• The Whitworth
    • Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Manchester Museum
    • TOL Events
    • Art Fund
    • Cubic Motion
    • NuFox
    • Transport North
    • In the Streets of Liverpool
    • Copenhagen Industrial Services
    • Building Futures
    • Fussballspieler
  • Portraits
    • Brasil
    • Hot
    • Forbidden City
    • China Daily
  • Latest work
  • About
  • Blog
  • Clients
  • Contact
Menu

David Oates | Manchester Photographer

  • Events
    • The Whitworth
    • Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Manchester Museum
    • TOL Events
    • Art Fund
  • Commissions
    • Cubic Motion
    • NuFox
    • Transport North
    • In the Streets of Liverpool
    • Copenhagen Industrial Services
    • Building Futures
    • Fussballspieler
  • Portraits
  • Projects
    • Brasil
    • Hot
    • Forbidden City
    • China Daily
  • Latest work
  • About
  • Blog
  • Clients
  • Contact
×

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.

Read More
In Conference, Event, Documentary Tags Editorial Photography, event photography, Conference, Conference Photographer, Conference photography, Conference Photography, Conference photographer, AI conference, conference documentary
Portrait of Delaine Le Bas at Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester

Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground Exhibition Photography at The Whitworth

David Oates February 18, 2026

At the opening of Un-Fair-Ground at The Whitworth in Manchester, artist Delaine Le Bas transformed the gallery into an immersive environment using layered textiles, painted slogans, and fairground imagery. The exhibition is designed to be experienced as a single, cohesive space rather than a series of separate works, inviting visitors to engage with themes of visibility, representation, and resistance.

Read More
In Artists, Event Tags delaine le bas, Whitworth Art Gallery, Art gallery photography, Art, art installation, art gallery opening, artist, art opening, Art in Manchester, university, University of Manchester, painting, sculpture, installation, performance art, performance, roma
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. 

Read More
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.

Read More
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
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.

Read More
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
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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

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.

Read More
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

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.

Read More
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.

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

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.

Read More
In Conference, Event, Documentary Tags manchester metropolitan university, MMU, Barry Adamson, Andy Burnham, Peter Mandelson, Danny Boyle, School of Digital Arts, SODA, Art school
Delegates networking on an outdoor terrace in the sun at a conference in Murcia, Spain

Conference Photography for The Invisible Orthodontist

David Oates September 6, 2022

It was a real pleasure to photograph The Invisible Orthodontist’s conference in Murcia, Spain earlier in the year. Fantastic weather and accommodation, even time for a quick dip in the pool between sessions and great to see everyone letting their hair down at the conference dinner.

I’m looking forward to the next one!

Read More
In Conference, Event, Social Media Tags What Media, Murcia, Spain, Conference photography, Conference photographer, Conference, Conference Photography, Conference Photographer, social media images, social media marketing, social media content, social media, The Invisible Orthodontist, Spark Aligners, Invisalign, Dental conference, medical conference
Adidas Superstar Awards ceremony at Adidas UK headquarters

Adidas Superstar Awards

David Oates February 7, 2022

The Superstar Awards are where Adidas Europe recognise the outstanding contributions of their staff over the previous 12 months. I documented the event at their UK headquarters. Many thanks to the superb event managers at TOL Events for bringing me on board.

Read More
In Commercial, Conference, Documentary, Event Tags Adidas, Adidas UK, Adidas Europe, Adidas Superstar, Adidas Superstar Awards, Adidas Manchester, staff awards, Annual awards, Awards Ceremony, corporate, corporate photography, corporate photographer, Manchester Photographer, manchester, Sports, Sportswear, TOL Events, event photography, event photographer, Conference Photography, Conference photographer, Conference, Adidas Conference, staff recognition
_37B7021.jpg

Cloud Studies by Forensic Architecture

David Oates July 12, 2021

Photographs from the excellent new exhibition Cloud Studies by Forensic Architecture currently showing at Whitworth Art Gallery as part of Manchester International Festival.

https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/cloudstudies

‘Cloud Studies’ was made for the exhibition Critical Zones: Observatories for earthly politics at ZKM Centre for Art and Media in Karlsruhe. Alongside the physical exhibition, our work is also presented on the virtual exhibition platform.

