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Spine-Chilling Portraits: A Gallery of Halloween Horror Photography
When the ghosts and ghouls come out to play this Halloween, you’ve got two options: you can either hide under the covers or get out there and join in the fun. It's especially a blast when you've got your camera ready. The fun part about portrait photography is picking the location and outfits. You can totally create a new world and dive into different stories just by making some choices. This is super true for horror and fantasy themes. Haunting Portrait Photo Gallery to Insp

Martyn Hayes
Oct 71 min read


Paintings gallery
While snapping photos is definitely my numero uno passion, it's not the only way I express myself as an artist. Besides capturing moments with my trusty camera, I've also enjoy putting paint on canvas. Painting for me isn't just a hobby. It can feel like a therapitic escape. Think of it as a "chill pill" in a brush. It’s a nice change of pace from the whirlwind adventure that is photography, where everything moves faster than a caffeinated squirrel. Comic book style You've pr

Martyn Hayes
Sep 182 min read


Urban Energy: Portraits from Shoreditch and Brick Lane
I recently joined the Conceptual Collaborators group for a brilliant portrait shoot in Shoreditch. A handful of photographers and a small group of models came together for a relaxed, creative day — plenty of laughs, plenty of experimenting. The theme of the day was "goths and punks". Shoreditch and Brick Lane are perfect playgrounds for environmental portraiture, with colour, texture and character on every corner. Here are a few of the images I created during the session. If

Martyn Hayes
Sep 151 min read


Photo gallery - Hampstead Heath, North London
View of North London from Hampstead Heath, highlighting church spires and lush, autumnal treetops under a cloudy sky. Hampstead Heath in North London is an intriguing and vibrant place to visit, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning over 790 acres, this sprawling park is not only one of the largest green spaces in London but also provides a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Heath is renowned for its stunn

Martyn Hayes
Sep 112 min read


Capturing the glamour of the roaring twenties
Retro style portrait gallery When you think of the Roaring Twenties, images of elegance, glamour and vintage style often come to mind. It was an era defined by bold fashion, confidence and a sense of excitement. To recreate that feeling, model Emily White and I took to the streets of London. Rather than using grand locations, we chose the streets around Lambeth as our backdrop. This helped maintain a more authentic, working-class atmosphere while still reflecting the spirit o

Martyn Hayes
Sep 101 min read


Documentary photo gallery - Anti Donald Trump Protest in London
Fisheye lens photography of the UK capitals backlash against the US President Back in September 2025, you may recall the US President making a state visit to the UK ? King Charles III welcomed him at Windsor Castle with all the pomp and pageantry. Even though he received a warm welcome in the castle, Londoners weren't as thrilled. Thousands of people gathered around the city to protest against the controversial US leader. Organised by the Stop Trump Coalition , the event had

Martyn Hayes
Sep 41 min read


Exploring the charm of the City through portrait photography
Taking portraits in a city is an unbeatable experience. The lively and energetic nature of urban settings adds a unique touch that really brings out the subject's character and personality. I snapped a bunch of cool photos of the talented model, Emily White , as we wandered through the busy streets of London. Using an urban canvas for city portratis If you've been to UK capital, you know it's packed with all sorts of backdrops and styles. The city offers everything from cool,

Martyn Hayes
Aug 141 min read


Can't find a model - Photograph a friend!
The advantages of snapping portraits of one of your pals instead of a professional model When you need a portrait but can’t find a professional model, photographing a friend can be a great solution. It’s not even a backup plan - it offers unique advantages that can improve your photography and make the session more enjoyable. If you’re a portrait photographer, learning how to work with your pals as models can expand your creative options and help you capture authentic moments

Martyn Hayes
Jul 243 min read


Capturing Beauty in Bloom: Lavender Field Portraits
Summer's the perfect time to pick up your camera and dive into portrait photography adventures. The season's vibrant colours really pop, making everything look amazing. With the sun's warmth, lush green landscapes, and blooming flowers, you've got a stunning backdrop that makes your subjects shine. Lavender plants , in particular, add a special charm and create a magical vibe for any photo session. Scroll down to view some lavender feild portraits Check out these portraits I

Martyn Hayes
Jun 262 min read


Brexit a decade later - London's reaction
A photographic essay on the UK capital's resistance in 2016 Ten years ago, Britain’s decision to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through London’s streets. You may recall that while much of the UK was in celebration after the referendum, these feelings weren't felt in Scotland , Northern Ireland or London where the majority voted to remain. As a photographer, you know how moments of change create powerful stories and images. London’s response to Brexit was not just

