Young Members Ball 2025

Working with clients is always enjoyable and receiving positive feedback after a job is a real buzz. But do you know what the ultimate compliment is? Being asked by the same client to work with them again. That was the case here when I was asked to shoot the Young Members Ball 2025 by the Insurance Institute of Manchester.

I worked with IIM last year, shooting the 2024 edition of this event. So being asked back is the ultimate compliment.

IIM are a lovely bunch to work with, too – for a corporate client they’re personable and relaxed. Key for running several events throughout the year.

It was a beautiful Spring evening – the 1st May was around 24 degrees, perfect – even in Manchester city centre! And despite an incredibly stressful start (the traffic took about 45 minutes to go 0.3 of a mile) I arrived to a relaxed and convivial scene. Last year the Ball was in September and was stuck indoors. This year the weather meant the terrace of the Marriott V & A Hotel could be utilised properly.

Moving indoors though and there were a few speeches to begin. One from Marc, the newly elected President of the IIM, and his deputy Emma.

There was also a speech from Stephen, fundraising director at the charity Henshaws. Henshaws is a sight-loss charity, absolutely transforming the lives of those they help to support.

Alongside live music from Zackoustic, fun and games were had with the now-traditional photobooth. The photobooth and its props are a great chance for candid photos for me. People are relaxed by this point in the evening too – it’s a great idea to promote fun and camaraderie at a corporate event.

As the DJ started spinning, I took my leave. Same time again next year?