Tom McGahan is a fine art and commercial photographer based on the Essex coast, where the interplay of land, sea, and sky inspires much of his work. His photography explores themes of land, origin, memory, and the intricate relationships between place and perception. Whether capturing vast landscapes or intimate environmental portraits, his images reflect a deep connection to the natural world and its influence on identity and belonging.
Using the timeless techniques of medium and large format film photography, McGahan works exclusively with natural light, allowing the raw beauty of his subjects to emerge organically. His landscape photography captures the shifting moods of rural and urban environments, while his environmental portraits blend documentary and fine art, telling personal stories through setting and composition. His creative process is grounded in mindfulness, emphasising presence and intention at every stage. This considered approach brings a meditative quality to his work, encouraging viewers to engage with the images in a reflective and personal way.
McGahan’s distinctive style balances meticulous attention to detail with a broader narrative vision. His photographs invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the quiet poetry of his imagery—whether in the vastness of a coastal horizon or the intimate gaze of a subject within their own environment.
Winner, Feature Shoot Emerging Photographer 2019 for the series 'Landscape of Lament'
Winner 2017 Feature Shoot Landscape award, “ Slieve Coillte’ from the series ‘Echoes’
Highly Commended, for his series 'What Remains' The Belfast Photo Festival 2023
Shortlisted 2020 British Journal of Photography, (Grace) 1854 Media, Portrait of Humanity Awards
‘Take Refuge’ was nominated as on of the top rated entries in the 2016 Magnum Awards.
Ain't Bad, Another Place Press, All About Photo, Art Pil, British Journal of Photography, Broad, Black River, C41, Don't Take Pictures, Features Shoot, Lens Culture, Of the Land and Us, Portrait of Humanity Vol 2, Private Photo Review, Peta Pixel, New Landscape Photography, Subjectively Objective.
Ambient Landscapes' at Black Eye Gallery, Sydney.
Feature Shoot Emerging Photographer of the Year. Aperture Gallery New York.
Sent Into Space. The world First Photographic Exhibion in Space.
Cluster Photography Oxo Tower London
Geedon Gallery Autumn 2022 Show.
