These images were commissioned by The Spectator Magazine to document their events during the annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, held in early autumn. Over three days, I had the opportunity to photograph a dynamic series of back-to-back talks, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and drinks receptions, all hosted within The Spectator’s bespoke “box” — a compact, prefabricated room constructed specifically for the event within the ICC Building.

The schedule was intense, with up to six events each day and only a 30-minute turnaround between sessions. The magazine’s journalists and editors facilitated lively discussions featuring guests from across the political spectrum, including current members of the shadow cabinet, former MPs, journalists, think tank experts, and influential business leaders. The events were met with enthusiasm, often attracting long queues of attendees eager to participate, with some sessions filling to capacity shortly after doors opened.

From a photographic perspective, my aim was to capture not only the energy and vibrancy of the discussions but also the engagement and interactions among the diverse audience and panelists. The technical challenges presented by the venue added an extra layer of complexity. The dark, fabric-lined walls absorbed much of the ambient light, leaving areas outside the stage in deep shadow, while the bright, multi-tonal spotlights created uneven lighting and harsh shadows on the speakers. These conditions required meticulous, real-time adjustments to camera settings, including continual light readings and focus tweaks, to ensure accurate exposure and sharpness. In post-production, further refinements were made to balance the colour tones and lighting across the series, presenting the final images as a cohesive body of work.

This conference was a notable moment for The Spectator as it followed the magazine’s record-breaking £100 million acquisition and marked the final days of Fraser Nelson’s tenure as editor, culminating in a smooth handover to his successor, Michael Gove, on the last day of the event. Adding to the significance, the event coincided with the Conservative Party leadership race. A standout moment of the conference was the interview with Kemi Badenoch, chaired by Fraser Nelson. Her session delved into her views on the party’s direction, her stance on a broad range of political ideas and issues, and her unique career trajectory, which included a period writing for The Spectator. This connection added a personal and reflective dimension, making the session a true highlight of the event. Now serving as the leader of the Conservative Party – a result many in the audience had anticipated – Kemi’s rise has added a sense of historic significance to the discussion.

It was an honour to contribute to documenting this important chapter in the magazine’s history through photography, navigating the challenges with the goal of telling a compelling visual story.