About Aidan O’Rourke

Pioneer of digital photography

Photographer since 1980, digital photographer since 1994, I have documented the changing face of Manchester since 1996. In 2008 I made the Manchester Mega-Photo, largest photo-collage ever made of Manchester. I have experimented with all kinds of genres and formats including panoramic photography and have big plans for 3D stereoscopic photography.

Aidan’s photography is one of Manchester's hidden treasures. His knowledge of Manchester, the culture and architecture is reflected in his superb photography. Invaluable.

Simon Wharton www.pushon.co.uk Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialists from Manchester

Experienced tutor & qualified teacher

I have experience as a tutor, instructor and teacher going back over 25 years. I have taught my two main subjects, photography and languages, to all kinds of students at all levels in the UK and overseas. I have an A Level in photography. I am a qualified teacher (PGCE).

Your site is quite inspirational - such a combination of images that show old and new bits of Manchester.

Daniel MacGibbon, southern California (formerly lived in Manchester/ North West England)

Writer, contributor to websites books & magazines

I am a writer. I have written countless articles and so far co-authored one book. I produced my widely appreciated online feature Eyewitness in Manchester since 1997. I wrote the Q&A pages for the first 27 issues of Digital Camera Magazine. I have more books in planning.

Screenplay writer & film collaborator

I have written one full length feature film script as well as several short film scripts. I have acted as stills photographer on a number of movie projects, both short films and feature films.

“How often do you glance at a shiny new building in Manchester and realise you have no recollection of what stood there before? The city's amazing evolution has been meticulously recorded by Aidan, giving you a photographic record more powerful than any written account.”

Chris Simms, author of 'Outside the White Lines' www.chrissimms.net

Languages graduate German speaker

I have high level competency in German and a good standard in French. I have learnt a little Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese and have a knowledge and appreciation of Chinese characters. I am passionate about languages, especially German.

Campaigner for Manchester & the north west

I have campaigned for and against projects in Manchester. Through my website and photography I have helped to highlight Manchester, Liverpool and north west England.

Musician, songwriter & musical collaborator

I have an ability in music and collaborate with others on music-related projects. I am one of the official photographers at the annual In The City music convention and festival in Manchester.

“Aidan shows an unusual side of Manchester you don't normally see, capturing the beauty and the drama of the city.”

Chris Long, broadcast journalist, BBC

Website publisher Google Adsense publisher

I have been a pioneer in the development of my large content-based website aidan.co.uk site, incorporating Eyewitness in Manchester. Against the odds, I earn significant revenue from Google Adsense adverts running on my site.

“I first encountered Aidan's photographs on the internet when researching images for my Manchester paintings They are both easily accessible and comprehensive. His archives have been invaluable to me, both as visual references and as a source of information about the Manchester area.”

Caroline Johnson, Fine Artist

Maverick, risk-taker, out-of-the-box thinker

I have left comfortable jobs and gone against advice to pursue my creative goals. I have shunned the more conventional and maybe lucrative path. I refuse to stay within one genre and be pigeon-holed, even if I am making life more difficult for myself! I am a Capricorn - Capricorns win out in the end!

“Aidan O'Rourke is the best %@#©$#*ing photographer in Manchester”

Tony Wilson 2005

What I offer

Photography coaching / training in classes and one-to-one

Learn photography with me with a group of like-minded people or just one to one. Let me inspire and motivate you using an approach that's closer to coaching.

“I first encountered Aidan's photographs on the internet when researching images for my Manchester paintings They are both easily accessible and comprehensive. His archives have been invaluable to me, both as visual references and as a source of information about the Manchester area.”

Caroline Johnson, Fine Artist

My photographs as canvases, prints, high res files

My photos are available as prints or stunning canvases hand-made by my fellow independent creative www.stroon.co.uk. Images can be licenced for use in documents or on websites or for any other use. I take pride in my friendly, non-corporate approach and a flexible attitude to pricing.

“Aidan shows an unusual side of Manchester you don't normally see, capturing the beauty and the drama of the city.”

Chris Long, broadcast journalist, BBC

One-to-one tuition in German language at all levels

Share my passion for the German language, with coaching, language learning tips and exclusive use of my specially produced worksheets and audio recordings (not available online!)

This website, online since 1997, Google PR5, 5000+ pages

My aidan.co.uk website has been continuously online since 1997 and offers a wealth of material, including my photo portfolio and five article channels (not blogs!). It is quite highly ranked in Google, development is ongoing.

Energy, enthusiasm, dedication, creativity

Though I may lacking in conventionality, practicality and hours in the day, I have no shortage of energy, enthusiasm, dedication and creativity. I'm always interested to receive genuine comments and enquiries. Just contact info@aidan.co.uk or phone 07779 290082.

“As a tour guide and the editor of Manchester Confidential I find Aidan's work in the city of value and significance. Aidan brings his talent and skills to record a dynamic city in constant flux. His photographs are consistently excellent and a fabulous resource for anybody wishing to get a visual impression of Manchester. But Aidan's work has something else too. He has a profound knowledge and love of the city - although not an unconditional love - and thus he manages to not only capture images of the city but also something of its spirit in his works.”

Jonathan Schofield, tour guide, editor www.manchesterconfidential.com