Photographing the London Marathon 2025

A Return to the Streets of London

I had the privilege of photographing the London Marathon again — and it was every bit as powerful, unpredictable, and emotionally charged as I remembered.

A record-breaking 56,640 runners took part in the 2025 London Marathon, surpassing the previous record set by the New York Marathon.

Colour, energy, and sheer determination pouring through the streets of Greenwich.

Running for Something Bigger

This year, I wasn’t just capturing the event — I was photographing it for charity, documenting the journey of incredible individuals running to support causes close to their hearts. It added a deeply fulfilling layer to the day, and reminded me just how much purpose fuels this race.

Every bib tells a story. Every step is for someone.

Pure joy at mile 25 — running for charity turns every step into something bigger than yourself. The smile says it all: pride, purpose, and the power of giving back.

The Stories Between the Miles

What makes the London Marathon so compelling to photograph isn’t just the scale — it’s the micro-moments. The fleeting glances, the quiet gestures of support, the chaos of costumes, and the resilience written on every runner’s face.

A Photographer’s Playground

From a technical perspective, shooting the marathon is a rewarding challenge. You’re constantly adapting: chasing light, anticipating movement, responding to emotion in real time. It’s storytelling at its most alive.

Eilish McColgan at the 2025 London Marathon, she secured 8th place with a time of 2:24:25. A remarkable debut that not only made her the top British finisher but also set a new Scottish women's marathon record, surpassing the previous bests held by Stephanie Twell and her mother, Liz McColgan.

Until Next Time

Covering the marathon again reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place — it’s about people, passion, and the shared moments that move us. I’m proud to have contributed images that will help Shelter celebrate it’s fundraisers, inspire donors, and continue their amazing work.

Supporters play a starring role too.

Interested in working together?

If you're a charity, organisation or brand looking for heartfelt, high-quality storytelling through photography — whether at major events or more intimate settings — [get in touch here].

The Magic of Christmas Through the Lens of a London Event Photographer

Christmas in London is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the twinkling lights on Oxford Street to the festive buzz at Winter Wonderland, the city transforms into a sparkling wonderland. As an event photographer, this season is my busiest – and most magical – time of the year. Every click of the shutter captures a slice of the joy, tradition, and wonder that make Christmas in London so special.

The City as a Backdrop

London truly knows how to dress up for Christmas. Iconic locations like Covent Garden, with its giant baubles and dazzling tree, or the ice rink at Somerset House, serve as stunning backdrops for photos. Every event I shoot during December seems to radiate a special glow, thanks to the city’s festive decorations. Whether it's corporate parties in grand venues or exclusive events in cozy corners of the capital, London’s charm adds something unique to every frame.

Capturing Festive Emotions

Christmas events are all about connection, and that’s what I aim to capture. There’s the giddy excitement of reaching the end of the year, the candid smiles of colleagues letting loose at holiday parties, and the warm embraces of friends uniting over mulled wine. My role as a photographer is to freeze those moments in time, creating memories that my clients can revisit for years to come.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas photography is the unpredictability. Children’s faces light up in the purest expressions of wonder, and the mix of tradition and modernity in London’s events means no two shoots are ever the same. Whether it’s a glamorous black-tie soirée or a rustic winter wedding, the emotions and stories I capture are what make my job so fulfilling.

Embracing the Challenges

Of course, photographing events during the festive season isn’t without its challenges. London’s unpredictable weather often keeps me on my toes, and the shorter days mean working with limited natural light. But these challenges push me to get creative. I rely on my expertise to create warm, atmospheric images. It’s all part of the fun of the season.

Another challenge is blending into the background. The best event photography captures moments as they naturally unfold, so I often aim to be as unobtrusive as possible, letting the festivities flow without interruption. The payoff is genuine, unposed images that truly capture the essence of the event.

Reflecting on the Season

As an event photographer, Christmas reminds me of the importance of storytelling. Every family, company, or group of friends has its unique traditions and dynamics, and my goal is to tell their story through my images. I feel privileged to witness these moments of joy and celebration, and even more so to preserve them for others to cherish.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Christmas isn’t just about the big displays or lavish parties. It’s about the small, intimate moments: the sparkle in someone’s eye as they open a thoughtful gift, the shared laughter over Christmas crackers, or the quiet peace of those reflective moments. These are the moments that make Christmas magical, and I’m honored to play my part in preserving them.

Wrapping Up the Year

As the year draws to a close, Christmas offers a moment to reflect on the beauty of life and connection. London, with its vibrant spirit and rich traditions, provides the perfect stage for these celebrations. For me, being able to document it all is the best gift of the season.

