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David Oates | Manchester Photographer

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Latest Editorial, Portrait & Commercial Photography Projects

A selection of my most recent commissions and ongoing projects.

The work shown here spans editorial assignments, portrait commissions, documentary projects and commercial photography for organisations and publishers. It reflects current areas of focus and the range of contexts in which I am working.

New projects are added regularly.

Business professionals networking and exchanging ideas at Innovate to Elevate coffee break

Manchester Conference Photography: Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase Event Coverage

David Oates March 10, 2026

I recently photographed the Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase, organised by the Centre for Digital Innovation and held in Manchester. The event brought together technology companies, researchers, and innovators working across fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital manufacturing, and sustainable technology.

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In Conference, Event, Documentary Tags Editorial Photography, event photography, Conference, Conference Photographer, Conference photography, Conference Photography, Conference photographer, AI conference, conference documentary
A member of Manchester Artist Teachers Collective makes work at Manchester Art Gallery

Photographing the Manchester Artist Teacher Collective

David Oates February 3, 2026

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. 

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In Documentary, Artists, Event, Schools, Conference Tags Manchester Artists Teachers Collective, Manchester Art Gallery, art educators, creative development, (MATC, secondary school, colleges, gallery educators, Whitworth Art Gallery, HOME, HOME Manchester
Peter Harkness at Walker Art gallery Liverpool

Documenting an Art Fund Event Across Liverpool’s Museums and Galleries

David Oates February 3, 2026

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.

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In Documentary, Conference, Artists, Event Tags Art Fund, Art gallery photography, Art, art installation, Patrons, Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, FACT, FACT Liverpool, Sam Lackey, Liverpool Biennial, Bluecoat, Bluecoat Liverpool, Liverpool Library
Close-up portrait of Meer Ali Khan indoors, professional editorial photography for Wall Street Journal feature on NEOM labor conditions

Photographing Meer Ali Khan for the Wall Street Journal

David Oates February 10, 2025

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.

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In Documentary, Editorial Tags Meer Ali Khan, Wall Street Journal, Neom, Neom project, Saudi Arabia, unsafe working conditions, reports, documentaries, disturbing picture, Migrant workers, construction workforce, gruelling hours, unpaid wages, extreme heat, kafala system, Human rights, exploitation of migrant workers
Three young female students discussing a canvas painting at the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show in Holden Gallery, Manchester, contemporary art photography

Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery

David Oates October 14, 2024

The Holden Gallery in Manchester has now reopened following a major two-year refurbishment of the historic Grosvenor building, revitalizing its exhibition spaces and offering a fresh, contemporary setting for art. I was recently back at the gallery to photograph the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show, an annual highlight that showcases the incredible talent of emerging artists from across the UK.

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In Artists, Documentary Tags Manchester School of Art, Holden Gallery, manchester metropolitan university, Masters show, Masters degree, Fine Art, graduation, graduates, final year show, Art gallery photography, art gallery opening, art installation, art opening, Art school, Art in Manchester, Arts in Manchester, Art, artist
Elderly woman sitting on a park bench looking at a historical display box describing her former home in Eccles, heritage photography and public art documentation

Documentary photography for Wild in Art - We Live Here Eccles

David Oates September 24, 2024

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.

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In Artists, Documentary, Event, Editorial, Portraits Tags Eccles, Wild in Art, Community, We Live Here, Community arts, regeneration photography, regeneration photographer, regeneration, meanwhile, meanwhile uses, eccles town centre, Lauren Mullarkey, Ben Reed, Greater Manchester, Manchester, Public Art, Street Art
Silhouette of a woman photographed against abstract artwork at Manchester School of Art Final Year Show, editorial art photography capturing interaction with creative pieces

Documentary photography of Manchester School of Art - End of Year shows

David Oates September 23, 2024

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.

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In Artists, Documentary Tags Manchester School at Art, MMU, manchester metropolitan university, university, Art school, End of year show, exhibition
Dancers performing on stage at Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International Manchester, event photography capturing movement and high-energy performance

Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste

David Oates May 7, 2024

I always look forward to photographing the Adidas Marketing conferences, and this year’s event at Factory International in Manchester was nothing short of spectacular. Working alongside Jules from TOL Events, who consistently delivers remarkable experiences, I was excited to capture every moment of this high-energy gathering.

