Through the lens: Gig photography by Harry Proctor

Some of Manchester-based photographer Harry Proctor's best shots of 2025.

Dec 03, 2025

Harry Proctor is a music photographer and videographer from Manchester. His long-standing interest in music and visual arts has grown significantly over the past 18 months, during which he has developed a distinct style and captured performances across a wide range of venues and genres across the city. As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit some of his standout shots of the year and explore the world of live gig photography.

GURRIERS AND KEO @ PROJEKTS SKATEPARK

“This was a fun gig for me, as it was the first time I’d shot in a big, big venue. It was creatively validating to photograph a band with an eager crowd who were clearly loving every moment. Also, the gig was in a skate park, which was both a fun and unique challenge.”

PSYCH FEST

“Psych Fest is always fun, as it’s one of the few moments where many of the venues in the city are all putting on the same event. It feels like an integral part of the music community to have multiple venues showcasing both upcoming artists and established acts. The buzz in the crowd is amazing—probably due to the freedom of being able to walk into nearly any venue in the city and know there will be some class acts playing.”

FAT DOG & WORKING MEN’S CLUB @ AVIVA STUDIOS

“Aviva Studios is probably my favourite venue in Manchester; the sound and lighting are both incredible, and of course, both the bands pictured here are as well. That, paired with the stunning visuals from @innerstrings, made this gig one to remember.”

WESTSIDE COWBOY @ ALBERT HALL

“These photos were chosen partly because of Albert Hall’s iconography in the city, but also because Westside Cowboy are incredible and one of my favourite emerging acts in Manchester.”

LOYLE CARNER @ O2 VICTORIA WAREHOUSE

“I’ve been a huge Loyle Carner fan for years; his early work, specifically his second album Not Waving, but Drowning, was hugely important to me growing up, and getting the opportunity to shoot him was a bit of a pinch-me moment (and ticked off a bucket-list artist for me).”

HOW ABOUT NOW? @ THE LOWRY

“These shots are from How About Now?, a play by Hannes Langolf. I was asked to come down to their tech run for their show at the Lowry, and the shot I’ve chosen is my favourite from that day. I don’t often work in theatres, so doing this was really fun and definitely an interesting challenge. I enjoyed the team feeling of everyone working together on a single creative vision, and the result was truly a work of art from everyone involved.”