Richard Oakes

Hello! I’m a creative family and brand photographer making uplifting images to build connection. A former architect with 17 years’ photographic experience, my approach is inclusive and collaborative. My work helps to captivate and convert audiences for like-minded clients by reflecting their values and bringing creations to life. I carry out portraits & headshots; behind-the-scenes & lifestyle content; event coverage; and spatial or product photography. My portfolio includes work with designers, performers, makers, sustainable brands and entrepreneurs.

I am a writer and a visual artist. I am passionate about intersectional inclusion and my practice supports people to express their identities and experiences through creative writing and visual art. I believe that story-telling through words and images is a powerful tool for building and strengthening communities. My skills include workshop facilitation, and event and project planning and management. I focus on creating inclusive communities, whether for a one off workshop or a long term plan. If you want to ignite imaginations and inspire empathy, I am ready to work with you. I am also a post graduate researcher in Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth.

I am a photographer passionate about social documentary, environmental portraiture, and visual sociology. I try to place ethics at the core of my practice, often working in socially engaged ways and via partner negotiation and collaboration. Previously I was a firefighter for 24 years, and then transitioned to event production, working globally with renowned clients like Duke Dumont, Wu-Tang Clan, Pusha T and many others. After leaving the touring life, I earned a BA and MFA in photography (with distinction) at the University for the Creative Arts and now here I am doing what I love.