A Conversation with Education and Performing Arts Photographer, Danny Fitzpatrick
I’m delighted to introduce Danny Fitzpatrick, a photographer specialising in education portraits and performing arts photography.
From early commissions photographing extreme sports festivals to documenting theatre productions and backstage moments at the Brighton Fringe, Danny has built a varied and fascinating photography career.
In this interview he shares how he got started, the lessons that shaped his journey, and why he loves photographing both the stage and the classroom.
This interview is the latest in a new series in which I’m shining a spotlight on some of my talented photographer clients. The purpose is to give them a platform to share their stories, experiences, and creative insights in their own words.
Enjoy!
Zoe
Interview with education and performing arts photographer, Danny Fitzpatrick
Danny, can you tell us about your first paid photography shoot/commission?
“My first paid job was whilst I was still at college studying for my HND in photography in Manchester. My focus for my final project was on the more extreme sports like skateboarding, BMX’ing and inline skating. I heard of an extreme sports festival in Montpellier, France, as my old flatmate was working there, so I contacted one of the magazines I had been pestering, and they said they would publish my pictures if I covered the event.
I didn’t cover my costs but it was great to get a double page spread on my first publication and got me in with that scene..”
And your most recent shoot/commission?
“My most recent shoot is one I am about to head out of the door to shoot. Brighton Dome have asked me to cover a dance performance by Liam Francis which I am really excited about. Should be an amazing performance and the venue is fantastic (they also have decent quality lighting thankfully) so should be fun.”
What was your first camera?
“I used to borrow my mum’s Pentax whilst at college before getting my own, which was a second-hand Nikon FE2. Solid as a rock, and I stayed with Nikon for about 20 years after that camera, going through a fair selection of their range during that time.
Made the switch to Sony about 3 or 4 years ago and doubt I will ever go back…”
What camera or gear can you not live without now?
“Hmmmm….. I was going to say a decent camera bag, but I am never really happy with how they are designed. I guess I will always turn up to a job with a small light stand and umbrella. It’s only about 40cm long, so easy to carry, and you never know when you might need some additional lighting, however unlikely it looks from the brief!”
If your work has been exhibited or published, can you tell us about when and how this first happened?
“I always like to have a personal project on the go, and a few years back I decided to do a portrait project showing the People of Brighton – trying to show the various people who give Brighton its quirky identity (the idea came from hearing people say “only in Brighton” when they saw something random happening).
It was a bit of a slog finding all the right people but I managed it and had about 25 portraits lining the wall of Brighton Station for about 3 months. My wife, kids and parents all helped me put the pictures up along the walkway which was amazing.
I had portraits of DJ Fatboy Slim, MP Caroline Lucas, a Drag Queen, a local Artist, someone who worked on the unique electric railway on the beach, someone from Gay Pride, and the naked Bike Ride organiser.
Someone complained about the naked bike ride photo, so it ended up getting ‘banned’, but the press took up the story, and it made it into the national papers, and a local radio station ran a campaign to find it a new home (it now lives in a very quirky cafe).”
What is your most recent publication/exhibition or feature?
“I am currently trying to plan an exhibition (hopefully with my mum, who has made some wonderful garden sculptures), but I am struggling to find a venue so watch this space….
I have just had a picture accepted by a commercial art gallery, which was very exciting. I felt so grown up going to the framers to get it professionally mounted and framed to their spec.
Oh, and I am just sorting out another exhibition for next year – “Backstage at the Fringe” showing behind the scenes photos that I have taken backstage overt the past 7 years whilst working at the Brighton Fringe Festival.“
www.dfphotography.co.uk
Can you share details of your first big challenge in your photography business?
“It’s always been a challenge being a photographer.
Right from day one when I was knocking on doors trying to place my travel images at the big picture libraries or getting a foot in the door with Redbull – finding the right clients was and always will be tough I think, but now, thankfully, more seem to be finding me (shout out to Zoe for a lot of that).”
Brighton Festival 2025 Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick
What was the most recent challenge you have been working through?
“I was in a dilemma for a few years trying to decide whether I should separate my Performing Arts and my Commercial work onto 2 separate websites or keep it together on one.
I flicked back and forth over whether I should or shouldn’t do it but eventually took the plunge about 8 months ago. I still have a little indecision sitting with me, but I think I made the right choice.”
Is there a photo you’re particularly proud of (and why):
“I am most proud of my Powder Paint photoshoot. It was a personal project.
I wanted to throw loads of coloured paint at various people doing whatever it is they do. I had several types of dancers, hula hoopers, slackliners, etc., and hired a big old warehouse that was used as an alternative theatre.
It was a massive deal for me as it was a big financial commitment and a huge amount of time and effort planning and problem-solving. I had some great friends assist me on the long day (at least they enjoyed themselves with the snow shovels and buckets of powder paint).
The shoot got me published in a photography magazine, wanting to know the BTS info and a job with Virgin Active for a messy photoshoot involving mud and powder paint.”
Who/What is your favourite subject to photograph or type of shoot?
“I LOVE working in the theatre. Anything on the stage fascinates me, and I love being part of it. Whether I am shooting production photos, live show or backstage, it really is quite special.
The other subject I really enjoy shooting is education. Schools, colleges and university prospectuses editorial style work. It is incredibly challenging and always a long, tough day, but I love working with the students and trying to persuade the natural reaction I am looking for out of them.”
What lesson has most changed how you work?
“Be proactive in looking for the clients/industry you want. I used to take any old jobs and end up photographing events which I hated but “it paid the bills”.
Now the majority or my work is either education or performing arts and I am really proud I have managed to redirect my work in that direction.“
What advice would you give to your younger self when you first started photography?
“Focus on the subject you want to photograph even if it doesn’t pay and you have to shoot it as a personal project. Just keep shooting it and it will happen.“
Quickfire Questions:
Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick
Studio or outdoors?
Hmmmm…..studio (less wind to deal with)
Digital or film?
Digital (easy)
Morning shoots or evening shoots?
Evening
Editing yourself or delegating?
Editing myself (I’ve never delegated but if someone is offering..)
What’s next for you, Danny?
“I guess the exhibitions are what I am aiming towards both the one which will hopefully be with my mum and the Fringe festival one (I will also be bringing out a book to go alongside that.”
Visit Danny’s Photography Websites
Education & Prospectus Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick
Performing Arts Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick
Note from Zoe: Thank you, Danny, for sharing your story and experiences so generously. It’s always fascinating to hear how photographers carve out their own path and build a career around the subjects they love.
I wish you every success with your upcoming exhibitions and the exciting “Backstage at the Fringe” project, and look forward to seeing it.
Danny’s 5-Star Google Review
“Zoe really knows her stuff”
“Zoe really knows her stuff, she is easy to talk to and great at explaining her changes and reasons for them. I’d highly recommend working with her.
My online presence has really been tidied up and streamlined and I have already had a new client contact me just days after us working together.”
Danny Fitzpatrick (May 2025)
