Regular posts discussing recent projects and commissions.
When the news broke that Shaun Ryder, Zak Starkey, Andy Bell, and Bez were joining forces, the music world collectively raised an eyebrow. Would this be a glorious collision of musical titans or a cosmic car crash? Their debut single, "Gorilla Guerilla," suggests the former. A psychedelic groove with a swagger that only these veterans could deliver, it's a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come.
I had a fun afternoon photographing these lads for the Times, a bunch of legends.
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.
Recent reports and documentaries have painted a disturbing picture of labour abuses at NEOM. Migrant workers, who make up the vast majority of the construction workforce, allege gruelling hours, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions. Some workers have even claimed that they were not paid for months and were forced to work in extreme heat without access to clean water or shade.
"We are made to work extremely hard," said one worker, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. "There is little time to rest. We get tired. We suffer from anxiety day and night."
These allegations are not new. Human rights organisations have long documented the exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the construction sector. The kafala system, which ties workers' visas to their employers, has been widely criticised for giving employers excessive power and control over workers' lives.
While Saudi Arabia has made some reforms to the kafala system in recent years, advocates say that these changes have not gone far enough. Migrant workers remain vulnerable to abuse, and many are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs or being deported.
The situation at NEOM is particularly concerning given the scale and ambition of the project. NEOM is expected to cost an estimated $500 billion and will require a massive workforce to complete. If the allegations of labour abuses are true, it would suggest that the exploitation of migrant workers is deeply embedded in the project's development.
In 1830, the Railway Age began with the launch of Liverpool Road Station, recognised as the first railway terminus specifically designed for inter-city passenger travel. The residence of its original Station Agent has been transformed by the Landmark Trust into an eco-friendly and accessible holiday let in the heart of Manchester. I was fortunate to photograph the building before the restoration, during its renovation and after completion.
Significant renovations in the 1980’s altered much of the station's original charm and interiors, so The Landmark Trust have chosen furnishings that reflect the elegance of the 1930’s and the golden age of steam travel.
In 1828, the site for what would become Liverpool Road Station was chosen by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, under the guidance of Engineer George Stephenson, due to its strategic location. This building served as the home for the first Station Agent, Joseph Green, and was central to the station's development. It was here that many features defining train travel emerged, including waiting areas, signaling systems, ticketing, and the offices of the station agent.
As the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, Liverpool Road quickly became too small to accommodate the growing popularity of rail travel, leading to its eventual transformation into a goods and freight station by 1844. The station ceased operations in 1975, but its historical importance was recognized, and in 1983, it was repurposed into the Science and Industry Museum, with the Station Agent’s House serving as office space.
In collaboration with the Science & Industry Museum, our restoration project now allows the public to explore the Station Agent’s House for the very first time, marking an important step in the Museum’s initiative to provide visitors access to all aspects of this significant industrial heritage site, which spans seven acres.
Today, this historic Grade I listed building embodies a blend of innovative technology and environmental sustainability, equipped with features to support individuals with limited mobility, including a lift connecting its main floors.
The Holden Gallery has now reopened following a major two-year refurbishment of the historic Grosvenor building. It was great to be back there recently to photograph the 2024 Fine Art Masters show.
Manchester has a chronic lack of spaces for art for a city of its size and status, so it’s great to see this gallery reopen and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new programme holds in store.
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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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.
24 installations of artwork decorated the town and all referenced the different wildlife and people that live, study and work in Eccles.
The event was part of a huge regeneration programme from Salford City Council. Wild in Art were commissioned to work with local stakeholders to deliver a showcase of artwork, from striking installations to magnificent murals, powerful photography and stunning paintings, injecting life and colour into Eccles town centre.
Locals and visitors could pick up a trail map at Eccles Library, and various shops and cafes in Eccles Shopping Centre to explore the trail.
I was fortunate enough to document the trail and my photographs illustrate the website: https://wildinart.co.uk/events/we-live-here-eccles/
This year after the announcement of a major regeneration programme in the town, Wild in Art announced a new piece of work, a mosaic co-produced by Lauren Mullarkey and members of the local community who would be telling of their experiences of the local area and providing material from which the mosaic would be made. I visited to meet and take portraits of the contributors.
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.
Stepping into the show, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. It’s like walking into a sprawling gallery where every corner has something surprising to offer. The exhibition sprawls across different spaces, showcasing the work of students from various disciplines—painting, sculpture, digital design, fashion, and more. As someone tasked with documenting these moments, I need to quickly assess where the magic is happening and how best to capture it.
