Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery
Artists, Documentary David Oates Artists, Documentary David Oates

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.

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Professional Headshot Photography to Build Your Personal Brand

Professional Headshot Photography to Build Your Personal Brand

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.

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Documentary photography for Wild in Art - We Live Here Eccles
Artists, Documentary, Event, Editorial, Portraits David Oates Artists, Documentary, Event, Editorial, Portraits David Oates

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.

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Documentary photography of Manchester School of Art - End of Year shows
Artists, Documentary David Oates Artists, Documentary David Oates

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.

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Greg Marsden photographed for Connected Places Catapult
Portraits, Editorial David Oates Portraits, Editorial David Oates

Greg Marsden photographed for Connected Places Catapult

It was a privilege to photograph Greg Marsden, a leading academic in transport planning and sustainable mobility, for the latest issue of Connected Places Catapult. Greg Marsden’s research focuses on the future of transport systems, mobility policy, and innovative infrastructure planning, making him a key voice in shaping smarter, more sustainable cities across the UK and beyond.

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Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste
Documentary, Event, Commercial, Conference David Oates Documentary, Event, Commercial, Conference David Oates

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.

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Photographing Manchester Museum for Art Fund
Documentary, Event David Oates Documentary, Event David Oates

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.

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A Commercial photography commission for Transport for the North
Documentary, Commercial, Advertising David Oates Documentary, Commercial, Advertising David Oates

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.

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Commercial photography for Transport for the North
Commercial, Documentary, Industrial, Advertising David Oates Commercial, Documentary, Industrial, Advertising David Oates

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.

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Soccer Players Talk Retirement for ESPN
Editorial, Portraits David Oates Editorial, Portraits David Oates

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.

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Documentary Photography - BP's LiDAR buoy at Liverpool Docks
Documentary, Commercial, Industrial David Oates Documentary, Commercial, Industrial David Oates

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.

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Event Photography -  Adidas and Versus at Manchester United
Documentary, Commercial, Event David Oates Documentary, Commercial, Event David Oates

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.

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