Liverpool Photographers End of Year 2025 Review and Round Up

Published on Wed Dec 17, 2025 by David J Colbran

Putting the Year in to Focus

2025 has been one of the most full, challenging, and incredible years in my time as a professional full time photographer. And in addition, it has been 20 years since I moved to Liverpool and completed a career change and started my own business. Phew, where does the time go.

Taking time to reflect isn’t just about looking back, it’s about gaining a focus so you can plan the next period of growth and development successfully. This time last year my review started with the words “a year of growth, adaptation, and excitement” and it has been more of the same. From high-profile conferences and engaging evening events to professional portraits and corporate headshots, the demand for my photography services has remained robust.

And, honestly, I still get excited capturing moments that add value to an organisation, telling real stories through my images.

Business Trends

A few thoughts on the photography business first up, before I look back at some commissions and feature some of my favourite images of the year.

Shorter commissions are become rare. Clients understand that some events need more coverage than an hour - for example calling me in to capture just the keynote speaker or lunchtime session when they estimate a time when their conference will be at its busiest. Of course the quick, efficient PR shots are always going to be there (and still a big part of my business) - other types of events will have those story-telling visual moments scattered through out the course of a day. Clients want those candid, spontaneous moments, rather than some curated content that looks totally set up. Of course I can arrange those set ups to look as natural as possible if there is a tight schedule.

Indeed, I've noticed a movement away from those perfect social media feeds that were all the rage a few years ago. The better brands and organisations are looking for real life images, that connect with their customers and clients - creating trust and authenticity. More time with clients has also enabled me to suggest additional content and images suitable to add to a visual library, rather than fixed to just event. For example, non-branded photographs that can be used as marketing material for future conferences in their portfolio.

My experience this year says that conferences are booming and face-to-face networking continues to grow. I've worked at quite a few business meetings, where professionals from lots of different sectors have gathered and talked high level strategies - for example at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Whether it’s a global educational summit or a regional industry gathering, there has been a feeling of optimism and positivity in the business community. Even at the Labour Party conference, despite a tough first year for the Government, there was a feeling of possibilities and ambitions.

Like most businesses, my best clients are those that I've worked with before - that all important repeat business helps your brand prosper and improve your success. Which is always brilliant and for me possibly the best recommendation that supports my experience, expertise, and credibility as a photographer. Of course, always great to secure new connections with some people and work with new clients and organisations.

Lots and Lots of Conferences

The demand for creative compositions and authentic, candid moments from conferences and events has definitely been a thing in 2025 at gatherings. Whether it’s the toast to success with a business celebrating. Or a quiet moment between colleagues networking, these are the images that often speak volumes to companies looking to convey a personal connection with their audience and customers.

On reflection, businesses are more than ever seeking authenticity, creativity, and flexibility in their visual content.

I am confident with 20 years experience that I have the skills to meet those challenges. The demand for professional photography services is increasing, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down as we head into 2026. I am definitely looking forward to the New Year and already have quite a few commissions in the diary.

If I was to highlight one commission this year it would working again with the Times Higher Education team for their two day conference and amazing awards evening. I posted about event photography at the Edinburgh International Convention Centre in Scotland. back in November.

Here is a small selection of the venues I have worked at this year (deep breath): ACC Liverpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, Anglican Cathedral, Hilton Hotel Liverpool, Manchester Central Convention Complex, NEC Birmingham, The Plaza, Kings Fund London, Museum of Liverpool, Manchester Chamber of Commerce, The Lowry Theatre Manchester, North Imperial War Museum Manchester, The Spine Liverpool, Business Design Centre London, Liverpool Football Club, Jaguar Landrover Solihull and Wolverhampton and Pirelli Tyre Burton-on-Trent.

2025 Photography Highlights

Of course here are a load of my favourite images from this year:

Thank you so much if you have scrolled and read this far, I really try to make planning a commission with me as easy as possible. That the photoshoot day is comfortable, professional, productive and above all fun. And finally that the delivery phase is seamless and quick.

I love events and I love making people relaxed and at ease in front of the camera. Trust my experience and expertise and give me a call on 07810321634 or message me via david@djcdesign.co.uk

I’m based in the North West of England, covering photography projects across Liverpool, Manchester, and beyond. If your organisation needs professional photography for upcoming conferences, events, PR campaigns, or corporate portraits, feel free to get in touch.

To see another post highlighting the diverse nature of my work, the 2024 photography review might be a good place to start.

Finally, I'm trying to get more active across LinkedIn - connect with me here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjcolbran/

Author: David J Colbran