Meet The Client
- Client Royal Papworth Charity
- Location: Ely Cathedral
- Project Type: Charity Event Photography
- Date: 14th December 2025
Key Deliverables
A curated image library from the Ely Cathedral Carol Concert, created for future promotion and charity communications, including:
- Scene setting photographs of Ely Cathedral, inside and out
- Guests arriving and taking their seats
- A wide overview image showing the scale of the concert, ideally from a balcony viewpoint
- Performance imagery of the choir and key musical moments
- A small, respectful set of speaker images, captured without disrupting the tone of the event
- Audience reactions, reflection, togetherness and festive atmosphere
- Focused coverage of volunteers, candlelighters, hospital staff and invited contributors
- A planned group photograph for media release
- The Lady Chapel reception, including refreshments and natural networking moments afterwards
- A mix of hero images and supporting details that work across social media, newsletters, annual reports and internal communications
About The Client
Royal Papworth Charity raises money to support the life changing work of Royal Papworth Hospital, the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital. The charity funds projects that go beyond what the NHS can provide, supporting staff and volunteer development, training and wellbeing, new equipment, research, and practical support for patients and families.
In 2025, the charity marked its 30th anniversary and launched the Brighter Spaces for Brighter Futures appeal. The goal is to create calmer, more uplifting spaces across the hospital for patients, visitors and staff, recognising that emotional care and the environment matter alongside clinical care.
The team describes the brand as warm, collaborative and innovative, aligned with the hospital values of compassion, excellence and collaboration.
What The Photoshoot Achieved
A complete story of the concert
Celebrated the people who make it happen
Press ready moments for a milestone year
Evergreen assets for fundraising and future events
The Client Brief
The much loved Ely Cathedral Carol Concert returned on Sunday 14 December, bringing supporters together for an afternoon of music, reflection and celebration. The photography needed to capture the atmosphere of the concert and the community around it, while creating an image library that could be used across future promotions and charity communications.
The Creative Approach
This event was about respect, calm and celebration. So I approached this in a with a respectful documentary style to match the setting and the purpose of the event. I arrived early to capture the cathedral before guests arrived, including the Lady Chapel reception area and the smaller details that help tell the story.
During the concert, I worked quietly and unobtrusively, using longer focal lengths to capture genuine expressions without making speakers or guests feel observed, and kept the camera on silent, with zero flash.
I looked for a balance of wide scene setting frames and intimate moments of connection, reflection and gratitude, including the themes of inclusion, community, and the importance of organ donation.
As the concert ended i then immersed myself in the coffee and mince pie event, where guests joined each other to celebrate the concert, supported by the wonderful ladies of Ely City WI
A Personal Note from Nate
When an event is built on reflection and hope, the photography should feel the same.
A calm presence in a powerful space
Ely Cathedral is beautiful, but it demands sensitivity. Working quietly helps people stay present in the moment, which is when the most meaningful images happen.
It is always about the people
The music is the backdrop. The real story is supporters, volunteers, hospital staff and families coming together to make a difference.
Images that keep giving
Charity photography has a longer life than one post. A strong set helps with thanking supporters, reporting impact, and inspiring the next wave of fundraising.
Other Case Studies
Ace Cleaning Solutions Case Study | Nate Lansdell Photography
A full day of commercial photography following Ace Cleaning Solutions across Peterborough, from a first job at nine in the morning to the historic outbuildings of Peterborough Cathedral. See how Nate Lansdell Photography put real faces to a growing exterior cleaning brand.
Smart Solutions Group Cyber IV Case Study | Nate Lansdell Photography
Smart Solutions Group hosted Cyber IV, a lakeside networking evening at Ferry Meadows built around one honest talk on cyber security. See how Nate Lansdell captured the full story, from candid networking to a powerful guest speaker, delivered overnight.
Warranty First Case Study | Nate Lansdell Photography
Warranty First wanted to move away from staged stock imagery and anything AI generated. Over two days across their Peterborough office and two partner dealerships, I delivered more than 500 candid, natural light images that show exactly who they are.
Daniel MB Therapy Case Study | Nate Lansdell Photography
Personal branding photography for Daniel MB Therapy, a trainee psychotherapist launching his private practice in Rutland. A grounded, nature led walk and talk photoshoot through Stamford beside the River Welland, capturing presence, depth and honest moments over polished perfection.