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In Documentary, Event, Commercial, Conference Tags Adidas Manchester, Adidas UK, Adidas, event, event photography, event photographer, Factory International, TOL Events, Juergen Klopp, Liverpool FC, Liverpool, Liverpool Photography, Liverpool Photographer, Liverpool Football Club, liverpool, Football, Footballer, professional footballer, football manager, football coach, coach, marketing, marketing photography, marketing photographer, marketing meeting, SS25, fashion show, fashion, Sportswear, sports kit, sport, sports, sportsman, sports shirt, sports gear, Sports
Young female visitor interacts with exhibit at Manchester Museum

Photographing Manchester Museum for Art Fund

David Oates October 3, 2023

The newly remodelled Manchester Museum has officially opened its doors, and as a professional photographer, I had the pleasure of capturing the energy, excitement, and intricate details of this incredible space. Commissioned by Art Fund, I spent several hours documenting the museum’s refreshed galleries and exhibits, and I left inspired by both the design and the crowds.

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In Documentary, Event Tags Manchester Museum, manchester, Art Fund, art educators, Art gallery photography, museum photography, Manchester Museum reopening, photography tips, Art Fund commission, Egyptian Mummies exhibition, museum exhibits, cultural photography, natural history photography, Manchester attractions, family-friendly museums, museum visit, historical exhibits, photography portfolio, best museums to photograph in Manchester, Art Fund commissioned photography, capturing Egyptian Mummies exhibition photos, Manchester Museum remodelled galleries photography, natural history exhibit photography, cultural artifact photography Manchester, family-friendly museum photography, photography ideas for museum visits, photo inspiration Manchester Museum, immersive museum photography experience, documenting museum events through photography
Electric vehicle recharging

A Commercial photography commission for Transport for the North

David Oates October 3, 2023

I recently completed another commission for Transport for the North, focusing on the intersection of modern transportation infrastructure and sustainable mobility. The shoot took place in and around Warrington Bank Quay station on a cold, wintry day, providing a striking backdrop for capturing both railway and electric vehicle infrastructure.

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In Documentary, Commercial, Advertising Tags transport for the north, infrastructure, electric charging, railways, trains, cars, highways, transport, northern transport, northern england, Northern Photographer, North west photographer, northern rail, Manchester photographer, Manchester Photography, Manchester Photographer, Warrington Bank Quay station, railway photography, electric vehicle charging, sustainable transport photography, professional photographer, railway infrastructure, EV charging station photography, cycling photography, urban transport photography, transportation infrastructure photography, commuter photography, multi-modal transport, train station photography, photography of railway infrastructure in Warrington, photographing people at train stations, electric vehicle charging station photography, photographing sustainable transport networks, professional photography of commuter interactions, capturing cyclists and EV users in urban transport, Warrington Bank Quay station photography, documenting rail tracks and overhead equipment, commercial photography for transport infrastructure, photographing multi-storey car park EV charging points, capturing aeroplanes in urban transport environments, photography projects for transport organizations, winter photography of railway and EV infrastructure, storytelling through transportation photography
Train at railway station platform with natural light streaming from entrance, highlighting architectural detail and passenger experience, professional transport photography

Commercial photography for Transport for the North

David Oates October 3, 2023

I recently completed a comprehensive series of images for long-standing client Transport for the North, documenting railway stations across the North of England. As a professional photographer, I am proud to contribute to their efforts to demonstrate to the government the region’s growing need for well-planned and efficient transport infrastructure. This project combines technical photography with human-focused storytelling, highlighting how people navigate the North’s key transport hubs.

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In Commercial, Documentary, Industrial, Advertising Tags transport for the north, transpennine express, north of england, North west photographer, Northern Photographer, northern england, Newcastle, mancunian, Manchester photographer, Manchester Photographer, northern transport, Northern Photography, northern rail, bicycle, Newcastle Railway STation, Manchester Piccadilly, Piccadilly railway station, bicycle parking, Commuters, sunset, sunrise, trains, railways, UK railway stations photography, Manchester Piccadilly photography, Newcastle station photography, Liverpool Lime Street photography, York station photography, railway infrastructure photography, commuter photography, cycling and transport photography, sustainable transport photography, urban mobility photography, professional photographer UK, multi-modal transport photography, train station photography, transportation infrastructure, photography of people at UK railway stations, capturing commuters at Manchester Piccadilly, photographing sustainable transport in the North, Newcastle railway station photography project, Liverpool Lime Street train station photography, York railway station photography series, professional transport infrastructure photography, visual storytelling of UK transport hubs, documenting multi-modal transport systems, photography of UK public transport infrastructure, Transport for the North photography project

Documentary Photography - BP's LiDAR buoy at Liverpool Docks

David Oates April 4, 2023

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.

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In Documentary, Commercial, Industrial Tags BP, Fugro, Seawatch, LiDAR, buoy, Manchester photographer, Liverpool Photographer, Liverpool Photography, Documentary Photography, documentary, Documentary photographer, liverpool docks, commissioned photography, commercial photographer, commercial photography, commercial, Editorial Photography, Liverpool, Light Detection and Ranging, industrial photography, Industrial, industries, industrial photographer, wind farm, wind power, wind turbine, British industry, Mona wind farm, Morgan wind farm

Event Photography - Adidas and Versus at Manchester United

David Oates April 4, 2023

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.