If you’re planning a festive event in London, don’t forget to document it. Long after the decorations are taken down and the carols fade, your photos will keep the memories alive – a reminder of the joy and magic that Christmas brings.

Photographing All Points East on August 25th: Capturing Phoenix in Action

Photographing All Points East on August 25th, when the iconic band Phoenix took the stage, was an electrifying experience that offered a wealth of visual opportunities and challenges. As a photographer, capturing this highly anticipated performance required a blend of timing, creativity, and adaptability to document the essence of both the band and the festival atmosphere.

Stage Presence and Performance: Phoenix’s set was a masterclass in stage presence. The band’s performance was visually dynamic, with intricate lighting designs and energetic movements that created striking contrasts and vibrant colors. Their setlist included a mix of their greatest hits and new material, each song providing a different visual mood. From the dramatic opening notes to the high-energy climax, every moment was a chance to capture the band’s charisma and the audience’s rapturous response. The stage design was a standout feature, with its sleek, modern aesthetics and impressive visuals. A visually stimulating backdrop that changed with the rhythm of the music. This allowed for a range of photographic styles, from bold, high-contrast shots to softer, moodier images.

Crowd Engagement: The crowd’s reaction to Phoenix was a central element of the experience. The energy in the audience was palpable, with festival-goers singing along, dancing, and celebrating the music. Capturing the joy and excitement on their faces added a layer of narrative to the photos, showcasing the collective euphoria that Phoenix’s performance evoked.

Lighting and Conditions: Lighting was both a challenge and an opportunity. The transition from daylight to the dramatic stage lighting as the sun set provided a spectrum of conditions to work with. Early in the set, the ambient light allowed for clear, detailed shots of the band against a vibrant sky. As darkness fell, the stage lighting became the primary source, creating bold contrasts and colorful highlights that were both challenging and rewarding to capture.

Key Moments: Key moments included their charismatic frontman engaging with the audience between the powerful crescendos of their music.

Technical Challenges: One of the main challenges was dealing with the high-intensity lighting changes and the fast pace of the performance. Rapid adjustments to camera settings were necessary to handle the shifting light conditions and maintain the sharpness and color accuracy of the images. Additionally, positioning within the crowd to get the best angles while avoiding obstructions required careful planning and agility.

Final Thoughts: Overall, photographing Phoenix at All Points East on August 25th was a thrilling and rewarding experience. The band’s vibrant performance, combined with the festival’s dynamic atmosphere and lighting, provided ample opportunities to capture stunning, evocative images. The challenge of adapting to changing conditions and finding the perfect moments only added to the satisfaction of documenting a truly memorable show. For any photographer passionate about live music and festival culture, this performance was a highlight that offered both technical and creative fulfillment.

Capturing Creativity: A Vibrant Showcase at the Photography and Video Show 2024

Birmingham NEC

The Birmingham NEC Photo and Video Show has long been a highlight for enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone with a passion for the visual arts. Stepping into the 2024 edition of this iconic event was like entering a realm where creativity knows no bounds. From March 16th to March 19th, the NEC was transformed into a bustling hub of innovation, inspiration, and sheer visual delight.

As I navigated through the expansive halls, I was immediately struck by the kaleidoscope of colours, the hum of excitement, and the palpable energy that pulsed through the venue. The show floor was a labyrinth of booths, each one a treasure trove of cutting-edge technology, artistic prowess, and boundless imagination.

One of the most striking aspects of the show was the diversity of exhibitors and attendees. From industry giants showcasing the latest advancements in camera gear to up-and-coming artists seeking to make their mark, there was something for everyone. Whether you were a seasoned professional looking to upgrade your equipment or an amateur enthusiast eager to learn new techniques, the NEC Photo and Video Show had it all.

Of course, no photo and video show would be complete without its fair share of jaw-dropping displays. From larger-than-life prints that transported viewers to far-off lands to immersive VR experiences that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, the visual spectacle was nothing short of mesmerizing. At every turn, there were opportunities to engage with experts, attend workshops, and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

But perhaps the true highlight of the Birmingham NEC Photo and Video Show was the sense of community that permeated every corner of the venue. Strangers became friends as they bonded over a shared love of photography, exchanging tips, swapping stories, and forging connections that would extend far beyond the confines of the show floor. It was a reminder that, at its core, photography and videography are about more than just capturing images – they're about capturing moments, forging connections, and sharing stories that unite us all.

