Michaela Yearwood-Dan at the Whitworth, Exhibition Opening
I photographed the opening of Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. The exhibition brings together painting, ceramics and sound across several rooms in the gallery, with works placed so the installation shifts as you move through it.
Vinyl Against Apartheid: Event Photography in Manchester at The Carlton Club
A Different Kind of Event to Photograph
As a Manchester event photographer, you get used to a wide range of gigs—but every now and then something comes along that feels a bit more meaningful. Photographing Vinyl Against Apartheid’s Get Funked For Falastine was one of those nights. It wasn’t just about the music or the crowd—it was about what the event stood for.
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum: Documentary Event Photography by David Oates
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum was a full-day and evening programme of talks, workshops, performances and installations exploring the relationship between music, nature and climate. The event brought together artists, scientists, activists and audiences in a shared space, combining cultural programming with environmental themes.
The event was part of the wider EarthSonic project, which focuses on using sound and music as a way to engage people with biodiversity and climate issues.
Manchester Conference Photography: Innovate to Elevate Awards and Showcase Event Coverage
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.
Photographing the Manchester Artist Teacher 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.
Documenting an Art Fund Event Across Liverpool’s Museums and Galleries
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.
Photographing 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.
Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery
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.
Documentary photography for 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.
Documentary photography of 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.
Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste
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.
Photographing Manchester Museum for Art Fund
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.
A Commercial photography commission for Transport for the North
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.
Commercial photography for Transport for the North
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.
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.
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.
Photography of BP's public consultation at Bodelwyddan
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.
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.
Manchester Met SODA Modal gallery opening
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.
Working with IN4 Group: Photographing the Launch of HOST Gametech and CyberFirst EmPower in the North West
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.