Manchester Met SODA Modal gallery opening
Documentary, Artists, Event David Oates Documentary, Artists, Event David Oates

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.

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Working with IN4 Group: Photographing the Launch of HOST Gametech and CyberFirst EmPower in the North West
Documentary, Conference, Schools David Oates Documentary, Conference, Schools David Oates

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.

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On board the Fugro Synergy for BP
Commercial, Documentary, Advertising, Industrial David Oates Commercial, Documentary, Advertising, Industrial David Oates

On board the Fugro Synergy for BP

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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School of Digital Arts (SODA) Opening at Manchester Metropolitan University – Event Photography
Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates

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

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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Event Photography: Princess Anne Visits The Station, Bristol | UK Youth Commission
Editorial, Documentary David Oates Editorial, Documentary David Oates

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

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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TJX Headquarters Photography: Capturing Staff and Lifestyle in the New Watford Office
Commercial, Advertising David Oates Commercial, Advertising David Oates

TJX Headquarters Photography: Capturing Staff and Lifestyle in the New Watford Office

I recently completed a commission for Vicky Fagan at film production company Fagan Jones to produce a full series of campaign images for TJX’s new office building at their headquarters in Watford, UK. The project focused on capturing both the design of the building and the way people interact with the space, producing images that feel authentic, professional, and lifestyle-oriented.

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John Junior for Samaritans
Documentary, Editorial, Portraits David Oates Documentary, Editorial, Portraits David Oates

John Junior for Samaritans

Another great shoot for Samaritans, photographing mental health activist John Junior.

In 2019, John started vlogging about his experiences of mental health issues on Instagram in order "to reach out to others with mental health difficulties". In May 2020 his vlogs on Instagram caught the attention of UNILAD, who approached Junior to test Samaritans self-help app during mental health awareness week and to help raise awareness for world suicide prevention day on 10 September 2020.

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