Festival Photography
Festival Photographer in the UK
I’m Ali J, a professional festival photographer based in Nottingham, working across the UK and the East Midlands. I specialise in festival photography for live music, arts, cultural and outdoor festivals, capturing the atmosphere, energy and human stories that make festivals unforgettable. My approach is documentary-led, unobtrusive and people-focused, allowing moments to unfold naturally.
Festivals are places where people relax, drop off their cares and are just there in the moment. Perfect for wandering around and capturing real moments.
Documentary Festival Photography
Festival photography is about more than performances on a stage. I focus on the full festival experience, from headline acts and intimate acoustic sets to audience reactions, behind-the-scenes moments and the quieter details that bring an event to life. My style blends candid storytelling with strong visual composition, creating images that feel immersive, emotional and authentic.
I work discreetly within busy, fast-moving environments, capturing real moments without interrupting the flow of the festival. This approach is ideal for festivals looking to document their event honestly while producing high-quality imagery for promotion, marketing and future bookings.
Totally one of my favourite places in the whole world to be is Greenbelt. I’ve been every year since I was 15 and recently have had the honour of co-leading the Photography Team. It’s a magical place, with so many golden opportunities to photograph any and everything; speakers, arts and crafts, acrobatics, musicians, artists, dancing, sports, crowds, children, back stage, on stage, up ladders, in the mud, under the sun, rushing through downpours. I love it!
“We have worked with Ali as a photographer for Greenbelt Festival for many years now. Each year she brings more and more to the table. More experience, more skill, more enthusiasm – and results that just keep getting better. Not only has Ali got a great eye and photographic ability, but she’s also a great people-person and that pays dividends at the festival. She puts people at their ease. She has taken on special and sensitive projects for us over the years and now leads our photography team onsite. I would not hesitate to recommend her – from portraiture to landscapes, Ali has it all.” -Paul, Festival Director.
Live Music, Arts and Cultural Festival Photography
I photograph a wide range of festivals, including live music festivals, arts festivals, community events and outdoor cultural gatherings. With experience photographing orchestras, bands, performers and large-scale events, I understand how to work efficiently in changing light and unpredictable conditions.
Many festivals I photograph take place outdoors, where natural light, weather and crowd movement all play a part in the story. I’m comfortable working in challenging environments and thrive on capturing the energy and spontaneity that outdoor festivals bring.
What to Expect from Festival Photography Coverage
Before your festival, we’ll discuss the nature of your event, your performers and how the images will be used. Whether you need performance coverage, crowd imagery, behind-the-scenes storytelling or a complete visual record of the festival, I tailor my approach to suit your needs.
During the event, I work calmly and professionally, blending into the environment while capturing a wide range of moments. After the festival, you’ll receive a curated gallery of professionally edited images, ready for use across websites, social media, press and marketing.
Festival Photography Across Nottingham, the East Midlands and the UK
I’m based in Nottingham and regularly photograph festivals across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands, as well as festivals across the UK. I’m happy to travel nationally and work with both established festivals and new events.
It’s like a super power, freezing time – recording forever those moments of joy, wonder, happiness, excitement, humour. All those connections that make life.