Graeme Park - WHP Hacienda 22.11.25

The Warehouse Project, Manchester - 22.11.25

This was my first real experience with event photography, especially in a venue of this size. This night wasn’t planned as a photography job at all - I’d already bought a ticket to Hacienda at The Warehouse Project, fully intending to go as an attendee. About a week before the event, I decided to pluck up the courage and message Graeme Park directly, asking if I could come along and photograph his set purely for practice and my portfolio. I honestly didn’t expect a yes, but he replied and kindly welcomed me down to shoot.

The experience was unreal. Photographing Graeme’s set from behind the decks, feeling the energy of the room, and being trusted to capture such an iconic night was something I’ll never forget. I met so many supportive people backstage who made me feel genuinely welcome, and the whole night had this overwhelming sense of excitement and adrenaline that stayed with me long after it ended.

That feeling was the confirmation I didn’t know I needed. Being there, camera in hand, completely absorbed in the moment made it clear that this is what I want to be doing long term. This night reinforced something important for me: sometimes you just have to ask. The worst that can happen is a no, and you’re in the exact same position you started in. Taking that chance turned what was meant to be a normal night out into a defining moment, and from that point on, I knew I wanted to pursue photography as more than just a passion.