Rochdale-born photographer's journey to the royal wedding

Date published: 22 May 2018

A photographer who was born and raised in Rochdale captured once in a lifetime images at the royal wedding on Saturday (17 May), as he was positioned in the organ loft of St George’s Chapel.

Danny Lawson, who is originally from Smithy Bridge and attended Hollingworth High School, captured Meghan bathed in sunlight as she walked down the aisle at the ceremony, as well as capturing the newlyweds' ‘first kiss’.

Having worked with the Press Association - a multimedia news agency operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland – for over a decade, Danny said: “My interest in photography really began to grow when I studied graphic design at Hopwood Hall College, as photography was part of the course.

“I worked for a lot of different people and businesses in Rochdale as I tried to build up my work experience. My first job, in terms of working with a press company, was with the Rochdale Observer.

“I worked in the Observer’s darkroom for a year or so, as this was when photographic film was used to make prints. This was when my journey of working with the Press Association began."

Danny added: “When I found out I was covering the wedding, I was excited to say the least. It was such big news and such a big event, so I was absolutely delighted.

“The position I had was very important as my role was to photograph Meghan walking down the aisle. I was around six metres high off the ground as I captured her from the organ loft.

“Judging off this position, I definitely didn’t expect to get the picture of the couple kissing, but with the help of my zoom lens I captured it from behind. This image and the image of Meghan walking down the aisle are definitely my favourite pictures from the day.”

Weeks before capturing the royal wedding, Danny was in Australia covering the Commonwealth Games. Before this, he was in Toronto, Canada for the Invictus Games – an event organised by Prince Harry for veterans and wounded, injured or sick armed services, where he also photographed the couple at their first official engagement together.

Danny has also toured around Europe for sports events such as football, and has travelled to Afghanistan and Iraq and portrayed the refugee crisis in Syria through his images.

Giving advice to young aspirational photographers in Rochdale, Danny said: “Just shoot images every day and enjoy it. There is no point in doing something that you don’t enjoy.

“Take pictures as often as you can and don’t be afraid to contact people. Find people that inspire you.”

Danny’s images have been displayed on the front of the Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph, and the New York Times.

Photos courtesy of the Press Association