“With a rich history that’s been well-documented I thought I had seen Manchester from every angle; and that’s where the charm of Paul’s photography lies. He captures our city with a fresh perspective; through his use of light, shadows and composition you get to see some our most famous landmarks with an unobserved twist; there are also plenty of surprises in how striking he can make Manchester’s deep-seeded urban decay.

Despite many of the shots being without people, every image tells a tale to those that call it home: those who have walked its cobbles, slumber in its doorways, work in its buildings, and run through its streets. Individually he gives you a chapter of the city, collectively you get the story.”

David Scott, ARGH KiD, Poet

The story behind a Manchester photographer

In 1993, I began my journey into photography by buying my first film SLR camera. I used it throughout my Design and Art Direction degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I learned the fundamentals of film and darkroom printing. Before long, I was photographing, developing, and printing all my own images, many of which I showcased in my final degree show.

After graduating and building a career in the graphic design industry, I eventually found myself behind the camera again—this time from an art direction perspective. That experience reignited my passion for photography and inspired me to explore it more seriously.

Growing up in Manchester has always shaped my creative outlook and provided the inspiration for my signature black-and-white images of the city. In recent years, I’ve also discovered the incredible variety of natural beauty right on my doorstep, which continues to fuel my love for landscape photography.

Paul Grogan Photography, Malham

Paul on a shoot above Malham in the Yorkshire Dales

 In Paul’s words:

“Mancunians are a proud bunch. I’m certain we’re no different to other locals up and down the country. What stirs that gut feeling that makes us love our city so much? I’ve been asking myself this question for years now and I still can’t answer it.

It probably comes as no surprise that my family is Manchester born and bred. Originally from Gorton, we now (for the most part) reside across the northern side of Greater Manchester.

In July 1997, after deciding to stay and study here, I successfully graduated from MMU.

During this period of my life, I immersed myself in the city centre. It was then that I developed a profound passion for photographing the city.

Fortunate enough, my career spanned 18 years, all spent working in the city centre.

During my lunch breaks, I explored the alleys, observing the old slowly being replaced by the new.

A cut in time photograph
Chimney Stack Regeneration website

During this time, I picked up a camera again, engaging in a decade-long endeavour of observing and capturing moments through photography.

In 2015, I experienced immense pride as I exhibited my Industrious Manchester collection in the Northern Quarter.

Engaging in people-watching, I observe the mesmerising dance of light and shadows on the red brick warehouses.

Passing reflections on the new glass structures, life buzzing around the waterways.

Our city is in the prime of its life. It is the birthplace of the computer, the first passenger railway, canals, and graphene.

Maybe as we make Manchester the city it is, are we crafted ourselves by this great city and the surrounding areas. Perhaps we are, quite literally, made of Manchester? I hope you enjoy the images on the website and I’d like to offer a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me.

StModLog
amazon
direct line
galloways printers
keymer
ramtech
the bird at birtle
argh kid
balfour beatty
workman llp
rhf fans
brunning and price
ng bailey
showerdrape
creagh

Millennium Bridge to Manchester

Available as a fine art limited edition print or canvas.

panoramic landscapes frame corners

A buyers guide

All of my photographs have been captured using the highest standard of photographic equipment at the time. Delivering high resolution images and amazing levels of detail that you can’t stop looking at.

The photographs are available in multiple sizes to suit all situations. I can produce custom-sized orders. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Our landscape prints are made to order, on a gallery quality fine art paper. This is a fine art matt paper that doesn’t reflect light, oozing depth of colour and tone.

Frames are available to order online for the A4 and A3 prints. Custom sizes can be produced and are estimated on request. All images are available as for commercial usage in web and print resolution versions.

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