The first challenge is the sheer variety of the work. Each student has spent months, if not years, developing their final pieces, and no two are alike. One moment, I’m photographing a vibrant, abstract painting that dominates an entire wall, the next I’m crouched low, focusing on the intricate details of a conceptual sculpture made of recycled materials. As a photographer, I need to adjust my approach with every shot—switching between wide angles to capture the scale of installations and close-ups to highlight the craftsmanship.
The diversity of mediums can also be tricky to capture, especially when moving between 3D pieces and digital displays. I find myself drawn to the fashion design section, where students have created garments that blur the lines between art and wearable expression. Models wearing the students’ designs wander through the space, and this creates dynamic, live-action moments that require quick reflexes. I follow the models closely, framing shots that showcase both the fluidity of the fabric and the confidence of the wearer.
What’s particularly challenging, but also rewarding, is photographing interactive art. Many pieces invite the audience to participate—whether it’s a digital installation that reacts to sound or a sculptural piece that encourages touch. It’s hard to convey the essence of these works in a single image, but I try to focus on capturing people’s engagement with the art. A hand reaching out, a thoughtful expression as someone studies a piece, a child laughing in delight at an unexpected moment—all these interactions are just as important as the art itself.
The lighting conditions add another layer of complexity. In one room, the lighting might be bright and natural, ideal for capturing crisp, clean images. In another, the mood might be much darker, with spotlighting used to create dramatic shadows. I constantly adjust my settings, ensuring that the photos not only reflect the technical aspects of the work but also evoke the intended emotional response.
As the evening draws to a close, and I scroll through the hundreds of images I’ve taken, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Capturing the essence of the Manchester School of Art’s Final Year Shows isn’t just about photographing the art—it’s about documenting the passion and energy that these young creatives bring to their work. Every image tells a story, not just of the art itself, but of the moment in time when it was unveiled to the world.
Leaving the exhibition, I know that I’ve been part of something special. The Manchester School of Art’s final shows are a glimpse into the future of art and design, and I feel privileged to have witnessed, and captured, the first steps of these emerging talents.
One of a series of portraits of transport planning academic Greg Marsden, photographed in the brutalist heart of the University of Leeds for the latest issue of Connected Places Catapult
I always look forward to working at the Adidas Marketing conferences and seeing what Jules from TOL Events can do to surpass her last superb event.
This time we were at Factory International, Manchester making full use of the auditorium for the presentations, fashion show, interviews and beatboxing until the curtain dropped on the giant warehouse housing a full-size fun fair with added Juergen Klopp.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
The newly remodelled Manchester Museum opened a few months ago. I was commissioned by Art Fund to spend a few hours seeing what was going on. It was packed and I loved it, I’ll be going back to check out the Egyptian Mummies exhibition next week.
Another commission for Transport for the North, this time highlighting railway infrastructure and electric car charging. Shot in and around a cold, wintry Warrington Bank quay station.
A recent series of images for long-standing client Transport for the North. I’m proud to play some small part in their effort to demonstrate to the government the North’s increasingly desperate need for proper transport infrastructure and planning.
Joe Thompson 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.
Nedum Onuoha for ESPN
David Thompson for ESPN
Nedum Onuoha for ESPN
Joe Thompson for ESPN
David Thompson for ESPN
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.
As an ex-engineer with a background in Physics, this was a really interesting - if freezing! - few days shooting in Liverpool.
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, can measure wind speed by using the Doppler effect. The Doppler effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the frequency of a wave changes as the source of the wave moves relative to the observer. This effect is commonly experienced in everyday life, for example, the change in pitch of a siren as an ambulance approaches and then passes by.
In the context of LiDAR, a laser beam is directed towards the atmosphere, and the reflected light is detected by a sensor. As the laser beam passes through the atmosphere, it interacts with particles in the air, such as dust or water droplets. These particles scatter the laser beam in different directions, and some of the scattered light returns to the sensor.
By analyzing the scattered light, LiDAR can detect the movement of air particles and calculate wind speed. The movement of the particles changes the frequency of the scattered light, and this change in frequency is detected by the sensor. The amount of frequency shift is proportional to the wind speed, allowing LiDAR to calculate the wind speed with high accuracy.
LiDAR can also provide information about the direction and turbulence of the wind, helping to identify potential challenges for wind turbine installations. This information is particularly useful in the development of wind farms, where accurate wind measurements are essential for identifying the most suitable locations for wind turbines.
