Meeting Fio: A Manchester Trans Man Full of Joy and Talent

Some people barrel into your life with such warmth and humour that you instantly think, “Ah, brilliant. These are my people.”

That was Fio. We first met through the wonderfully chaotic world of Doctor Who fandom. Even then, he was creative, wickedly funny, and had that knack for making everyone in the room feel welcome –  something that’s very, very him, then and now.

So when he and his partner, the marvellously talented writer Georgia Cook, asked me to photograph their first anniversary in 2023, I was properly chuffed.

London Anniversary Shoot: Tower Bridge, Ruins, and Ridiculous Laughs

London is many things – busy, bonkers, loud – but in the right corners it’s absolutely magic.
We wandered around Tower Bridge, then dipped into the ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East, where the light pours through the arches in a way that makes every photographer pretend they’re cooler than they are.

And honestly? They were a dream. Natural, funny, and just two brilliantly geeky writers taking the mick out of each other as they shared soft moments, and laughed in the way that makes you join in even if you missed the joke.

Fio and Georgia relax during their first 2023 anniversary shoot.

A New Chapter: Manchester, Love, and Life as a Trans Man

A couple of years later, life had shifted beautifully.

Fio and Georgia were now in Manchester, carving out a new chapter together – new home, new creative energy, and for Fio, stepping fully and proudly into himself as a trans man.

If you’ve followed his journey, you’ll know he’s been open, funny, tender and honest about transitioning. We’ve been privileges to know the milestones, the challenges, the joy of it, the “bloody hell this is happening” moments. Watching someone claim themselves so fully is something special. Being asked to photograph it? Even more so.

When the message came asking if I’d come up for another anniversary session – this time marking a new city, a new home, and Fio’s new identity – I didn’t even pretend to play it cool. I was honoured.

These are the kinds of stories I care deeply about.

Two years later, new lives, new cities, but the same loving smile.

Manchester at Sunset: Comfortable, Honest, Unfiltered

We started the shoot in the grounds of their new home – tucked away, and turned upside down by the severe weather we had at the start of the year. But there was something about the turmoil of the broken ground that added to this journey. Sometimes you need a bit of turbulence to find your joy. 

From there, we wandered to their local park as the sun started dipping. Manchester does a surprisingly good golden hour (who knew?) and we made the most of it. Soft light, long shadows, and two people absolutely comfortable in their own skin – and in each other’s company.

What struck me most wasn’t the setting (though it was gorgeous). It was the ease. Fio, looking more himself than I’d ever seen him. Georgia, with a gentle touch now and again as if to say, “I’m with you. Always.”

But it was more than that. What I saw in Georgia’s eyes was pride at being on the arm of a man she adored.

And the two of them together, laughing, teasing, sharing little glances that tell a whole story.

Why These Sessions Matter

Photographing queer couples – and especially documenting moments of transition, celebration, and rediscovery – is never just about the photos.

It’s about witnessing and holding space. Being trusted with the messy, beautiful, human bits.

For me, sessions like this are a reminder of why I do what I do: to capture people as they truly are – relaxed, seen, and properly celebrated.

Fio and Georgia invited me into a moment that mattered. I won’t forget that.

When I delivered their gallery, I had a little cry. Fio posted this on Insta:

“They’re so gorgeous, it was hard to choose our favourites. The contrast to the first time we shot for Paul, where we’re both a little shy, a little awkward and – particularly for me – uncomfortable in my own body screams volumes to the joy we see in these images now.”

This is why I do what I do.

Trans Man or Woman in Manchester, Birmingham or across the UK – You’re Welcome Here

If you’re looking for someone who gets it – the queer love, the trans joy, the geeky chaos, the “we don’t usually like having our photo taken” vibe – I’m your guy.

No bullshit.
No over-posing.
No disappearing for three hours to find the “perfect angle”.

Just honest photography, held with care, for people who want to feel like themselves.

And maybe a daft joke or two – because let’s face it, it’s me.

Drop me a line if you fancy your own honest, authentic and joyful portrait session that tells your own awesome story.