Jay Chow is a British photographer based in the North West of England.

I’m currently available for commercial projects.

About Me

I was 23 years old when I saw Blade Runner for the first time. I heard the track 'Blade Runner Blues' come onto my playlist while working on a logo design, and was captivated by the atmosphere captured in the track.


Intrigued, I immediately searched for a copy of the film and sat down to watch it. Those 117 minutes proved to be life-changing. It was the first movie that made me realize the power of cinematic storytelling. The dystopian world engulfed me, taking me on a journey I would never forget. I became obsessed with the idea of creating something as remarkable as Blade Runner, but I believed I wasn’t capable of fulfilling that ambition. Instead, I continued designing average logos for modest pay that barely covered my rent.

The next day I gathered my savings and invested in a Fujifilm X-T1 camera and a 35mm f1.4 lens. The impact was profound. Though I wasn't particularly skilled, I vividly remember the thrill of my first months of shooting street photography, it was like learning to see things for the first time again.

The street became my sanctuary, and photography became a meditative practice that has shaped my life today. Whenever I roam the streets, capturing moments, I find myself completely lost yet utterly content.

The joy of the process is one of the best feelings in the world, and I find that even on a bad day, I’m still driven to get out and take photographs. To me, that’s a sign that this is what I need to do.


For me, photography has always been a form of art that transcends boundaries, even in a commercial setting.

While many photographers confine themselves to a specific niche, I have embraced versatility and chosen not to limit my creative expression. Throughout my career, I have ventured into various genres, capturing everything from e-commerce products to heartfelt wedding moments, dynamic commercial sports events to intimate portraits, vibrant festivals to cozy gatherings.


Having explored an extensive range of subjects and settings, I offer a diverse set of services that align with my personal approach to photography. This approach allows me to adapt to different scenarios and cater to the unique preferences and needs of my clients.


By refusing to be confined within the borders of a niche, I have cultivated an understanding of how to capture the essence of a moment or subject. This flexibility has given me skills and techniques that enable me to connect with my subjects and showcase their beauty, emotions, and significance through my lens.


Whether you need a product captured for an online store, the magic of a wedding day preserved for eternity, the energy and excitement of a sports event frozen in time, the vulnerability and depth of a portrait revealed, the vibrancy and spirit of a festival celebrated, or the intimacy and joy of a small gathering commemorated, I have the expertise and versatility to bring your vision to life.

My graphic design skills were average at best due to a lack of passion and drive. At 26, I was broke and unwilling to endure the struggles of being a mediocre artist. Then, a friend asked if I could take photos of his band, knowing I used to dabble in photography, and claimed that the limited photography I’d done was better than my extensive design portfolio. I confessed that I didn't own a camera, and he kindly offered to lend me his.

Though I initially took his comment as an insult, deep down, I knew he was right. Photography had always intrigued me, but I never considered it a viable career option after I studied it in college.

I rented a high-quality lens, opting for the 24-70mm f2.8 since I had only used cheaper lenses before. The experience of using professional quality gear felt like watching Blade Runner for the first time — a revelation.

I've always been obsessed with movies.

From a young age, I found myself escaping to different worlds through books, video games, and even in my dreams. But nothing quite compared to the experience of going to the cinema and witnessing the action unfold on that big screen.


What fascinated me most was the collaborative effort behind creating a cohesive story that could fit into a 2-3 hour timeframe without being boring. It wasn't just about the actors and directors who received the most praise; there were numerous other individuals involved, each contributing their unique talents. Writers, cinematographers, composers, sound engineers, producers, set builders, stylists, and many more – the unsung heroes of the crew.


My dream has always been to be the Unit Stills photographer on an epic Denis Villeneuve set or to immerse myself in a world lit by the brilliance of Roger Deakins. I want to wander those streets, capturing moments that showcase their vision. And when the credits roll, I want to see my name appear, even if only for a brief moment, surrounded by countless other incredible creatives who are also living their dreams.


Movies have always held a special place in my heart, and I can't imagine a more fulfilling journey than being a part of the magic that happens behind the scenes.

Career Highlights

THG Studios - January 2019- July 2022

My Introduction to Commercial Photography

I started my journey at THG Studios, a renowned commercial creative agency, as a Studio Assistant. It didn't take long for me to transition from assisting to being promoted to a Midweight Photographer in 2021.


Throughout my time at THG Studios, I had the privilege of working on multiple campaigns for esteemed brands like MyProtein, Coggles, and LookFantastic. One of the major highlights of my time there was an opportunity to shoot reportage photos during London Fashion Week for the prestigious makeup brand, Illamasqua.

What made my experience truly extraordinary was the invaluable guidance and mentorship I received from some genuinely incredible photographers. Under their tutelage, I was constantly pushed beyond my limits and exposed to opportunities I could never have imagined before.


Overall, my journey at THG Studios was a tremendous learning experience that propelled my growth as a photographer.


Freelance - July 2022 - Present

Exploring the Wider World of Freelance Photography

I ventured into freelancing to seek more opportunities after feeling that my progress was stagnating while working in a creative agency surrounded by exceptionally talented photographers.

Fortunately, I've had the privilege of working on numerous campaigns for Castore Sportswear, with football teams like Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Rangers, and Feyenoord Rotterdam, as well as a variety of other sports teams.

Additionally, I've had the chance to participate in various video shoots as a stills photographer, which has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the film industry.

However, one of the highest points of my career so far was working as a unit stills photographer on a video shoot featuring the renowned Tennis star, Andy Murray. In fact, my images from that shoot were prominently displayed in the storefront of the Trafford Centre in Manchester.