The Gallery of Greats Campaign for The Pearson's National Teaching Awards
Some time ago, in early 2023, I was approached by a PR company called Another Word Communications. They contacted me to ask if I would be interested in photographing a campaign for an esteemed organisation known as the Teaching Awards Trust. They were in search of a portrait photographer with a background in teaching. After discovering a documentary project I had completed during lockdown called "Getting Through This," they appreciated my work and felt that I would be the right person to photograph the campaign called 'The Gallery Of Greats,' which was part of the celebration of The Pearson National Teaching Awards 25th Anniversary. It was a great honour to be asked, and as a portrait photographer with a passion for storytelling, I eagerly accepted the opportunity and acquired many new skills along the way. The project involved photographing 10 inspirational educators who had been shortlisted for the Pearson National Teaching Awards. I travelled to various locations across the UK, including Hartlepool, Staffordshire, London, Liverpool, Lake District, Stratford Upon Avon, Peterborough, Leicestershire, and virtually to Scotland and Ireland. I met each of the inspiring educators and captured a series of portraits showcasing the amazing work they do in education. I worked closely with the PR company throughout the entire project to ensure that the delivery and the final product met the client's expectations. The images received fantastic feedback. Viewers appreciated the beauty and striking nature of the portraits, noting how well each photograph told a story of the winner. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the portrait photography throughout the project, as I love telling stories in a single image. I was thrilled when the BBC One Show contacted me to see if an image could be used for their TV program. I went on to do my first solo exhibition. The final images were displayed in an exhibition at the All is Joy Gallery in Soho, London. It was an amazing experience to have my first solo exhibition. The photographs of the shortlisted winners, along with information about the one-day gallery event, were shared with the press and even made it into the national press, which was incredible. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with two very prestigious companies. I loved every minute of it!