Read More
In Documentary, Editorial, Event Tags MIF, MIF2021, Art gallery photography, Art, art installation, artist, art opening, Art in Manchester, Arts in Manchester, Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery, university, University of Manchester, Cloud Studies, Forensic Architecture
Seashell Trust & Lauren Mullarkey Location: The Atrium, Library Walk (mixed media installation)

Seashell Trust & Lauren Mullarkey Location: The Atrium, Library Walk (mixed media installation)

50 Windows of Creativity. An assignment for Wild in Art

David Oates November 16, 2020

This autumn, Manchester is hosting 50 Windows of Creativity, a showcase of the work of artists and makers displayed in a series of windows, venues, businesses and spaces across the city centre.

The displays feature multiple art forms from fine art and photography to ceramics, crafts, mosaics and murals curated by well-known and emerging artists and collectives – all with a connection to Greater Manchester.

Read More
In Documentary, Artists, Event, Editorial, Portraits, Street Photography Tags 50 Windows of Creativity, Wild in Art, Manchester, Manchester photographer, Manchester Photography, Manchester Photographer, graffiti, street Art, Art, Lockdown, Covid 19, Coronavirus, Manchester art, Arts in Manchester, Art in Manchester, Outdoor event, Walking trail, Urban walking trail, urban art trail
High Streets Task Force meeting at Manchester Metropolitan University

Photography of High Street Task Force

David Oates February 26, 2020

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.

Read More
In Conference, Documentary, Event Tags High Street Task Force, Government, MMU, manchester metropolitan university, manchester, photography, Photographer in the North, event photography, Conference Photography, Conference Photographer, Conference
Helen Knowle’s four-screen installation Trickle Down at final set-up

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

David Oates January 27, 2020

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.

Read More
In Documentary, Artists, Event Tags Helen Knowles, Arebyte Gallery, London, Manchester photographer, Documentary Photography, Documentary photographer, documentary, event photography, event photographer, exhibition, trickle down, Poplar, Canning Town, Conceptual Art, photography, Photography in London, Art gallery photography, art installation, art opening
_37B5618.jpg

British Ecological Society Summer School

David Oates August 20, 2019

The British Ecological Society’s summer school is a week long residential field experience for students studying sciences at A-level, Scottish Higher and other similar qualifications. This year 31 students from 7 different schools across the UK gathered at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales. I was there as documentary photographer giving an overview of the day’s activities and providing marketing and social media material.

As ever, working for BES was extremely interesting, a personal highlight being the nature walk led by Dr. Daniel Forman, lecturer in Biosciences at Swansea University. I’d walked the same route as part of the Pennine Way last year but his fascinating insights into the ecology around us was illuminating.

Read More
In Documentary, Event, Schools Tags photographer, Manchester photographer, Manchester Photography, Yorkshire, Documentary Photography, documentary, event photography, event, pictures, Malham, Malham Tarn, British Ecological Society, Ecology, School photography, Documentary photographer, Yorkshire Dales, BES, David Oates Photographer, David Oates Photography, North west photographer, Photographer in the North, Northern Photographer, Northern Photography, Yorkshire Phototgrapher, Leeds Photographer, Leeds Photography, Liverpool Photographer, Liverpool Photography, Summer School
Tom Bloxham

What Makes a House a Home? for Hawkins/Brown

David Oates August 19, 2019

Hawkins\Brown have been debating this question for over 30 years and on Thursday 18 July 2019, hosted a conference 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”.

It was a pleasure to photograph the conference while enjoying the atmosphere of MIF and the last of the sunshine.

Read More
In Documentary, Architecture, Conference, Event Tags Hawkins/Brown, Manchester International Festival, MIF, MIF2019, documentary, event, event photography, event photographer, editorial, HawkinsBrown, Conference Photographer, Conference Photography
Historic conference venue McEwan Hall used for BES annual meeting

British Ecological Society Conferences

David Oates May 2, 2019

It’s always fascinating to carry out the conference photography for the British Ecological Society and often easy to forget to take pictures while listening to the presentations. Here are a selection of photographs from their and the Society for Tropical Ecology’s joint annual conference in the magnificent McEwan Hall, Edinburgh.

Read More
In Documentary, Conference, Event, Portraits Tags British Ecological Society, Society for Tropical Ecology, Birmingham, Edinburgh, McEwan Hall, Conference, Conference Photography, Conference photographer, Ecology, Candid, Reportage, university, Documentary Photography, Documentary photographer, documentary
Older →
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

Contact