Mike Dick portrait

About Mike Dick – St Albans photographer

Come on in – don’t be shy. You’ve made it to my About page!

I’m a Hertfordshire-based photographer living in St Albans and serving clients across the county and North London. I specialise in corporate, personal branding, events and family photography.

In a hurry – seven seconds is all I need!

Picture us chatting in an elevator. I’ve got a grand total of seven seconds before the doors part, so here’s my one-breath intro –

Hi, I’m Mike Dick, a documentary‑style photographer based in St Albans and London. I specialise in capturing the authentic stories behind businesses, personal brands, events and family life. Whether it’s dynamic corporate headshots, creative branding imagery or the candid magic of everyday family moments, my approach is natural and unobtrusive. My goal is to create visuals that feel genuine, engaging and memorable, helping you connect with your audience instantly.

Lovely to meet you.

A man in a suit and glasses is jumping in the air, smiling, with a vintage-style room background, including curtains, a ceiling light bulb, and a vase with flowers.

Family roots – creativity is in my blood

Creativity has always been in my blood. Photography runs deep in my family – my grandad, dad, and three of his brothers were all photographers. So it’s no surprise I found myself following a creative path.

Design to lens – from graphic design to the viewfinder

My career began in graphic design, which I studied at college before spending several years in the industry. Photography started as a passion project, but everything changed in the early 2000s with the arrival of digital cameras. That shift reignited my creative spark – and set me on the journey to becoming a photographer.

My approach – people first, always

I’m naturally collaborative and people-focused, which helps me quickly build trust and put clients at ease in front of the lens. Over the years, I’ve photographed everyone from musicians and artists to CEOs, directors, sports stars, fund managers and office teams. Some arrive confident and camera-ready, others need a little extra guidance – either way, I’m here to make the experience relaxed, fun, and rewarding.

Unique every time – every project is personal

No two shoots are ever the same – and that’s exactly how I like it. I work hard to ensure every project reflects the unique personality of the people and brands I collaborate with. My work has been featured in books, magazines, global ad campaigns, newspapers and across social media.

Mike Dick lying in a large orange suitcase around his waist, smiling and making peace signs with his fingers.

Travel photography adventures – in the wild: my life behind the lens

Outside of client work, travel photography is my happy place. I’ve been lucky enough to explore more than 35 countries – from crossing Canada by train and then back again by bus, to cruising the Caribbean and spending 10 months circumnavigating the globe on a race yacht. I’ve witnessed both the northern and southern lights, and captured everything from jaw-dropping landscapes to buzzing street life and those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it magic moments that make travel so addictive.

A vintage camera sitting on a wooden shelf next to a row of books about Vietnam, history, and travel, with a clear blue sky in the background.

The photobook shelf – my bookshelf of memories

When I’m back home, I turn these memories into photobooks – a tradition I’ve stuck with through 15 volumes (and counting), all proudly lined up on my bookshelf. They’re not just pictures; they’re living, breathing stories – far too good to be left forgotten on a hard drive.

Close-up of a portafilter filled with ground coffee, ready for brewing, with a tamper being used in the background.

Coffee & bookshop love – cafés, covers and creaky floorboards

And then there are bookshops – proper ones, with creaky floorboards and shelves you can get lost in for hours. I always make a beeline for the design and photography sections, leafing through the pages like a kid in a sweet shop.

Did someone say Coffee? I love a good coffee – the stronger, the better – and I’m a huge fan of small, quirky coffee shops. The kind you stumble upon when you're not looking. I’ve discovered some absolute gems on my travels, and I’m always on the lookout for the next hidden spot.

The doors project – a slight obsession with doors

Still reading? Great – because now we get to my slightly odd but very real obsession… doors. Yep, actual doors. Old ones, ornate ones, cracked and crumbling ones – I love them all. There’s just something about them. They whisper stories of history, escape, secrets, and new beginnings. I love them so much that I even published a whole book about them.

Life outside the camera bag

While travelling in Bali, I fell in love with the hand-carved teak garden doors that seemed to be everywhere. On a spur-of-the-moment decision, I commissioned a set of doors to be hand-carved with ornate flowers and had them shipped back to the UK. They now live in my garden – still just as beautiful.

These days, when I’m not working, I’m usually off on a family adventure, planning the next photobook, or trying to stay fit enough to keep up with it all.

Let’s create something brilliant together

If you’re looking for a photographer who’s passionate, approachable, and genuinely excited to create something unique with you, let’s chat.

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly!