Tom McGahan is a UK-based photographer specialising in portraiture. His work sits between documentary and fine art photography, focusing on character, presence and the quiet moments that reveal something genuine about the person in front of the camera.
Working primarily with natural light and medium and large format film cameras, McGahan approaches portraiture with a calm and attentive process. His aim is to create an environment where people feel at ease, allowing authentic expressions and subtle emotional moments to emerge naturally.
Alongside commissioned portrait work, McGahan continues to develop personal projects exploring themes of memory, identity and sense of place. Currently working on a project documenting the return of Irish immigrants to their homeland.
To view Tom's personal work go to tommcgahan.com
Highly Commended — Belfast Photo Festival, 2023
Shortlisted — Portrait of Humanity Awards, British Journal of Photography / 1854 Media, 2020
Winner — Feature Shoot Emerging Photographer, 2019 (for the series Landscape of Lament)
Winner — Feature Shoot Landscape Award, 2017 (Slieve Coillte from the series Echoes)
Nominee — Magnum Photography Awards, 2016 (Take Refuge)
McGahan’s work has been featured in a number of international publications including:
Aint-Bad
Another Place Press
All About Photo
Art Pil
British Journal of Photography
Broad Magazine
Black River
C41 Magazine
Don’t Take Pictures
Feature Shoot
LensCulture
Of the Land and Us
Portrait of Humanity Vol. 2
Private Photo Review
PetaPixel
New Landscape Photography
Subjectively Objective
