocates say that these changes have not gone far enough. Migrant workers remain vulnerable to abuse, and many are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs or being deported.

The situation at NEOM is particularly concerning given the scale and ambition of the project. NEOM is expected to cost an estimated $500 billion and will require a massive workforce to complete. If the allegations of labour abuses are true, it would suggest that the exploitation of migrant workers is deeply embedded in the project's development.

Station Agent's House for The Landmark Trust

In 1830, the Railway Age began with the launch of Liverpool Road Station, recognised as the first railway terminus specifically designed for inter-city passenger travel. The residence of its original Station Agent has been transformed by the Landmark Trust into an eco-friendly and accessible holiday let in the heart of Manchester. I was fortunate to photograph the building before the restoration, during its renovation and after completion.

Significant renovations in the 1980’s altered much of the station's original charm and interiors, so The Landmark Trust have chosen furnishings that reflect the elegance of the 1930’s and the golden age of steam travel.

In 1828, the site for what would become Liverpool Road Station was chosen by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, under the guidance of Engineer George Stephenson, due to its strategic location. This building served as the home for the first Station Agent, Joseph Green, and was central to the station's development. It was here that many features defining train travel emerged, including waiting areas, signaling systems, ticketing, and the offices of the station agent.

As the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, Liverpool Road quickly became too small to accommodate the growing popularity of rail travel, leading to its eventual transformation into a goods and freight station by 1844. The station ceased operations in 1975, but its historical importance was recognized, and in 1983, it was repurposed into the Science and Industry Museum, with the Station Agent’s House serving as office space.

In collaboration with the Science & Industry Museum, our restoration project now allows the public to explore the Station Agent’s House for the very first time, marking an important step in the Museum’s initiative to provide visitors access to all aspects of this significant industrial heritage site, which spans seven acres.

Today, this historic Grade I listed building embodies a blend of innovative technology and environmental sustainability, equipped with features to support individuals with limited mobility, including a lift connecting its main floors.

Manchester School of Art - Fine Art Masters show at the Holden Gallery

The Holden Gallery has now reopened following a major two-year refurbishment of the historic Grosvenor building. It was great to be back there recently to photograph the 2024 Fine Art Masters show.

Manchester has a chronic lack of spaces for art for a city of its size and status, so it’s great to see this gallery reopen and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new programme holds in store.

Professional Headshots

As a freelance photographer specializing in headshot photography, I am dedicated to helping you create a strong personal brand that stands out in today’s competitive marketplace. Whether you're an actor, corporate professional, entrepreneur, or creative artist, a high-quality headshot can make a significant impact on how you're perceived.

Why Choose Professional Headshots?

In a digital world where first impressions often happen online, a professional headshot is more important than ever. It serves as your visual introduction, giving potential clients, employers, or collaborators a glimpse of your personality and professionalism. With years of experience in portrait photography, I understand the nuances that make a headshot truly exceptional. Here are a few reasons to invest in professional headshot photography:

1. Build Trust and Credibility

A well-crafted headshot conveys trustworthiness and professionalism. It can enhance your personal brand and increase your chances of being remembered. In a sea of profiles, a standout image can make all the difference.

2. Tailored to Your Needs

Every client is unique, and I take the time to understand your specific requirements and vision. Whether you prefer a corporate look for LinkedIn, a creative vibe for your portfolio, or a friendly appearance for networking events, I tailor the session to capture your individuality.

3. High-Quality Results

Using professional-grade equipment and techniques, I ensure that each headshot is of the highest quality. From lighting and composition to post-processing, every detail is meticulously handled to deliver stunning results.

The Headshot Photography Process

Consultation

Before we start, I offer a consultation to discuss your goals, preferred styles, and any specific locations you have in mind. This initial conversation is crucial in ensuring that we capture the essence of who you are.

Photoshoot

During the shoot, I create a relaxed atmosphere to help you feel comfortable. Whether in my studio or on location, I guide you through poses and expressions to showcase your personality effectively.

Editing and Delivery

Post-session, I carefully edit the images to enhance their quality while maintaining authenticity. You’ll receive your headshots in various formats, perfect for both online and print use.

