Rural Arts, Thirsk.

During the Summer I was invited to spend the day photographing at Rural Arts in Thirsk — a wonderful place where people come together to make, learn and connect through creativity.

Rural Arts runs an ever-changing programme of workshops, performances and exhibitions. On any given day you might find a ceramics class in full flow, a group exploring painting techniques, or an artist sharing their work in the gallery, and the café is like a central hub where everyone gets together to share ideas.

What i really loved the most while photographing was the sense of community here. Art here isn’t just about making something beautiful — it’s about belonging. People come to Rural Arts to try new things, meet others, and find space for creativity in their lives. Watching a group of over 70’s (Heart and Craft) get together and chat while making something with their hands reminded me how powerful art can be in connecting us.

Places like this are vital. They give people room to express themselves, to feel part of something bigger, and to share in a collective energy that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s easy to underestimate how much difference that can make — especially in rural towns where opportunities to connect can feel limited.

Here’s some of my documentary brand photographs from the day which I hope will help them to communicate just how incredible a place it really is for bringing community together through creativity.

Heart and Craft - Art activities for the over 70’s

The Arts Collective at work in the Ceramics Studio

Arts and crafts for the children and a birthday celebration!

A real sense of community and belonging through art

In the evening – artist-led workshops

Find out more about Documentary Brand Photography

Nic Shuttleworth is a documentary brand photographer focussing on making authentic images for your business with a photojournalist approach.

Real life is so much more interesting than anything we can stage, from relaxed documentary style portraits*, in depth documentary of your business, process or events.

I focus on capturing the personality of your people and brand through an honest lens, and without any fuss, connecting the people that matter on a deeper level.

With 20+ years experience in brand identity development & visual language, I have an excellent understanding of the needs of your business from a photography perspective. I start off by getting to know you and your business through an initial consultation and work with you to create powerful images for online, social media, marketing, literature and more, that best reflect what you do.

Get in touch to discuss your brand story now