A portrait of Matty Healy, captured during a fleeting encounter in a Newcastle record shop, has won North East photographer Neil Ferry the People’s Choice Award at the British Photography Awards.
The photograph of The 1975 frontman was taken at Beyond Vinyl, based at the John Marley Centre, during a break in rehearsals for the Sunday for Sammy concerts in February.
Matty, a patron of the North East performing arts charity, went on to headline the fundraising shows with an acoustic set.
Neil had only a short time with the singer to capture the image, which was shortlisted in the Portrait category before securing the People’s Choice Award.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have won the People’s Choice Award at the British Photography Awards for my portrait of Matty Healy. A huge thank you to everyone who voted, and especially to Matty for giving me the opportunity to photograph him.”
The award is particularly meaningful for Neil, who discovered his passion for photography relatively late in life.
He enrolled at Newcastle College in 2018, while in his late forties, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in 2021. He has continued pursuing photography alongside his full-time job.
“I’ve always loved photographing people from the North East, whether they’re family, friends or some of the region’s more familiar faces,” he said.
His college tutor, Alan Thoburn, encouraged him to study the work of established photographers, instilling an appreciation of their influence that has stayed with him.
Neil had been entering photography competitions for almost nine years, earning several shortlist places but never taking home a prize.
“I think anyone who pursues something creative experiences self-doubt, but I’ve learnt the importance of perseverance and surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going.
“To win my first award for a portrait of someone from the North East makes it all the more special. I’m incredibly grateful.”
In his original awards submission, Neil explained how the limited time available with Matty had influenced his approach to the photograph.
“Time is often the greatest luxury in portrait photography, yet it is rarely available. This portrait of Matty Healy was created during a brief photographic sitting, demanding instinct as much as preparation.
“The final image was carefully refined to realise my vision of a timeless portrait, using light, tone and texture to create an atmosphere that feels removed from contemporary publicity photography.
“My intention was to produce an image where expression and presence take precedence over celebrity.”