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In Documentary, Commercial, Event Tags manchester, Manchester photographer, Manchester Photography, Manchester United, Manchester United Women, Versus, Adidas, Adidas Europe, Adidas UK, Adidas Conference, Adidas Manchester, Old Trafford, Football, documentary, Documentary photographer, Documentary Photography, commission, commercial photographer, commercial photography, commissioned photography, commercial, Influencer, promotional photography

Photography of BP's public consultation at Bodelwyddan

David Oates April 4, 2023

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.

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In Documentary, Commercial, Industrial Tags Bodelwyddan, Northern Photographer, Wales, north wales, BP, wind power, wind farm, wind turbine, Mona wind farm, Morgan wind farm, consultation, Renewable energy, carbon neutral, low carbon, documentary, Documentary Photography, Photographer in the North, photographer, North wales photographer, Manchester photographer, commercial photographer, commercial photography, commissioned photography, commission, commercial

Photographing for Art Fund at the Bronte Museum

David Oates April 4, 2023

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.

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In Documentary, Artists, Editorial, Event Tags yorkshire photographer, Northern Photographer, Haworth, Bronte, Bronte museum, Zaffar Kunial, Amy Liptrot, Brontë sisters, West Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Bronte family home, Documentary photographer, Documentary Photography, documentary, Editorial Photography, Art Fund

Manchester Met SODA Modal gallery opening

David Oates April 4, 2023

The Modal Gallery at the Manchester School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a unique space that has become a hub of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Through its immersive exhibitions, cutting-edge technology, and interactive displays, the gallery has had a significant impact on the SODA community, helping to foster a sense of community and connection among students, faculty members, and industry professionals.

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In Documentary, Artists, Event Tags manchester metropolitan university, MMU, MODA, SODA, School of Digital Arts

Working with IN4 Group: Photographing the Launch of HOST Gametech and CyberFirst EmPower in the North West

David Oates April 4, 2023

Over the past year it has been a privilege to work with IN4 Group documenting a series of events and initiatives focused on innovation, education and the future of technology in the North West. From the launch of new technology programmes to graduation ceremonies celebrating the achievements of young people entering the digital sector, these events highlight the growing importance of skills development and digital opportunity across the region.

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In Documentary, Conference, Schools Tags IN4, Gametech

On board the Fugro Synergy for BP

David Oates February 7, 2023

By far the best thing about working as a professional photographer is the variety of the work. The camera can gain you access to environments that are wildly different each shoot day and if you’re lucky, can sometimes take you to some incredible and unexpected places. One of the most interesting of my shoots in 2022 was an assignment from bp to photograph the crew and workings of the Fugro Synergy while on a recent stop at Liverpool docks.

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In Commercial, Documentary, Advertising, Industrial Tags BP, Fugro Synergy, Ship, Manchester Photographer, Liverpool Photographer, Liverpool Photography, liverpool docks, port of liverpool, survey ship, bp survey ship, wind farm, Mona wind farm, isle of man, north wales, Undersea survey, seabed survey, wind turbine, wind power, CO2, COP26, carbon neutral, low carbon, photography, photographer, Photographer in the North

School of Digital Arts (SODA) Opening at Manchester Metropolitan University – Event Photography

David Oates September 7, 2022

The opening of the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University marked an important moment for creative education in the UK and for the cultural life of Manchester itself. Designed as a centre for innovation in digital storytelling, film, animation, photography, sound, gaming and immersive media, the new SODA building represents a major investment in the future of the creative industries.

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In Conference, Event, Documentary Tags manchester metropolitan university, MMU, Barry Adamson, Andy Burnham, Peter Mandelson, Danny Boyle, School of Digital Arts, SODA, Art school
A photograph of Princess Anne taken on commission for  UK Youth to document the visit of Princess Anne to The Station, Bristol.

Event Photography: Princess Anne Visits The Station, Bristol | UK Youth Commission

David Oates September 6, 2022

I was commissioned by UK Youth to photograph the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to The Station, a youth centre located in Bristol. The visit showcased UK Youth’s ongoing programmes supporting young people across the region, highlighting educational initiatives, community engagement, and opportunities for youth development.

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In Editorial, Documentary Tags the station bristol, UK Youth, youth work, young people, youth chaity, charity sector, charities, royal visit, Princess Anne, HRH Princess Anne, Young people princess anne, princess Anne young, Princess Anne youth, Young Royal, Royals young people, Royals youth work, royal youth work
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Associated, Brooklyn
Associated, Brooklyn
Great to work with TOL Events, @adidas and @versus at @manchesterunited yesterday.

