I am a photographer from Sheffield, who has been documenting Northern life for six years. In that time I have captured the vibrant, community-led, and beautiful realities of every-day life in a 'Post-Industrial' Northern city.

Reflecting on the work I've produced in my time as a Documentary Photographer in Northern England, I think it's time to change the narrative about our patch of grass.

The North is a place of genuine connection, continuing industry, and unconventional beauty. By documenting the area in this light, as well as working with clients who align with these values, I hope to contribute to changing perceptions of Northern life.

Working with Wood Tools

The business "Wood Tools" is a Sheffield-based producer of axes and knives.

Having recently released the first commercially available Sheffield-forged axe in over 30 years, they provided the perfect opportunity to create a piece of work which reframes the narrative of Sheffield as a 'Post-Industrial' City.

By documenting their production processes - and the people behind them - throughout 2024, I was able to create a personable and engaging body of work which invites the viewer into Wood Tools' world.

The Sheffield-based company Yorkshire AI Labs invest in and develop businesses around the world.

Working with Yorkshire AI Labs, I was able to develop a series of images which reflect the company's ties to Northern Industry, whilst also creating a relaxed and welcoming brand identity to appeal to potential partners and investors.

The people of Sheffield have always made the best out of what they have. Historically, this culture has resulted in people using hard water to make steel, using the steel to craft tools, and - throughout everything - creating community.

But steel has never been our only resource, and people are adaptable. Whilst the our tagline as the "Steel City" has changed, the identity of Sheffield as a hub for craft, culture, and innovation has remained.

There is no greater example of this than Sheffield's independent music scene. Wielding records, USBs, CDJs and Sound Systems, there is a growing community of people who trade in genre-pushing sound, interwoven connection, and late-night liberation.

As well as being a hub of craft, culture, and community, events are a space for a people to develop their skills. This has also been the case in my practice as a photographer.

Whether you're snapping a portrait of a dancer, capturing a DJ in their element, or getting the wide shot that shows the event in full flow, you have to be ready to think on your feet.

With ever-changing lighting conditions, small timeframes in which to get your shots, and a crowd of people to navigate, event photography is a high energy, immersive, and rewarding environment which has developed my craft and shaped my style.

Having come into photography through an education in filmmaking, the feeling of being on set is one that I will never take for granted.

Whilst I have worked in a number of roles in a variety of productions, being able to return to the world of filmmaking as a Unit Stills photographer has been extremely rewarding.

Being on set means that you're working side-by-side with with a cast and crew of extremely talented people, all working towards one goal. The fact that a number of productions have trusted me to be the person to document that experience fills me with pride.

My aim, as with any shoot, is to document the day as it happens - capturing the real mood on set, the high and low moments, and showing the technical brilliance that is put into practice by all members of the crew.