Title: 'Phantom'.

Location: Calvert Studios.

"Walid Saleh is who the project is about. Walid's life took a transformative turn when, at 14, he was tragically shot on his way home from school, resulting in the amputation of his leg. The aftermath brought not only the challenge of adapting to life with a prosthetic limb, but also the onset of 'Phantom Limb Pain'.

As a portrait photographer, I was deeply drawn to the inspirational narrative of Walid's journey. From the heart-wrenching adversity of his injury to his resilience as a refugee adapting to a new country and language, his story is nothing short of remarkable.

Today, Walid is not just overcoming his physical challenges, but also channeling his experiences into something positive. He has embarked on a path as a Paralympic sprinter, harnessing his mental strength and determination. Additionally, his firsthand understanding of prosthetic limbs and PLP has fueled his pursuit of medical training as a prosthetist, making him uniquely qualified to empathise with and assist others facing similar challenges.

My project delves into the multifaceted aspects of Walid's life - capturing the nuances of his Phantom Limb Pain, his transition from being a refugee to a Paralympic hopeful and aspiring prosthetist. I directed a film & shot photography side by side. Dovetailing the two meant we could tell this story in a super efficient and cohesive way."

Matthew is an accomplished commercial and documentary photographer & director based in London, known for his moody, vibrant and immersive visuals.

His constructed reportage style blends elements of documentary storytelling with creative techniques, resulting in crisp, considered imagery. Matthew is effortlessly adept at translating his distinct visual style into motion as well.

FEMALE SUMO - Physically demanding and tactically straining, sumo is a nuanced and exciting sport. 

Male sumo wrestlers are held in the highest of regards, akin to rockstars. Females however are traditionally expected to play a supportive role; partner, wife, surrogate mother. 

This attitude is slowly changing. With more women taking part in the sport than ever, what was until recently was seen as strange hobby could soon become a professional sport for women, just as it is for their male counterparts.

Currently based in London, Matthew McQuillan's photography reflects the energy and diversity of his surroundings. His constructed reportage approach blends documentary storytelling with creative techniques, resulting in a cinematic and colourful aesthetic that sets him apart in the industry.

His latest project, 'Phantom', delves into the multifaceted aspects of Walid's life. Capturing the nuances of his phantom limb pain, his transition from being a refugee to a Paralympic hopeful and prosthetist. Photographer/director Matthew McQuillan shot moving image and photography side by side. Dovetailing two ment we could tell this story in a super efficient and cohesive way.

London-based sport and automotive photographer Matthew McQuillan has a strong and consistent style. 

His atmospheric and cinematic aesthetic is used to find character and form in his work. 

Constantly trying to develop and hone his style via his personal projects, you can see how the personal work has influenced the photography used for his commercial clients. 

The recent partnership with PLAYMAKER for sports series in the studio has earned him commissions with TRX.

Matthew McQuillan is a London-based photographer, specialising in sport and automotive photography. Known for his technical ability however it’s his cinematic and vibrant style that captures character and form in his work.

Whether it's on location for Northface and Land Rover or in the studio for Polestar and Puma. 

Matthew is a storyteller that uses various techniques of lighting and composition to convey power, energy and movement. 

His latest international project took him to Japan to photograph female sumo wrestlers. A series that placed in the Paris Photo Prize and also shortlisted for the sports category of the Production Paradise Spotlight Awards. See more at his website.