Inside a Corporate Photography Workshop in Manchester
Bringing Creativity In-House
A couple weeks back, I had the privilege of leading a corporate photography workshop for a high-profile global fashion brand – right in Manchester. As luck would have it, the city was electric with excitement: Oasis was performing, and the iconic Guitar Trail was celebrating Manchester’s musical legacy. The atmosphere was pure inspiration.
Manchester: More Than Just a Location
Stepping into Manchester felt cinematic. Live posters for Oasis ‘Live ’25’ adorned every corner, and the city buzzed – despite a typical British grey sky (which later turned unexpectedly blue!). In the centre, especially New Cathedral Street, the energy was magnetic – stylish, bustling, and unmistakably Manchester.
Teaching Meets Creative Play
My main mission was to train the creative and retail staff of the brand on practical photography techniques – especially lighting for visual merchandising and shooting outdoors with natural light. The group was a mix of visual thinkers and sales colleagues, and the session quickly transformed into a collaborative creative jam: plenty of questions, laughter, and those joyous “aha!” moments when everything clicks.
Honestly, it didn’t feel like “work.” It felt more like a shared creative spark.
The City’s Music Scene as a Backdrop
For the second half of the workshop we wandered through Manchester’s famed Guitar Trail – giant guitars installed around the city in honour of its musical heritage. With Oasis back in their hometown, the city felt alive in a nostalgic, celebratory way. Even in routine moments, you could feel Manchester exhaling its creative soul.
Sweet Creativity Break
Post workshop I made a quick stop at Lazy Sundae – a dessert café that’s as photogenic as it is tasty. I treated myself to one of their signature ice‑cream floats, complete with a biscuit on top – a perfect urban indulgence and, of course, a photo opportunity.
Seeing Photography and Culture Collide
By the end of the day, I didn’t just feel like I’d taught a workshop – I’d lived one. The sessions were about more than capturing crisp images; they were about feeling the energy, interpreting the vibe, and translating the city’s personality through a lens.
Why It Matters
The core of what I shared: photography isn’t only about technical skills – it’s about storytelling. It’s about understanding lighting, yes – but also understanding people, place, and the moment. It’s emotional, editorial, and always personal.
Curious about bringing this experience to your team? Whether you’re building your in-house visuals or want creative energy infused into your brand imagery, I’d love to chat.
