Photographer for an ESRC Festival of Social Science Event

We are seeking a student photographer to document Living with Aphasia: Exploring Decision Making, Communication and Research, as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026.

This welcoming and interactive public engagement event explores the relationship between language, thinking and decision-making. Hosted at HOME Manchester, the event brings together stroke survivors, people living with aphasia, family members, carers, researchers and community organisations to share experiences, discuss research, and challenge common assumptions about language and the brain.

The event will feature talks, demonstrations, discussion and interactive activities, alongside the launch of a new Manchester Metropolitan University support group for stroke survivors and people living with aphasia.

The successful candidate will capture the atmosphere, activities and interactions throughout the event, creating a collection of high-quality images for event evaluation, reporting, publicity and future public engagement activities. The photographer will need to work sensitively and respectfully with participants who may have a range of communication and access needs, and the event team will support them in following photography consent procedures.

Appointment Details

Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Event time: 5.00pm to 7.30pm (including 30 minutes briefing before a 5.30pm start)
Editing time: 1 hour
Location: HOME Manchester

Responsibilities

You will work independently to document the event and provide a curated selection of photographs. Duties will include:

• Photographing a range of event activities throughout the evening.
• Capturing the atmosphere of the venue and event environment.
• Taking photographs of speakers, facilitators and participants where consent has been provided.
• Working closely with the event team to understand and respect individual photography consent preferences.
• Interacting professionally and sensitively with attendees, including people living with aphasia and those with varying communication needs.
• Capturing images suitable for publicity, evaluation, reporting and future public engagement activities.
• Selecting and submitting a collection of high-quality edited digital photographs following the event.
• Ensuring photographs are transferred securely to the University after the event.

Essential

• Experience using a DSLR, mirrorless camera or equivalent photography equipment.
• Ability to produce clear, high-quality photographs in a range of indoor event environments.
• Confidence photographing people, activities and live events.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work sensitively with members of the public from diverse backgrounds.
• An understanding of the importance of accessibility, inclusion and respecting individual needs.
• Ability to follow photography consent procedures and respect participants' decisions regarding photography.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own time.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Punctual, reliable and professional.

Desirable

• Experience photographing community, public engagement, health, wellbeing or educational events.
• Experience working with people who have communication differences, disabilities or additional access needs.
• Experience editing and selecting photographs for publication or promotional use.
• Interest in public engagement, health research, communication, or social sciences.
• Knowledge of Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop or similar photo-editing software.
• Experience creating images suitable for use across websites, social media and printed promotional materials.