Reportage Photography — McMillans Coppersmiths Copper Stills Production — Scotland — Andy Bate

Industrial Reportage Photography — Whisky Still Fabrication at McMillan Coppersmiths in Scotland

In a gritty, dim-lit workshop on the Scottish coast, I spent a day shadowing the craftsmen at McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans, capturing every hammer-blow and arc of welding as they forged whisky stills destined for distilleries around the world. Commissioned originally by The Angels Share Journal, these reportage photographs resonated so strongly that the stills found a second home with Briggs of Burton, the owners of McMillans — a testament to the power of a well-told visual story.

Reportage Photography — Serbia Honey Production for EBRD — Andy Bate

Reportage Photography — Honey Production in Serbia, commissioned by EBRD

In Kragujevac, Serbia, I documented a beekeeping tradition evolving with innovation to produce 100% natural honey. Commissioned by the EBRD’s Youth in Business Programme, the project highlights how local expertise empowers small producers. From buzzing hives to the bottling line, the process is enhanced by a simple app connecting beekeepers to the company, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Fettercairn

Stewart Walker, manager of the Fettercairn Distillery photographed for The Angel’s Share Journal

School Reportage in Romania – EBRD

Reportage Photography — School in Romania, commissioned by EBRD

This photography project took me to St. George School in Craiova — the first Romanian city to join EBRD Green Cities. The newly renovated school now features solar panels, improved insulation, cleaner air systems and brighter, modern classrooms, creating an environment where students and teachers feel genuinely inspired.

My aim was to capture this renewed energy through candid portraits, authentic moments in classrooms and corridors, and the infectious excitement of playtime. Speaking zero Romanian, I relied on the universal language of Rock, Paper, Scissors to connect with the children! It was fifteen minutes of laughter, colour and joyful chaos all framed by vibrant murals painted by some former pupils.

Prince & Princess of Wales at Houghton Hall – Charity Gala – Andy Bate Photography

Event Reportage Photography — Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge at Houghton Hall, Norfolk

My eye for storytelling translates perfectly to capturing events and I really enjoyed the evening out on the lawn at Houghton Hall. The charity gala event was hosted by The Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice. It’s not every day you get to photograph the future King and Queen of England but I approached it in much the same way as any other photography commission and quickly captured some candid moments of them happily interacting with other guests.

Glenallachie

Iain McAlister - GlenScotia

Master Distiller, Iain McAlister, photographed in one of Glen Scotia’s warehouses for The Angel’s Share Journal

Team Wiggins - Hyundai

Editorial for Hyundai’s WHN Magazine with Team Wiggins

Aero Engine Centre

I was recently commissioned by the Aero Engine Centre (AEC) at Heathrow to document their engineers at work. The place is huge—60,000 sq ft of high-tech operations! Watching the knowledge and skill required to fix insanely complicated machinery was fascinating—not to mention all the climbing up and down ladders. The engines themselves are real works of art.