Hidden away in a narrow alley in Manama Souk, Bahrain, the Shrinathji Temple — a heritage site established in 1817 — comes alive with vibrant energy during the Holi festival. Dedicated to Lord Shrinathji, a youthful manifestation of Krishna, the temple was built by the Thattai Hindu community who migrated from Sindh before the partition of India. It provides a sacred yet joyful setting for this celebration of colour and unity. In these stills, I set out to capture not just the spirited energy of the festival, but also the rich diversity of those taking part — men, women, and children of all ages immersed in the joy of the moment. The contrast between the temple’s deep historical roots and the vivid burst of colour and emotion during Holi weaves together a visual narrative of tradition, spirituality, and celebration.

As Castle Market approached its closure in 2013, it remained a lifeline for Sheffield’s community — a place where generations had shopped, connected, and thrived. Built in 1959 atop the ruins of Sheffield Castle, its worn stalls and dim, bustling corridors felt timeless, rich with local character. Shoppers of all kinds — from lifelong residents to students hunting for bargains — filled its aisles, greeted by traders who had spent decades building not just businesses, but friendships and memories. These images capture the market’s final heartbeat, preserving the faces and stories that brought it to life. Now replaced by the sleek Moor Market, Castle’s closure left a void for many who valued its history, resilience, and authenticity.

The project Streets of Muharraq forms part of a wider, ongoing body of work titled A Portrait of Bahrain — my attempt to capture the country’s rich tapestry of culture, religion, and daily life, where old meets young, and contemporary lives alongside the traditional. Walking the streets of Muharraq at different times of day is a way to understand the ebb and flow of those who live, work, shop, and visit its narrow lanes and courtyards. The changing light — rising from the east and setting in the west — creates playful shadows and wells of light in the nooks and crannies of this historic labyrinth. This is what guides where I point my camera. Sometimes, it’s the way light hits a wall; other times, it’s the quiet connection with someone passing by — a story shared or simply a greeting. Always, it’s about paying attention to the layered rhythms of this place.

These images, taken in Karbabad during Ashura 2015, offer an intimate glimpse into one of Shia Islam’s most important commemorations. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein — grandson of the Prophet Muhammad — at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It remains a powerful symbol of resistance, justice, and spiritual devotion. In Karbabad, the rituals are peaceful and deeply reflective. One striking detail is the use of light Zanjeer chains — without blades — by both children and adults. This symbolic gesture speaks to a form of remembrance rooted in spirituality rather than pain, challenging common misconceptions about the ceremony. The photographs capture moments across generations: children learning from elders, rhythmic chest beating, and the quiet unity that fills the streets. These scenes tell a story of faith, cultural identity, and collective memory — a local expression of a global tradition, shaped by the people of Karbabad.

This series features portraits of migrant workers helping to land and package blue crabs on the Nurana Islands — two artificial islands off the coast of Bahrain, located just west of the capital. The workers photographed here are from Bangladesh, India, Uganda, and Kenya. Each one sends money back to their families while living on modest means themselves. These images aim to acknowledge their presence, labour, and quiet resilience — often overlooked but deeply embedded in the daily rhythms of island life.

Gargee’an is a vibrant celebration observed across the Gulf, and in 2016 I photographed it in the village of Karbabad, Bahrain. Marking the halfway point of the Islamic month of Sha’ban, it’s a time of community gathering and joyful anticipation ahead of Ramadan. Children parade through the streets in colourful clothes, collecting sweets from elders and playfully covering each other — and sometimes cars — in foam, adding a modern twist to this age-old tradition. Lights brighten the village and laughter fills the air, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. These images reflect the spirit of Gargee’an — a tradition rooted in generosity, joy, and connection, passed from one generation to the next.

This series captures the spirit of Iftar — the meal that marks the end of the daily fast during Ramadan — in the bustling souks of Muharraq and Manama. Taken just before and after sunset, the photographs document the quiet anticipation as the call to prayer for Maghreb signals the close of the day’s fast. Ramadan is a time of deep reflection and togetherness. People from all walks of life gather to share in the simple yet profound act of breaking bread — in alleyways, on pavements, around makeshift tables. These scenes show families, friends, and strangers coming together, seated side by side in the warm glow of twilight. From traders closing their stalls to join communal meals, to children passing plates of food between neighbours, the souks are transformed — their usual energy softened into something calm and sacred. The noise of the market fades, and what remains is a collective sense of faith, generosity, and shared pause. These images are not just about food or ritual, but about connection — the quiet power of being present with others in a moment that repeats each day, yet never feels the same.

This small collection offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of dog owners I encountered while walking along Al Jazair Beach in Bahrain. Each portrait reflects the quiet connection between dogs and their humans — moments of companionship, personality, and shared routine. These encounters, sparked by simple shoreline conversations, are part of a broader exploration of life in Bahrain — a study of the relationships and rhythms that bring its landscapes to life. Through these images, the beach becomes more than a setting; it becomes a shared space for interaction, reflection, and the subtle stories found in everyday routines.

This series documents the lives of fishermen in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, whose work has been supported through a community initiative led by Saudi Aramco. In collaboration with the Saudi Border Guard, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Nesma Holding Company, the programme provided new boats and essential equipment to help local fishermen sustain their livelihoods and support their families. The photographs capture their daily routines and the enduring spirit with which they navigate the Red Sea. The initiative reflects a blend of tradition and progress — strengthening the local fishing community while supporting broader economic resilience.

This series captures the haunting beauty of Muharraq Beach in Bahrain during a sandstorm. As I walked along the shoreline, the storm cast an eerie, almost surreal atmosphere — shrouding the landscape in a dusty haze. Despite the harsh conditions, the fishermen remained at work, their silhouettes merging with the muted, windswept surroundings. The images highlight the quiet contrast between human resilience and the stark environment around them. This collection is not only about the visual impact of the storm, but about the determination of those who continue their routines in the face of nature’s extremes — a glimpse into life shaped by both environment and necessity.

This series captures the quiet dignity of workers tending allotment gardens near the end of Hakeel Highway, close to Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain). These fertile plots, sustained by natural freshwater sources, have long been a vital part of Bahrain’s agricultural landscape. The images focus on individuals—many of immigrant background—whose daily labour sustains both their livelihoods and the land. Their work is a testament to resilience and adaptability, often unseen yet essential to this historically rich corner of Bahrain. Through these photographs, I aim to document the subtle strength and enduring significance of those who keep these gardens thriving. ⸻

This series documents one of the last remaining pottery workshops in A’ali, a village deeply rooted in Bahrain’s ceramic traditions. The images capture not only the artisans at work — shaping clay with practiced hands — but also the quiet, timeless atmosphere of the space: soft light, earthy textures, and rows of pots in various stages of creation. A’ali’s pottery heritage stretches back centuries. The village is known for its distinctive clay and techniques, passed down through generations. These workshops, located near ancient burial mounds, sit at the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and everyday life. Supported in part by cultural preservation initiatives, these artisans continue a tradition that speaks to patience, skill, and identity. Through these photographs, I aim to honour both the people and the place — a living craft shaped by hand and history.

This small series offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of two- and three-wheeled transport in Beijing — capturing the everyday characters, jobs, and routines that shape life on the city’s streets. From delivery riders weaving through narrow alleys to street vendors balancing goods on improvised carriers, these images reflect a dynamic rhythm of resilience, ingenuity, and motion. As the starting point for a broader project, this work sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the people and stories behind these vehicles — lifelines for many navigating Beijing’s fast-moving urban sprawl. Each scene offers a brief but telling portrait of how the city moves, one wheel at a time.