MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DRAKEPHOTOGRAPHY MEET THE MAN WHO’S CAPTURING LIVERPOOL IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Geoff Drake never set out to be a professional photographer. But a single image changed his path.

In 2016, he captured a striking photo of the Liver Birds emerging above a rare cloud inversion over the city. The response to that image, titled Rise Above, was immediate. It sparked the creation of DrakePhotography, a business that has gone on to publish two books, host guided photography walks and showcase Liverpool in fresh and thoughtful ways.

We caught up with Geoff to hear about how it all began, what inspires him and what lies ahead.

How did photography become such a big part of your life?

It started in 2014 when I received my first proper camera as a birthday present. I was hooked straight away. I spent hours reading books, watching tutorials and heading out to practice. Then one morning in November 2016, I took a photo of the Liver Birds rising through a rare cloud inversion. I shared it online, and the response was incredible. People asked to buy prints, and that gave me the push to start taking things more seriously. I built up a portfolio, launched a website and began selling my work.

What makes Liverpool such a rewarding city to photograph?

I remember being on an open-top bus in Rome, taking photos of the historic buildings, and it hit me that Liverpool has just as much character. I had been taking it for granted. When I got home, I started looking at the city differently. It is full of details and contrast. Of course, places like the waterfront, the cathedrals and St George’s Hall are always popular, but there are interesting scenes everywhere if you take the time to look.

I particularly enjoy photographing the city during sunrise and sunset. There is something special about the light at those times, especially when the city lights begin to come on in the evening. Big events are great too. I have covered everything from the River of Light to Eurovision and the Taylor Swift concerts. The atmosphere always brings something new.

You must have a few shots that mean a lot to you. Which ones stand out?

Our City is definitely one of them. I had not planned to shoot from where I ended up, but I made a quick decision to stop outside the Town Hall during a fireworks display. It turned out to be the perfect angle, with the fireworks behind the Liver Building. Just as I was taking the photo, a woman stepped into the frame. Her outfit happened to match the colours in the display, and the timing could not have been better. She later saw the photo online and got in touch, so I sent her a print.

Another one is All These Places Have Their Moments. I had taken the ferry many times, looking for a different shot. One day, a door was left open, and I noticed the potential. I waited for the right conditions, the light, the position of the ferry and the deck being quiet. It all came together eventually, and I was able to get the composition I had pictured in my mind.

Then there is Tomorrow Never Knows, taken of the Beatles Statue with the sun setting directly between Paul and Ringo. It only aligns like that at certain times of the year, and I used a narrow aperture to create the starburst effect.

Tell us about your photography walks. Who are they for and how do they work?

They are open to anyone, whether you have just picked up a camera for the first time or have been taking photos for years. I run evening, half-day and full-day sessions. Some people join on their own, others come in pairs or small groups. Everyone gets a short questionnaire beforehand so I can understand what they are looking to learn. That way, I can adapt the walk around their goals.

We usually start at the Beatles Statue and explore various spots around the city centre and waterfront, including some lesser-known locations. If time allows, we sometimes take the ferry across to the Wirral or visit the cathedrals. Afterwards, I offer a one-to-one online session to help with editing the images. Walks can be booked through my website.

You have published two books. What was that experience like?

I had used a couple of FotoVue’s location guidebooks myself and found them really useful, so I got in touch with them to see if they had ever thought about doing one on Liverpool. At the time, they had only focused on rural regions, but they were open to the idea and invited me to take it forward.

It was a big project. I spent four years planning it, choosing the locations, taking photographs and writing all the content. The result was Explore & Discover Liverpool, which includes over 650 photographs across 384 pages. I was really pleased with the response. Locals told me they had discovered parts of the city they had never visited before, and visitors found it useful as a guide.

That book did so well that FotoVue asked me to create a second one. The Beauty of Liverpool is more visual, with less text and more full-page images. It is printed in a slightly larger format and works well as a gift or coffee table book. It came out in December and has also been really well received.

You recently joined the VisitLiverpool Partnership. What made you want to get involved?

I take a lot of pride in showcasing the city through photography. These days, images play a big role in helping people decide where to visit, especially on social media. I had a great chat with Chris from the Destination Partnership team, and it was clear they are doing a lot to promote Liverpool and the wider region. Joining as a partner felt like a good way to contribute while also growing awareness of my photography, walks, books and prints.

You are based on the Wirral. How does that influence your work?

It gives me a fantastic view of the Liverpool skyline. I often go to New Brighton or Seacombe, especially early in the morning, to catch the sunrise. That view across the river really shows off the city.

The Wirral itself has a lot to offer as well. I regularly photograph the lighthouse at New Brighton, the beaches at West Kirby and Thurstaston and the country parks. It is a nice contrast to the urban side of things and adds variety to my work.

What are your plans for the future of DrakePhotography?

I would like to keep building on what I have started. The photography walks have been really popular and I would like to grow them further. I have also done work for several local businesses, providing images for their websites and social media, and I hope to do more of that. Some hotels and attractions already stock my books and prints, and I am keen to expand that too.

I would also love to work with cruise companies that visit the city. Whether it is stocking my books onboard or offering talks about photographing Liverpool, it is something I would really enjoy. When I come to update my books, I would definitely like to include more of the wider city region as well.

What keeps you motivated to keep going out with your camera?

Conditions, light, and the urban landscape of the city itself are ever-changing, and it is perhaps these infinite possibilities every time I go out with my camera that make photographing Liverpool so appealing and mentally rewarding to me.

And finally, how can people see more of your work or book a tour?

My website is www.drakephotography.co.uk. You can book a walk, buy prints, order a copy of one of my books or pick up a gift voucher. I also share new images on social media: Instagram: @geoffdrake_images X: @Geoff_Drake Threads: @geoffdrake_images or just drop me an email at info@drakephotography.co.uk

Follow Geoff’s journey and discover Liverpool through a new lens. For more, visit his website www.drakephotography.co.uk 

To find out more about becoming a VisitLiverpool Partner, click HERE.

All photographs copyright © Geoff Drake 2025