The 2018 BIPP Photographer of the Year, Michael Wharley, shoots advertising, portrait and editorial work for a broad span of entertainment industry clients, and beyond, from his Central London studio.

His bold, atmospheric pictures balance narrative with visual impact to make a splash advertising film, TV and theatre, while his portraits effortlessly mix drama with a nuanced eye for lighting and colour.

Recent highlights include gritty images of the young cast of rock musical ‘Spring Awakening’, alongside a Game-of-Thrones-themed set for 'Knights of the Rose', and an 80s-inflected group for 'Fame!' Showcasing his lighter, more colourful side, Michael worked closely with Polka Theatre's design team and young models to produce all of their autumn season promotional imagery, and on Metta's Hip Hop-infused 'In the Willows'.

He has also shot a series of environmental working portraits on commission in India, a personal project on cold water swimmers in South London, and a set of working portraits of artists.

As comfortable working with screen printers and swimming pensioners as celebrities like Gemma Arterton or Gugu Mbatha Raw, Michael brings creativity, flexibility, precision and technical skill to each new brief, possessing an easy-going, problem-solving manner. He is an AOP member and Fellow of the BIPP.