ben Heyes ben Heyes

Showcasing British Manufacturing – Bringing Industrial Machinery to Life Through Photography

Yarn in the Mill

The power of strong imagery in manufacturing cannot be overstated. High-quality photography not only showcases a product but also tells a story—one of precision, efficiency, and innovation. Last year, I worked with J. Alex Swift, an independent sock manufacturer based in Loughborough, to capture the essence of their production process. This project was about more than just machinery; it was about celebrating a British business that continues to manufacture in the UK, highlighting their dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and local industry.

At the heart of their operation were industry-leading machines, including the Santoni - Sangiacomo knitting machines, the Bentley KOMET linking machines, and Mitchell Grieve finishing equipment. Each plays a vital role in transforming raw yarn into high-quality British-made socks. The Santoni - Sangiacomo machines are renowned for their seamless circular knitting technology, ensuring precision and efficiency in sock production. The Bentley KOMET linking machines bring craftsmanship to the finishing process, seamlessly joining sock components with durability in mind. Meanwhile, Mitchell Grieve equipment refines the final product, giving it the perfect shape and finish before it reaches customers.

For manufacturers of industrial machinery, professional photography is a powerful tool. Whether it's for marketing materials, trade shows, website content, or social media, compelling imagery helps potential buyers visualise how machines function in real-world settings. But beyond simply showcasing machines in operation, my approach focuses on telling the story of British industry—celebrating businesses that manufacture here in the UK, supporting local jobs, and preserving essential skills.

By photographing your equipment in use at UK-based client facilities, I can provide imagery that not only demonstrates its capabilities but also reinforces the value of British manufacturing. These visuals can help build stronger case studies, attract new buyers, and showcase how your machinery contributes to real production processes.

If you're looking to enhance your marketing with authentic, high-quality industrial photography, let’s discuss how I can help bring your machinery to life through visual storytelling—and celebrate the strength of British manufacturing in the process.

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ben Heyes ben Heyes

Capturing Bywater Gas’s Legacy in the Peak District

Bobsy with the Tankers.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Bywater Gas, a family-run business with over 50 years of experience supplying gas solutions across the Peak District and beyond. Known for their extensive range of products—including bottled gas, appliances, and fireplaces—Bywater Gas has built a strong reputation for reliability and service in both domestic and industrial sectors.

Bringing Their Brand to Life Through Photography

Bywater Gas needed high-quality imagery to enhance their digital presence and marketing efforts. Our collaboration focused on:

  • Marketing Photography – Capturing engaging visuals of their products, services, and operations for use across social media and digital marketing campaigns.

  • Product Photography – Showcasing the different gas solutions they offer, helping potential customers understand their full range of services.

The Impact

The images are now featured on Bywater Gas’s Facebook page, helping to drive engagement and promote their offerings. By adding fresh, professional photography to their marketing strategy, they’ve reinforced their trusted reputation and made it easier for customers to connect with their brand.

Why Professional Photography Matters

For businesses like Bywater Gas, strong visuals are essential in today’s digital landscape. High-quality photography enhances brand credibility, attracts customers, and showcases the quality of products and services in a way that words alone cannot.

A big thank you to Bywater Gas for the opportunity to collaborate on this project! If you’re a local business looking to strengthen your digital presence with professional photography, let’s connect.

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ben Heyes ben Heyes

Behind the Scenes: Capturing the White House for Stones and Shires

Dining Room

Earlier last year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Stone and Shires on a unique project—photographing the White House, their former home, now transformed into a showroom for their real estate development company.

The Vision

White House is a stunning blend of timeless elegance and contemporary design. My goal was to create imagery that highlighted the property’s architectural beauty, its carefully curated interiors, and its role as an inspiration hub for future clients of Stone and Shires. Every shot needed to balance warmth and sophistication while maintaining a clean, editorial feel.

The Approach

To achieve this, I used natural light along with the lighting provided by the house to enhance textures and details without overpowering the space. I shot the project using:

  • Camera: Sony A7R III

  • Lenses: EF 16-35mm f/2.8 for wide-angle interior shots, EF 24-70mm f/2.8 for detailed compositions

  • Tripod: Manfrotto 190XPro for consistency in framing and long exposures

Post-production was focused on subtle enhancements—balancing natural tones, refining highlights and shadows, and ensuring the images conveyed a polished yet inviting aesthetic. I used Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for final colour grading, ensuring a cohesive look that aligned with Stone and Shires’ brand identity.

The Result

From striking architectural compositions to intimate interior details, each image was crafted to showcase the White House not just as a home, but as a statement of design and vision. Seeing my work play a role in how Stone and Shires present their approach to real estate development has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you’re looking for high-quality property photography to elevate your brand and showcase your spaces, let’s connect!

Want to see more from this shoot? View the full project and explore additional images here.



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