@adidasfootball @adidaswomen
Great to work with TOL Events, @adidas and @versus at @manchesterunited yesterday. @adidasfootball @adidaswomen
Pizza fire
Pizza fire
Robert Indiana, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, September 2022
Robert Indiana, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, September 2022
Buslingthorpe Works.
Buslingthorpe Works.
Manchester City Gallery

#manchester
#gallery
Manchester City Gallery #manchester #gallery
Barmouth beach 

#barmouth #wales
Barmouth beach #barmouth #wales
Amsterdam Noord

#amsterdam #amsterdamnoord
Amsterdam Noord #amsterdam #amsterdamnoord
#wales #beach #seaside #holidays
#wales #beach #seaside #holidays
It was a pleasure to photograph Ann Treneman for The Times recently, a shoot that resulted in my first cover for The Times Weekend supplement and my first image on the cover of The Times.
Until 2015, Ann was The Times' parliamentary sketchwriter and
It was a pleasure to photograph Ann Treneman for The Times recently, a shoot that resulted in my first cover for The Times Weekend supplement and my first image on the cover of The Times. Until 2015, Ann was The Times' parliamentary sketchwriter and then the paper's chief theatre critic. Ann subsequently retrained in horticulture and the article details her preparations for this year's Chelsea flower show for which she has designed a garden. @thetimes #thetimes #chelseaflowershow @timesweekend @the_rhs @show_chelsea @anntreneman1
Some highlights from my recent shoot at Adidas UK

#adidasuk #adidasxgucci #sport 
#sportswear #reebok #adidasoriginals
Some highlights from my recent shoot at Adidas UK #adidasuk #adidasxgucci #sport #sportswear #reebok #adidasoriginals
#britishrailways #britishrail #eastlancashirerailway #bury #train #trainspotting #heritagerailway
#britishrailways #britishrail #eastlancashirerailway #bury #train #trainspotting #heritagerailway
Frigates
Frigates
Some paper peeling off a wall in Marseille. I'm currently in Scotland, the light is inferior

#marseille #citeradieuse #southoffrance #suddelafrance #mediterranean
Some paper peeling off a wall in Marseille. I'm currently in Scotland, the light is inferior #marseille #citeradieuse #southoffrance #suddelafrance #mediterranean
I am shocked and disappointed to hear that Alastair Hudson has been asked by the University of Manchester to leave his post as director of Manchester and Whitworth art galleries.

Alastair turned the Whitworth into a gallery where diverse voices coul
I am shocked and disappointed to hear that Alastair Hudson has been asked by the University of Manchester to leave his post as director of Manchester and Whitworth art galleries. Alastair turned the Whitworth into a gallery where diverse voices could be heard, excluded groups were welcomed and important questions asked. I hope the university sees fit to reverse its decision and I look forward to continuing to photograph the exhibitions curated under his guidance. #manchester #whitworthartgallery #whitworthgallery #manchesterart #cityartgallery #forensicarchitecture #alastairhudson @forensicarchitecture #university @whitworthart @magwagdirector
In the spray booth

#carbody #manchester #bodyshop #spraybooth
In the spray booth #carbody #manchester #bodyshop #spraybooth
In Situ (formerly The Commercial/Turville) in Hulme (or as it's now known, Castlefield)

#manchester #castlefield #hulme
In Situ (formerly The Commercial/Turville) in Hulme (or as it's now known, Castlefield) #manchester #castlefield #hulme
Mam Tor. Mother Hill. The Shivering Mountain.

The base of Mam Tor is composed of black shales of the Bowland Shale Formation of Serpukhovian age overlain by turbiditic sandstone of the Mam Tor Sandstone F
Mam Tor. Mother Hill. The Shivering Mountain. The base of Mam Tor is composed of black shales of the Bowland Shale Formation of Serpukhovian age overlain by turbiditic sandstone of the Mam Tor Sandstone Formation of Bashkirian age. #mamtor #derbyshire #nationalpark #nationaltrust #peakdistrict #edale #hope #castleton #geology
Lockdown BMW

#bmw
Lockdown BMW #bmw

David Oates is a photographer based in Manchester, England.

Clients include Wall Street Journal, ESPN, The Financial Times, Art Fund, Transport for the North, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, BP, BBC, The Times, The Observer, UK Youth, Samaritans, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Asthma UK, Finisterre, 11 Freunde (Berlin), Scandinavian Airlines, Manchester Museum, OTW (Stockholm, Business Insider (New York) and the British Ecological Society.

Exhibited internationally at Dallas Biennial, Recontres D’Arles, France; Festival Images, Vevey, Switzerland and the Dong Gang Photography Festival, Korea.


David Oates Photography

david@davidoates.net

07732 272 163

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