Martyn Hayes
Jun 193 min read


Could this housing estate host England's most dedicated football fanbase?
Photo gallery - Football fever in South London You probably have that neighbour who goes all out during international football tournaments. Whenever England is playing in big events like the World Cup or the Euros, their house is usually covered in Saint George's flags , waving proudly in the wind. These excited fans would fit right in at the Kirby Estate in Southwark, where the vibe during football tournaments is absolutely buzzing. With the World Cup in full swing, the est

Martyn Hayes
Jun 122 min read


Capturing passion through the lens: A documentary photo gallery of football fans
As the World Cup approaches, the globe is electrified with football fever. The anticipation and excitement for this prestigious tournament are undeniable, as millions of fans from diverse backgrounds unite to celebrate their shared passion for the beautiful game. The beautiful game is the world's favourite sport . It brings people together no matter where they're from. It stirs up all sorts of feelings, from pure joy to letdowns, creating moments that really hit home for bot

Martyn Hayes
Jun 52 min read


Exploring Tranquility: Portraits in the Japanese Garden of West London
Hidden away in West London is a little treasure that many might miss - The Japanese Garden of Peace . This charming gemis a perfect getaway from the busy city life, inviting you to soak in its beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The garden features traditional Japanese elements, including with stone lanterns, bamboo, and little wooden bridges. It's super peaceful, making it a great spot for portrait photography. Take a look at these pics I snapped that really capture the garden's

Martyn Hayes
May 12 min read


Photo gallery - Sports
My Journey in Capturing Sports Moments Through Photography Capturing the excitement of sports is can be highly rewarding. As an avid sports fan, it's easy to get sucked in and become enthralled by the dynamic energy, grace, and sometimes chaotic moments of athletic competition. In this post, I will share my photos from over the years captured at competitive events. Essential Gear for the Trade Having the right equipment can drastically improve the quality of sports photograph

Martyn Hayes
Apr 242 min read


Documentary photo gallery - Rain in the city
Why choosing a theme can improve your street photography game When it comes to street photography, embracing a thematic approach can truly elevate your photographic journey, making the experience and results even more exciting and rewarding! Instead of just roaming around with your camera, hoping to snap that perfect shot, try picking a theme. Your photos will transform from a bunch of random street pics into a cool, cohesive story or documentary. Every photo will add to a bi

Martyn Hayes
Apr 171 min read


Urban Elegance: A Portrait Photography Gallery of Jade in the City
There's nothing quite like portrait photography . It's a fun mix of creativity, technical know-how, and connecting with people, which makes every session special and can lead to some amazing shots. I got to join a MeetUp event all about portrait photography, and it was awesome! They even brought in a pro model, which made the day super exciting. Jade was amazing and really brought her expertise and poise to the shoot. Using limations as a strength With a bunch of other photo

Martyn Hayes
Mar 202 min read


Photo gallery - Romance
Romance and Photography: A Perfect Pairing Romance and photography go hand in hand. The artform has the unique ability to freeze fleeting moments of love and affection, transforming them into everlasting memories. As Valentine's Day approaches, many individuals seek to express their love through thoughtful gestures, and photography becomes an essential medium for this expression. Here are some photos I created that capture that lovely dovey feeling this Valentine's Day. Each

Martyn Hayes
Feb 134 min read


Documentary photo gallery - Chinese New Year celebrations in London
Celebrating Chinese New Year in London is an exciting experience that brings people from all backgrounds together to enjoy the rich culture of the city's Chinese community. The parade winds through the busy streets of the West End and has become a must-see event of the year, attracting thousands of people eager to join in the fun. Every year, the area lights up with a stunning display of colour, sound, and energy, featuring traditional lion dances, amazing floats, and the rh

Martyn Hayes
Feb 121 min read


Exploring the Impact of Colour vs Black and White in Street Photography
Settling the score of which is better - Colour or monochrome If you're into photography, you might hit a point where you need to choose between shooting in colour or black and white. Each style has its own aesthetic and can change how people see the moment you’ve captured. Street photography is all about capturing the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s spontaneous and full of surprises, so making the right choice can really shape the story your photos tell. In this blo

Martyn Hayes
Feb 64 min read


Capturing Urban Beauty Night: A Photo Gallery of City Portraits
Nighttime is a great opportunity to set the mood with portrait photography, especially in the city. When the sun goes down and the city gets dark, everything changes. The bright colours of the day turn into a softer palette that can bring out all sorts of emotions. Cityscapes at night can really tell a story with their visuals. The light from street lamps, neon signs, and glowing windows adds a magical vibe to the scene, letting photographers capture bold contrasts and intric

Martyn Hayes
Jan 11 min read
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