Theatre Photographer Manchester
Production, Rehearsal and Performance Imagery _

Create bold, atmospheric theatre photography with a Manchester-based photographer trusted by theatre companies, performers and venues.

Get in touchAbout us
Photographed in low stage light: one actor seated, striking a match; another stands backlit by fairy lights and a crescent moon.
The vibrant Hot Wheels set, with winding tracks and cars, is dramatically lit beneath a bold logo displayed on the main screen.
A stage actor aims a prop gun at an actress with outstretched arms in moody theatre lighting, both showing dramatic tension.
On stage, a young man in a black shirt holds an open book, gazing upwards pensively as theatre lights highlight his expression.
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A performer in apron and hat stands at a fish and chip counter, singing animatedly into a microphone under stage lights.
Photographed from the wings, a performer sits centre stage, gesturing mid-speech, with a blurred red prop in the foreground.
Under moody theatre lighting, a man poses beneath fairy lights and a luminous moon-like orb against a shadowy stage backdrop.
Captured under moody stage lights, two actors stand nearly nose to nose, as a third figure sits shadowed in the background.
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Theatre photography that brings your production to life

Whether you are promoting a new show, updating cast portraits, documenting rehearsals, or capturing key scenes for press and marketing, strong imagery is essential.

Based in the city as a Manchester based theatre photographer, Decoy creates expressive, story-led theatre photography that reflects the mood, energy, and artistry of your production. Every session is unobtrusive, considered and tailored to your creative vision, helping you showcase your work across programmes, press releases, social media, and promotional campaigns.

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Partnering with the UK's leading brands

Theatre photography services

  • ‍Production photography
    Striking coverage of dress rehearsals or performances that captures lighting, set design, casting and storytelling.‍
  • Rehearsal room photography
    Natural, behind-the-scenes imagery showing process, character development and direction.‍
  • Cast and character portraits
    Polished portraits for programmes, posters, PR and marketing materials.‍
  • Poster and campaign imagery
    Creative, concept-led sessions shaped around your promotional artwork
  • ‍Backstage and documentary photography
    Atmospheric imagery of preparation, costume, tech and movement behind the curtain.‍
  • Unit stills and on set photography
    BTS and on set stills for productions creating filmed content, or crossing into television and film.

Your final images are prepared for press, digital platforms, print artwork and social media.

Additional Photographers

For larger-scale or tightly scheduled events, we can provide extra photographers to make sure every important detail is captured without compromise.

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Our work has been featured on

Theatre photography portfolio

A curated selection of recent theatre, performance and behind-the-scenes work.

A cast of performers stands together on stage, illuminated by theatre lights as I capture the energy of their live performance.
A performer in a striped jumper captured mid-gesture on stage, framed by a moon prop and glowing fairy lights behind him.
From the wings, three actors in white costumes and head coverings face upstage, books in hand, as another observes in front.
A man in a jumper stands behind a table of books and newspapers, illuminated dramatically as if staged for a theatrical portrait.
Photograph of two actors onstage, framed by metal pipes and platforms, illuminated by striking blue and yellow stage lighting.
Captured onstage: two actresses in period dress, one mid-throw with a prop, bathed in moody theatrical lighting.
A performer in black sits cross-legged within a chalk circle centre stage, scattered scripts beside him, gazing upward into the lights.
Onstage under theatrical lights, an actor stands beside a projected photo of a bare-chested figure with arms crossed.
On stage, a woman reads a letter as two men sit behind her amid stacked suitcases, dramatic lighting casting deep shadows.
A brown-jacketed performer gestures mid-speech, captured under moody stage lighting on a darkened theatre set.
On stage, a chained actor raises his arms as two others in period costumes converse nearby behind a wire mesh.
Under moody stage lighting, five actors in period costume pose dramatically, four aligned against one amid old crates and suitcases.
A vibrant tv set, illuminated like a theatre set, showcases Hot Wheels zones for "Metamorphosis" and "Racer Girl," red and blue-lit.
On stage, two actors in a warmly lit, book-lined set—one reading at a desk, the other listening by a vintage wireless between them.
Moody theatre lighting bathes a keyboard in blue and purple hues, dramatic shadows falling across the glossy keys in close-up.
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On stage, two men under moody lighting; one draped in a blanket, both maintain intense expressions as they face each other.
Moody stage scene: ladders, open door frames, suspended bulbs, and wooden chairs arranged in a wire-frame house set for theatre.
From the wings: two cast members beam, holding hands centre stage, as another sits by bunk beds and luggage upstage.
A theatre photographer captures a person beside a vibrant car body on stage, amid scattered parts and boxes in a set design.
On stage, under dramatic lighting, an actor aims a prop gun at an actress on a shadowy metal staircase, both in intense poses.
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Read what clients have said about decoy_

Rated 5 stars on Google based on over 100+ reviews

Photo of a performer on stage at a live theater show at Box of Tricks

Top notch photography and lovely to deal with.

I can't recommend Alex Mead and Decoy Media highly enough. He has a fantastic eye and his photographs of our theatre rehearsals really captured the spirit of the room. Top notch photography and lovely to deal with.

Adam
Box of Tricks Theatre
Hot Wheels set for a stage show by P Conelly.

100% recommend!

Phenomenal work - tons of images to work with - incredible flexible with production schedule. 100% recommend!

Jordan
JP Connelly

A original photo before editingA original photo after editing
Before Edits
After Edits

Our track record in numbers

400k+

Edits delivered

1,300+

Projects

350+

Client partnerships

15+

Years experience

Why theatre companies choose us

Benefits of working together.

Experienced Pro

Years of working with theatres, production teams and performers across Manchester.

Professional photography

Professional photography without the inflated price tag.

Quick Turnaround

Receive a preview edit the next day, with the full set delivered via cloud gallery in 3-5 days.*

Creative Approach

Bold, atmospheric imagery that captures the lighting, movement and energy of your event.

Flexible Locations

Theatre, rehearsal studio, outdoor performance or on set.

Low Impact Presence

A calm, respectful approach that blends into the rehearsal room or performance without distraction.

Rapid Delivery Option

Upgrade to rapid delivery and receive your whole project by the next working day.

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More client reviews
A large hall with a live event taking place with a speaker on stage in front of a crowd.

Video options

You can also add video to your session by bringing in more of our trusted team. We offer live performance recording for release or promotional use, as well as BTS or documentary-style content to strengthen your visual identity.

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FAQs

decoy is committed to delivering exceptional visuals with creativity and precision. We take the time to understand your goals, ensuring every image reflects your story and strengthens your brand.

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Do you photograph live performances and dress rehearsals?

Yes, including discreet coverage during performances.

How long does it take to receive the edited photos?

A preview edit is sent the next day, with the full edit delivered in 3 to 5 working days.

Can we use the images for posters, press and promotional artwork?

Yes, promotional usage rights are included.

Do you travel outside Manchester?

Yes, we work with theatre companies across the region.

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Ready to elevate your theatre production imagery?

Get in touch to discuss your project and receive a tailored quote.

Make an enquiry