Perfect for All Professions

I cater to a diverse clientele, including:

• Corporate Professionals: Elevate your LinkedIn profile and company website with polished headshots that reflect your professionalism.

• Actors and Performers: Showcase your unique character with compelling headshots that resonate with casting directors.

• Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: Establish your brand identity with dynamic images that convey your passion and expertise.

• Creatives and Artists: Capture your artistic essence in headshots that tell your story.

Booking Your Headshot Session

Ready to elevate your image? Booking your headshot session is easy! Visit my Contact Page to schedule a consultation or inquire about pricing and packages.

By investing in professional headshot photography, you’re taking a crucial step toward building your brand and making a lasting impression. Explore the gallery of my recent work to see examples of how I help clients like you shine.

Let’s work together to create a headshot that truly represents you and opens doors to new opportunities!

Wild in Art - We Live Here Eccles

In the summer of 2023, visitors to Eccles discovered a vibrant Wild in Art trail celebrating the unique character and heritage of Eccles, which took over windows, walls and spaces in the town centre. The public art installation featured street art, paintings, murals, photography and pop up studios – all created by local artists and Eccles residents.

24 installations of artwork decorated the town and all referenced the different wildlife and people that live, study and work in Eccles.

The event was part of a huge regeneration programme from Salford City Council. Wild in Art were commissioned to work with local stakeholders to deliver a showcase of artwork, from striking installations to magnificent murals, powerful photography and stunning paintings, injecting life and colour into Eccles town centre.

Locals and visitors could pick up a trail map at Eccles Library, and various shops and cafes in Eccles Shopping Centre to explore the trail.

I was fortunate enough to document the trail and my photographs illustrate the website: https://wildinart.co.uk/events/we-live-here-eccles/

This year after the announcement of a major regeneration programme in the town, Wild in Art announced a new piece of work, a mosaic co-produced by Lauren Mullarkey and members of the local community who would be telling of their experiences of the local area and providing material from which the mosaic would be made. I visited to meet and take portraits of the contributors.

Manchester School of Art - End of Year shows

As a freelance photographer, I’ve had the privilege of covering a range of events, from high-profile gallery openings to intimate artist workshops. But there’s something uniquely electric about photographing the Manchester School of Art’s Final Year Shows. This annual event is a visual feast—a whirlwind of creative expression that radiates youthful energy and bold experimentation.

Stepping into the show, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. It’s like walking into a sprawling gallery where every corner has something surprising to offer. The exhibition sprawls across different spaces, showcasing the work of students from various disciplines—painting, sculpture, digital design, fashion, and more. As someone tasked with documenting these moments, I need to quickly assess where the magic is happening and how best to capture it.

The first challenge is the sheer variety of the work. Each student has spent months, if not years, developing their final pieces, and no two are alike. One moment, I’m photographing a vibrant, abstract painting that dominates an entire wall, the next I’m crouched low, focusing on the intricate details of a conceptual sculpture made of recycled materials. As a photographer, I need to adjust my approach with every shot—switching between wide angles to capture the scale of installations and close-ups to highlight the craftsmanship.

The diversity of mediums can also be tricky to capture, especially when moving between 3D pieces and digital displays. I find myself drawn to the fashion design section, where students have created garments that blur the lines between art and wearable expression. Models wearing the students’ designs wander through the space, and this creates dynamic, live-action moments that require quick reflexes. I follow the models closely, framing shots that showcase both the fluidity of the fabric and the confidence of the wearer.

What’s particularly challenging, but also rewarding, is photographing interactive art. Many pieces invite the audience to participate—whether it’s a digital installation that reacts to sound or a sculptural piece that encourages touch. It’s hard to convey the essence of these works in a single image, but I try to focus on capturing people’s engagement with the art. A hand reaching out, a thoughtful expression as someone studies a piece, a child laughing in delight at an unexpected moment—all these interactions are just as important as the art itself.

The lighting conditions add another layer of complexity. In one room, the lighting might be bright and natural, ideal for capturing crisp, clean images. In another, the mood might be much darker, with spotlighting used to create dramatic shadows. I constantly adjust my settings, ensuring that the photos not only reflect the technical aspects of the work but also evoke the intended emotional response.

