Shooting Nazir Afzal – Portraits at The Lowry

Some portraits take on an extra dimension when the location carries as much weight as the subject. My recent session with Nazir Afzal OBE at The Lowry Theatre in Salford was one of those shoots — portraits created in a space that mirrors his role as a cultural leader and voice for justice.

A Bit of Background

Nazir Afzal is widely recognised as a former Chief Crown Prosecutor and now a prominent figure in public life, known for his work on some of the most high-profile cases in the UK. Today, he continues to champion diversity, justice, and inclusion, and serves on the board of The Lowry Theatre. Photographing him meant creating portraits that balanced authority with approachability, and that reflected both his personal story and his professional influence.

The Setting

We based the shoot inside The Lowry Theatre — a location filled with colour, shape, and atmosphere. The aim was to use the building itself as a character within the portraits. From the deep purple seats of the auditorium to the bold, colourful walls and staircases of the entrance, each space offered a striking backdrop.

Rather than overpower the natural impact of the setting, I worked with it — leaning into the theatre’s geometry and colour palette to create images that are bold, vibrant, and full of presence.

The Lighting

For consistency across the four locations, I kept the lighting setup simple and portable. Using Profoto lights with a single 3ft Octa at each location, I was able to control the light on Nazir while allowing the environment to shine. The Octa gave me a flattering, sculpted key light, while the surrounding theatre architecture provided texture and drama.

This approach meant the images retained a sense of unity while still offering variety — from the close, contemplative portraits in the auditorium to the more dynamic shots framed by the bold colours of the theatre’s entrance.

The Result

The final portraits reflect both the man and the place. Nazir is presented as thoughtful and authoritative, but also as someone rooted in culture, community, and leadership. The Lowry’s colours and forms give the images a modern, vibrant edge, ensuring they stand out whether used for editorial features, board announcements, or public engagement.

If you’re looking for a portrait photographer in London, Manchester, or Leeds for your editorial, corporate, or commercial photography, I’d love to discuss how we can create impactful images together. Whether it’s a magazine feature, a campaign shoot, or leadership portraits, my approach is always about delivering portraits with presence, personality, and impact. Get in touch to start the conversation.