Bars of Christmas: A Mini Photo Project That Kickstarted Christmas

This year, I wanted to head into December with more than just good intentions and a backlog of editing. I wanted fresh work, new connections, and content that felt fun, so a few weeks ago, I set myself a challenge: shoot the best Manchester bars in half-hour bursts, all on foot, all with a lightweight kit, and all before Christmas.

Why?

Because last year, I spent Christmas in hospital. I missed the lights, the atmosphere, the city buzzing. This year, I wanted to make up for it, and create something that felt like a celebration. And that’s how the Bars of Christmas project was born.

Reaching Out: Cold Messages & Warm Responses

I reached out to cocktail bars across Manchester with a simple offer:

A free 30-minute shoot, with shared usage + a social media collaboration on the final images.

No strings. No hard sell. Just a creative exchange.

75% of the venues were brand new to me. And honestly? Hitting send on those messages was more nerve-wracking than turning up with my camera. But the response blew me away, so many bars loved the idea and jumped on board.

Here’s the full lineup:

• Schofields Bar

• Crazy Pedro’s

• Blinker

• The Morris (Pub)

• The Morris Cocktail Bar

• Science & Industry

• Bar Shrimp

• 10 Tib Lane

• Atomeca

• Sterling

• Stow

A mix of cocktail bars, classics, and hidden gems, perfect for building a visually diverse set of images.

The faces behind the cocktails.

Travelling Light (Over 20,000 Steps a Day…)

To hit that many venues on foot, I had to pack light. No wheeled cases. No overthinking. Just essentials:

• Manfrotto Reverse Stand

• Profoto B10

• Zoom reflector

• Small collapsible reflector

• Sony A7RV

• Sony 50–150mm G Master (used for about 90% of the shots)

Keeping the kit tight was a blessing, it forced me into problem-solving mode, shaping light differently, using reflections, pushing angles, embracing limitations instead of drowning in options.

There’s something freeing about leaving the “just in case” gear at home. You end up creating rather than compensating.

The Cocktails

What I Loved Most About the Project

1. The constraints pushed creativity

Working with one light and a single lens reminded me how much you can do with a simple setup when you fully commit to it.

2. Meeting new teams & spaces

Walking into so many venues I hadn’t worked with before was honestly energising. Different vibes, different lighting situations, and a chance to connect with people I might never have met otherwise.

3. The pace

Thirty minutes per bar sounds chaotic, but it added a sense of play. No time to overthink. Just instinct, experience and trusting your eye.

4. Feeling part of the city again

After missing Christmas last year, this felt like a personal reset, a way of stepping back into Manchester’s hospitality scene with something joyful.

Why I’m Sharing This

Partly because it was a brilliant project to do.Partly because the images are going to power my socials all month.But also because I want brands, bars and venues to see what’s possible in a short, efficient shoot.

If you run a bar or venue and you’re thinking about upping your content game in the new year — this is the energy I want to bring to your shoot. Fast, collaborative, considered and full of personality.

Mixing Up