As I made my way home, my mind abuzz with inspiration and my camera filled with memories, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience. The Birmingham NEC Photo and Video Show had exceeded all my expectations, igniting a spark of creativity within me that I knew would continue to burn brightly in the days and weeks to come. And as I looked forward to the next instalment of this iconic event, I knew one thing for certain – the magic of photography and videography would always have a home at the Birmingham NEC.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 10.

Professionals do an outstanding job – their career depends on it

The final point to consider is that event photographers have a reputation to maintain. That means that they have to deliver excellent results, otherwise any bad word of mouth can cause considerable damage to their future freelance photography jobs. In other words, an expert would be eager to provide the best service possible and work tirelessly on elevating their career.

I hope that my ten reasons will help your decision-making. If you are in need of a London event photographer for your special occasion, get in contact. I would love to capture your incredible event!

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 9.

Editing: working after the event to ensure one-of-a-kind photos

The editing process is a part of every professional event photographer’s workflow. Maybe amateurs also edit the photos, but to put it plainly – the photos first have to be great, in order to become excellent after the process. So, in order to have amazing images, you need a pro. Besides, they have invested years in learning how to master photo enhancement software and truly know how to use it. Any detail will be perfectly edited in terms of colour toning, noise, lighting, angles, etc.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 8.

It’s all about the dynamics

One of the main differences between amateurs and professionals is that experts are specially trained to provide multiple-hour coverage – without taking breaks. As a London event photographer, I am highly skilled to follow the dynamics of your day, even shooting in a variety of styles. My experience in the field has taught me when is the right second to take a photo at a particular angle, and whether to shoot a portrait or landscape. Delivering the best possible images with great lighting is a forte of pros in the field.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 7.

Great content and high-quality images

True, there will be many smartphone images, but you cannot compare that quality with the premium quality photos you will receive. When hiring a professional who deals with freelance photography, you will receive the greatest possible image resolution. This is especially handy if you are planning to print them, or even use them as banners. Furthermore, these photos will be flawlessly captured with the right gear – regardless of the light conditions, angle, or movement. You will be relaxed knowing that your memories are in great hands, and your guests will love them!

Meatopia 2023

A little look back to a sunnier time. This was Meatopia, a bbq festival I was lucky enough to photograph earlier this year! It took place at Tobacco Dock, a listed warehouse venue in East London.

https://www.meatopia.co.uk

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 5.

Everyone will be included in the images

If you are concerned about whether someone will be missed from the images, with an expert, you don’t have to be. For example, if you tell some of your attendants to take amateur photos, at the end of the day, they will be left out of the images. You don’t want to look back on the photographs and discover that several people have been left out. These are memories you want to cherish forever, so ensuring to have everyone captured is only secured by booking an experienced event photographer.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 4.

An expert knows how to navigate the guests

Creating perfect photos requires an additional skill to work with a crowd. From using every detail in the space and lighting conditions to guiding the guests so they don’t turn out blurry or distorted, the event photographer will seamlessly capture the flow. Moreover, with a friendly personality and eagerness to show them in the best light, a professional will naturally document the whole atmosphere of the event. With a pro by your side, you can be sure that you will receive the best possible visual memories of the day!

London Olympic Park Velodrome

A sneak peak at some photos I took recently in the Olympic Park Velodrome. These were for Tomo Bikes, a bespoke frame builder and thoroughly decent chap. I lived in Hackney during the time of the Olympics so love heading back there and seeing the legacy evolve.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 3.

A professional has the right experience for the task

In addition to the previous point, an expert event photographer has to have years of experience before becoming an expert. As with any biz, we are talking about investing both energy and time to learn, then to gain experience, excel, and even keep up with the latest tech. As a London event photographer with years of experience behind me, I can safely say that in order to create flawless memories of your event, one has to be a real professional. In short, a pro immediately knows how to act, what are the expectations, and how to properly behave on the day.

London Coffee Festival 2023

The London Coffee Festival 2023 at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London. One of my favourite events to photograph, probably because I love Coffee so much and love any excuse to go back to East London. Whilst there I shot some walk through video too, which I’ll combine with the rest of the pictures and post on YouTube soon.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional Event Photographer. Number 2.

A pro has the right gear to capture your event

To be completely transparent, not every camera and lens can produce great quality photos. This is especially vital when it comes to events, as often, photographers have to work in different environments. That means they have to be well-versed in using the right equipment and adjusting the right settings! Of course, a professional always uses pro-grade cameras and has the skill to work in both light and dark environments.