Portraits in the City: A Shoot with Poet Akash Ali

Earlier this spring, I had the pleasure of photographing Manchester-based poet Akash Ali. A shoot that blended poetry, personality, and the textured backdrops of the Northern Quarter.

The Northern Quarter gave us plenty to work with: worn red bricks, hand-painted shop signs, speckled light between buildings, and that slightly scruffy charm that Manchester wears so well.

We kept the shoot simple and unhurried. No strict plan just the two of us walking, talking, and stopping when something caught our eye. I shot a mix of digital and film, letting the moment dictate the medium. For film, I brought along two favourites: Kodak Portra 400 for its warm tones and soft colour palette perfect for portraits in that mellow afternoon light and Ilford HP5 Plus (400) for moodier, black and white shots that brought out the texture and grit of our surroundings.

Some of the Portra frames glow with quiet warmth. Akash leaning against sunlit brick, his expression soft and thoughtful. The Ilford shots are punchier: high contrast, a bit raw, capturing the poet mid-thought. Both stocks brought something different to the session, and it’s always a joy seeing how film interprets a moment slightly differently than digital.

Akash brought a natural presence to every frame and the result feels like a true portrait of the artist at this point in his journey.

Whether he’s onstage performing or jotting ideas on the 192 bus, his work is rooted in the everyday. This shoot was about honouring that same everyday magic.

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Thinking about a creative portrait session of your own? I shoot both digital and film (including 35mm and 120 format) and love working with artists, writers and makers of all kinds. Let’s make something real.
—Adam, ARH Photography