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.
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.
The wind farms will be located approximately 20km - 30km from the coast and be operational by 2029. Together, they will form one of the largest wind farms in the world, with a combined potential generating capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW). This is enough to power the equivalent of approximately 3.4 million UK households with clean electricity.
The development of the Mona and Morgan windfarms represents a significant achievement in the UK's transition towards renewable energy, and highlights the potential of offshore wind to play a key role in meeting the country's energy needs in a sustainable way.
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.
One of the most notable initiatives of Art Fund is the National Art Pass, which provides free entry or discounted admission to over 240 museums and galleries across the UK, as well as other benefits such as exclusive events and discounts at art-related shops and restaurants.
Meet Me at the Museum is a podcast series published by Art Fund where famous faces take their best mate, their mum, their neighbour (whoever they want) for an afternoon at a favourite museum or gallery. As well as getting a peek behind the scenes, seeing what makes a museum tick, it's also the starting point for some great conversations about life, the universe and everything. As well as a chance to eat lots of cake in the cafe.
During the production of this episode, I photographed writer Amy Liptrot, author of The Outrun and The Instant, as she took her friend, poet Zaffar Kunial, to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire. Together they explore the former home of the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne – and see where some of their most famous novels were written. From the dining table where the sisters shared their work, to early reviews of Wuthering Heights, intimate objects and artefacts prompt conversations about Amy and Zaffar’s own inspirations as writers. And, after exploring the house and museum, they head out into the landscape and discover a poem in the wild.
The Bronte Museum, located in the picturesque village of Haworth in West Yorkshire, England, is a must-visit destination for literature lovers and fans of the Bronte sisters. The museum is dedicated to the lives and works of the Bronte family, particularly the three sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - who wrote some of the most celebrated novels of the 19th century, including "Jane Eyre", "Wuthering Heights", and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall".
The museum is housed in the former home of the Bronte family, which has been carefully preserved to provide visitors with an authentic glimpse into the lives of the famous siblings. The museum contains an extensive collection of Bronte memorabilia, including original manuscripts, letters, personal belongings, and artworks. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the museum, including the dining room, drawing room, and bedrooms, which have been furnished to recreate the atmosphere of the Bronte family home.
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.
One of the key features of the Modal Gallery is its cutting-edge technology. The gallery is equipped with the latest digital tools and equipment, allowing students and faculty members to experiment with new forms of digital art and explore the boundaries of creativity. From virtual reality experiences to interactive installations, the gallery provides a platform for students to push the limits of what is possible in the digital arts.
In addition to its technology, the Modal Gallery is also known for its immersive exhibitions. The gallery's exhibitions are designed to engage visitors and create a sense of connection with the artwork. Through its immersive installations, the gallery invites visitors to explore new worlds and perspectives, challenging them to think differently about the digital arts.
Another key feature of the Modal Gallery is its role in promoting SODA to the wider community. The gallery has become a key component of SODA's marketing and outreach efforts, showcasing the school's state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge curriculum, and commitment to innovation. By attracting visitors from across the region and beyond, the gallery has helped to position SODA as a leader in the digital arts and a key contributor to the creative economy.
The Modal Gallery has also had a significant impact on SODA's students. Through its exhibitions, the gallery provides students with a space to showcase their work and receive feedback and guidance from their peers and faculty members. The gallery has helped to foster a sense of community and collaboration among students, creating a supportive and dynamic environment that encourages experimentation and growth.
Furthermore, the Modal Gallery has helped to connect SODA's students with industry professionals and potential employers. Through partnerships with leading companies such as BBC, Channel 4, and Google, the gallery provides students with valuable networking opportunities that can help them launch their careers in the digital arts. The gallery has become a bridge between academia and industry, providing students with a clear path to success in the digital arts.
It’s been a pleasure to attend the exhibitions and photograph the events here over the past year, I always look forward to opening nights.
It’s been great to work with IN4 Group over the last year, helping them with the launch of HOST Gametech, graduation ceremonies and along with the National Cyber Security Centre, the delivery of Cyberfirst EmPower helping girls from the Northwest into tech careers.
Thomas Sutton
The Mirrorless Makeover: Why Pro Photographers are Ditching Their DSLRs
At the time of writing, there are two main types of camera systems: DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless. At the time of reading the latter may be a relic of a bygone era, so let's have a look at what happened...
Firstly, let's have a whistlestop history of the Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) system.
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