About Me – Route One Photography

Professional Commercial Photographer in Manchester and Cheshire

Route One Photography owner Dave Thompson

I began my photography journey after studying at Stoke-on-Trent College and Stockport College, where I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling through imagery. My professional career started in 1997 at Smith-Davis Press in Stoke-on-Trent, and by 1999, I had moved to Stockport to pursue freelance photography full-time.

Over the following years, I worked with The Manchester Evening News, The Associated Press, The Press Association, and various national newspapers and PR agencies across the UK. That experience shaped both my creative and professional approach — producing high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines and working seamlessly within press and commercial environments.

In 2007, I accepted a permanent position with The Press Association, the UK’s national press agency. During my six and a half years there, I covered some of the country’s most high-profile events, often in positions that required both trust and discretion — where reliability, professionalism, and presentation were every bit as important as the photography itself.

Some of the events I’ve been privileged to cover include:

  • The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011), from the Organ Loft inside Westminster Abbey.
  • The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (2012).
  • Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Britain (2010).
  • The London 2012 Olympic Games.
  • Countless Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
  • Ricky Hatton’s Las Vegas fights and major UK bouts.
  • Wimbledon, international cricket, and political party conferences.

In 2014, I made the decision to leave the Press Association and launch my own business- initially Photography by Dave Thompson, and later Route One Photography, which officially began in March 2015.

Commercial Photography in Manchester

Since then, I’ve continued to cover major sporting and national events while expanding into commercial photography and PR photography. I now work closely with a range of clients across Manchester, Cheshire, and the wider UK, providing creative, high-quality imagery that strengthens their brands and communicates their stories effectively.

I take pride in building long-term relationships with my clients — understanding their goals, anticipating their needs, and delivering images that make an impact.

Outside of photography, I’m happily married to my wife, Caroline, and we have two sons, George and Will.