Manchester Literature Festival photography exhibition

Copyright Jon Parker Lee, Manchester Photographer

Walter Mosley, the American crime writer was kind enough to step outside the old Cornerhouse for me after he’d been on stage and done a book signing session. I knew it was closing soon and wanted to get it into a shot before it disappeared. He was perfect for it. All images copyright Jon Parker Lee.

David Nicholls, novelist and screenwriter behind such hits as ‘Starter for 10’ and ‘One of Us’.

In a sign of how well the festival punches above its weight, Margaret Atwood has been good enough to appear twice. Not many writers have such impact on shaping the time they are writing within.

Margaret Atwood at Manchester Cathedral in 2009

Celeste NG, author of ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ pictured in the beautiful chief librarian’s office at central library – a great backdrop that I’ve used a few times.

Nathan Byron and Dapo Adeola in Manchester central library. The children’s authors are well versed in playing to their audience and doing the same for photographers.

Lots of local names appear at MLF too. Here’s Manchester-based poet Reece Williams kindly pausing to pose for a portrait for me.

Lots of biographical writers come through as well, such as Neil Tennant of Pet Shop boys fame. Most precious about his image, and though I can understand why, he was to put it middle a bit difficult. Normally only get that with footballers!

A complete contrast with Alan Johnson, couldn’t have been nicer and drew a huge crowd to his reading at the Midland Hotel. Top chap.

And it’s not just me who has met a few heroes. My daughter Lotte came with me to meet CBeebies star, Cerrie Burnell and was bowled over.

Melvyn Bragg at Manchester Cathedral – he told me off for snapping during his intro!

Two amazing poets, Jackie Kay and Linton Kwesi Johnson at the Contact Theatre.

And another great poetry figure, Carol-Ann Duffy. Photographed her loads of times and she always has character.

One of those people who you’re intrigued and glad to meet, the late, great Vivienne Westwood. Knocked out that despite all her success and global living she still had the thickest of Derbyshire accents. Odd to say but it did just surprise me!

Another amazing talent who’s no longer with us. I’d read a few of his books and was pleased that he was as enigmatic and characterful in real life as I’d expected. Looks moody but actually very affable and chatty.

Elif Shafak, a good friend of the festival pictured within the cathedral.

Ashamed to say that I don’t have the name of this children’s writer but he gave a great reading featuring a story about big pants. “Stand on the windowsill with the big pants you say?” What’s not to love.

Ian Rankin at RNCM.

Robert Harris at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Ian McMillan, wonderful poet who makes two appearances here for good reason – genuinely top guy. Will always help you get a good picture and trusts you to get something interesting. Managed to tempt out into the bouncing rain one October night whilst I lit up a brolly and go him to pose. Worth me getting soaked for.

Sheila Hancock, still but with gravitas.

Another couple of locals – Lemn Sissay and Henry Normal. Both happy to play up a bit of the camera.

Peter Blake, artist, as above. Worth mentioning that you don’t really get more than a minute or two on these portraits. often it’s just after a soundcheck and they want to go and prep for the show so a bit of prep on my art is key.

Himesh Patel, Nikesh Shukla, Miss and Inua Ellams on stage in Manchester.

And here’s Inua kindly agreeing to my request that he takes a torch in hand to compliment the theme of him exploring Manchester Museum as part of a festival commission.

Likewise, convincing someone to give you a bit of something for a portrait is vital. As soon as I saw Mona Eltahawy at Manchester Central Library I asked if she wouldn’t mind lending a bit of contrast to the background for her shot.

Jeremy Deller, an artist with a strong connection to the city. Pleasure to meet him as I love his work.

Bernadine Evaristo has been a good friend to the festival and is pictured here the night before she won the Booker Prize.

Legendary Mancunian Johnny Marr lets me get a quick portrait before he reads from his autobiography at RNCM. He also brought a load of his guitars and treated the audience to demonstrations and chat about how he wrote his many amazing songs. Blinding to hear.

Another charismatic and great musician, Brett Anderson of Suede. I knew I’d get about 30 seconds after the soundcheck so it was a quick bit of lighting on the auditorium and one lamp quickly on hand as he turned to leave the stage…but it worked out nicely,

Writers, Laura Dockrill, Sarah Crossan and Julie Mayhew in Manchester – kind enough to pop outside and let me get some extra colour as a backdrop. Theatres are often dark and samey so it’s always a challenge.

Again, a challenge in trying to get something interesting in an austere room with little time…but Zadie Smith was ever so sweet and helpful. Top writer.

Joanne Trollope at the Royal Exchange…quick setup but made a nice frame.

Jo Nesbo, famed Scandi-noir writer. We’re at the Town Hall here so not hard to get a bit of drama to suit.

The ‘Bard of Barnsley himself. As I’ve said earlier he’s a lovely guy and a joy to hear read aloud. He even bought the rights to this frame for a book cover.

One of my absolute favourites, Jonny Duddle, writer and illustrator. As with all the kids authors he was game for getting a good portrait and kept the pirate costume on as I dragged him to the bowels of Manchester Central Librar’s reference archive on a ‘treasure hunt’ all of our own. Bit of gelled lighting to rear and a lamp up front…job done.

And lots of nice, standard author portraits too, like Arne Dahl.

Finishing with Doon Mackichan, a legend in many ways…mainly for being in Toast of London in my book.