As the evening draws to a close, and I scroll through the hundreds of images I’ve taken, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Capturing the essence of the Manchester School of Art’s Final Year Shows isn’t just about photographing the art—it’s about documenting the passion and energy that these young creatives bring to their work. Every image tells a story, not just of the art itself, but of the moment in time when it was unveiled to the world.

Leaving the exhibition, I know that I’ve been part of something special. The Manchester School of Art’s final shows are a glimpse into the future of art and design, and I feel privileged to have witnessed, and captured, the first steps of these emerging talents.

Greg Marsden for Connected Places

One of a series of portraits of transport planning academic Greg Marsden, photographed in the brutalist heart of the University of Leeds for the latest issue of Connected Places Catapult

Adidas SMM Conference

I always look forward to working at the Adidas Marketing conferences and seeing what Jules from TOL Events can do to surpass her last superb event.

This time we were at Factory International, Manchester making full use of the auditorium for the presentations, fashion show, interviews and beatboxing until the curtain dropped on the giant warehouse housing a full-size fun fair with added Juergen Klopp.

I’m looking forward to the next one.

Manchester Museum for Art Fund

The newly remodelled Manchester Museum opened a few months ago. I was commissioned by Art Fund to spend a few hours seeing what was going on. It was packed and I loved it, I’ll be going back to check out the Egyptian Mummies exhibition next week.

A Commercial photography commission for Transport for the North

Another commission for Transport for the North, this time highlighting railway infrastructure and electric car charging. Shot in and around a cold, wintry Warrington Bank quay station.

Commercial photography for Transport for the North

A recent series of images for long-standing client Transport for the North. I’m proud to play some small part in their effort to demonstrate to the government the North’s increasingly desperate need for proper transport infrastructure and planning.

Soccer Players Talk Retirement for ESPN

A wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph former footballers Nedum Onuoha (ex-QPR and Manchester City), David Thompson (ex-Liverpool, Coventry and Blackburn) and Joe Thompson (ex-Rochdale and Tranmere) for a recent ESPN article discussing their varied experiences of retiring from the game.

Nedum Onuoha for ESPN

David Thompson for ESPN

Nedum Onuoha for ESPN

Joe Thompson for ESPN

David Thompson for ESPN

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.

BP Bodelwyddan Village Hall consultation

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.

Photographing for Art Fund at the Bronte Museum

Art Fund is a UK-based charity that aims to help museums and galleries to acquire and display works of art. The charity was established in 1903 and has since supported hundreds of museums and galleries across the country, helping to enhance their collections and make art more accessible to the public.

One of the most notable initiatives of Art Fund is the National Art Pass, which provides free entry or discounted admission to over 240 museums and galleries across the UK, as well as other benefits such as exclusive events and discounts at art-related shops and restaurants.

Meet Me at the Museum is a podcast series published by Art Fund where famous faces take their best mate, their mum, their neighbour (whoever they want) for an afternoon at a favourite museum or gallery. As well as getting a peek behind the scenes, seeing what makes a museum tick, it's also the starting point for some great conversations about life, the universe and everything. As well as a chance to eat lots of cake in the cafe.

During the production of this episode, I photographed writer Amy Liptrot, author of The Outrun and The Instant, as she took her friend, poet Zaffar Kunial, to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire. Together they explore the former home of the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne – and see where some of their most famous novels were written. From the dining table where the sisters shared their work, to early reviews of Wuthering Heights, intimate objects and artefacts prompt conversations about Amy and Zaffar’s own inspirations as writers. And, after exploring the house and museum, they head out into the landscape and discover a poem in the wild.

The Bronte Museum, located in the picturesque village of Haworth in West Yorkshire, England, is a must-visit destination for literature lovers and fans of the Bronte sisters. The museum is dedicated to the lives and works of the Bronte family, particularly the three sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - who wrote some of the most celebrated novels of the 19th century, including "Jane Eyre", "Wuthering Heights", and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall".

The museum is housed in the former home of the Bronte family, which has been carefully preserved to provide visitors with an authentic glimpse into the lives of the famous siblings. The museum contains an extensive collection of Bronte memorabilia, including original manuscripts, letters, personal belongings, and artworks. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the museum, including the dining room, drawing room, and bedrooms, which have been furnished to recreate the atmosphere of the Bronte family home.