Pride Taught Me To Be A Better Photographer (And Person): 10 Lessons From a Northern LGBTQ+ Pride Photographer
I’m the person I am today because of Pride. It has shaped the way I navigate the world and especially my business.
Spending years capturing events across the North East taught me more than technical skills, it taught me about representation, inclusivity, empathy, and storytelling.
These lessons now shape everything I do from weddings to portraiture, ensuring every person feels celebrated and valued. Pride showed me that photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about documenting history, culture, and activism, lessons I carry into every shoot.
Being a Northern LGBTQ+ Pride photographer means I’ve witnessed the full spectrum of Pride experiences - from the region’s largest city parades to small towns’ first-ever marches with only 30 people. I’ve danced in the streets, protested with my queer family, and captured countless moments of joy and resilience. Each event is unique and each person’s story matters; every frame contributes to the ongoing history of our community.
Discovering Photography at Pride
I first discovered photography’s power at my first Pride in 2017, shortly after coming out. I brought my shiny new camera that I barely knew how to use, with the plan to capture colourful outfits, bursting parades, and the hope of spotting some glorious drag queens (little did they know that they’d be stuck with me foreverrr). I wasn’t nervous, I was just having fun, until it started to rain and people flocked to the dance tents and local bars.
That day taught me one of the most important lessons: photography isn’t linear. You have to flow with the day, embrace unexpected moments, and allow yourself to be part of the environment. The more you relax, move with the energy around you, and let your personality shine through, the better the images become. I learned that I was quite good at moving under pressure and this principle still guides me today, whether I’m photographing Pride, a wedding, or a portrait session.
Actual image from my first ever pride in 2017, by no means perfect but we all have to start somewhere
Experience and Growth Since My First Pride
Since that first Pride in 2017, I’ve been fortunate to be employed as a photographer for many of the North East’s biggest Pride events, working with organisations such as Northern Pride, Out North East and Curious Arts.
Along the way, I’ve learned so much about people, community, representation, and storytelling. Every event has been a teaching moment, every parade and vigil a lesson in capturing a balance of activism and joy. These experiences have shaped the way I approach photography today, preparing me to capture meaningful moments in any setting.
10 Values That Pride Taught Me About Photography and life
Over the years, Pride has taught me lessons that define how I capture images, connect with subjects, and tell stories:
1. Presence:
Being fully engaged behind the camera allows me to capture authentic, unguarded moments. Embrace every laugh, the quiet glances, and spontaneous interactions that bring photos to life, the rest happens naturally.
2. Attention to Detail:
Pride taught me that small gestures, outfits, or even a personal banner sign can tell a story as powerfully as the parade itself. Noticing these details is what makes my photography feel intimate and truthful.
3. Adaptability:
I’ve photographed massive city parades and small towns’ first-ever marches. Each requires a different photographic approach, teaching me how to adjust my perspective, angles, and timing for every situation.
4. Don’t Obsess Over Settings:
Crowds, lighting, and weather are unpredictable. I’ve learned that a slightly imperfectly lit photo is far better than missing the moment entirely. Capturing emotion and movement always comes first. When in doubt, switch to “auto” mode, who cares..the world won’t end.
5. Respect: Building trust and respecting personal space behind the camera is essential. Comfort creates authenticity in my images, whether I’m photographing performers, parade attendees, or couples on their wedding day. If someone looks uncomfortable or they ask you to back off, respect their wishes. Remember that consent is sexy.
6. Inclusivity:
Pride saturated me to a spectrum of identities and expressions. I’ve learned to approach photography with an inclusive eye, making sure every person feels celebrated, represented, and seen in my work.
7. Connection:
Engagement builds trust and confidence. The friendships I’ve formed through Pride; with performers, organisers, and community members, allow me to capture more natural, heartfelt photographs.
8. Legacy:
Every image contributes to history. Capturing the joy and activism today ensures that the photographs themselves serve as a record for future generations. I hope my work will still speak to people 20 or 30 years from now.
9. Joy:
Pride is fundamentally about celebration. Embracing energy and spontaneity while photographing creates images that are vibrant and alive - authentic photos make viewers feel the moment.
10. Advocacy:
Every Pride event, from city parades to smaller Fringe Festival gatherings, is activism; creating visibility and safe community spaces. By photographing them, I help preserve and amplify that activism so they can be used to educate others.
Learning From Queer History: Phyllis Christopher
Queer history inspires everything I do. One photographer who profoundly shaped my perspective is Phyllis Christopher, whose book Dark Room: San Francisco Sex and Protest, 1988–2003 documents queer life and activism with honesty and depth. I was lucky enough to meet her and she gifted me one of her books; a gesture that reminds me of the importance of mentorship and the power of images to preserve stories.
Her work showed me that photographs are not just moments frozen in time - they are history. Seeing her images of protests, celebrations, and everyday queer life gave me hope that one day, people might look at my photographs decades from now and understand both the joy and struggle of our communities. I carry that same perspective into every frame I take.
Celebrating Pride in All Its Forms: Fringe Festival and Beyond
Pride isn’t only about big parades. This year I co-created the Newcastle Pride Fringe Festival, a month-long celebration of queer arts and culture. The Fringe included comedy nights, a queer crafts market, and Arcade Allies, a relaxed space where queer people could connect while playing arcade games. I also ran my own queer club night, celebrating all things fashion and self expression.
Even smaller events are acts of activism, creating visible, safe, and celebratory spaces for our community. Capturing these moments has reinforced every lesson I’ve learned: presence, attention, adaptability, anticipation, respect, inclusivity, connection, legacy, joy, and advocacy. Whether photographing a large parade or a quiet community gathering, every frame matters.
Why I Keep Working With Pride Organisations
Pride shaped me as both a photographer and as a person. It made me more aware of representation, inclusivity, and authenticity. Every parade, Fringe Festival event, protest, or portrait session is an opportunity to celebrate people, tell stories, and preserve history.
As a Northern LGBTQ+ Pride photographer, I carry these lessons into all my work. Each frame is a chance to document culture, celebrate identity, and contribute to a lasting story. A story I hope people will look back on decades from now and feel connected to.
One frame at a time.
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