ABOUT

Hi, I’m Helen, a photographer from Derry, Northern Ireland, now based in London.

I mostly shoot theatre, portraits, and editorial work.



Before I picked up a camera professionally, I trained as an actor. Briefly. I realised pretty quickly that I preferred observing the chaos rather than being part of it. So I moved behind the camera, where I’ve been ever since — starting in 2012 and still going strong.



Since then, I’ve photographed over 300 productions at places like the National Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Barbican, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the RSC.



Some projects I’ve loved working on:

  • Prima Facie with Jodie Comer (West End and Broadway campaigns)

  • We Black Women at the Donmar (co-lead photographer with Myah Jeffers)

  • Our Empty Theatres, a lockdown series across 22 venues

  • Widening the Lens for Act for Change, featuring actors like Daniel Kaluuya, Noma Dumezweni, and Arinzé Kene



My work’s shown up in places like The Guardian, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Creative Review, and Playbill.



I was a chosen winner in the American Photography 42 awards (2026) & American Photography 41 awards (2025) and picked up Best Production Photography at the Theatre and Technology Awards in 2017.



I’m interested in real moments, strong characters, and telling stories with care and honesty — whether I’m in a rehearsal room, a studio, or a street somewhere with my camera.



(Photos by the ever so brilliant Josh Shinner)