Northern Quarter Portrait Locations: Cool Urban Couple Photos in Manchester

There are so many cool locations for portraits in the Northern Quarter area of Manchester.

I love to photograph couple portraits and pre-wedding shoots in Manchester city centre, as you’re never too far from an amazing photo opportunity.

Why the Northern Quarter is So Great for Photography

The Northern Quarter is my go-to area in Manchester for couple portraits because it’s so vibrant and colourful, and this really complements my photography style!

There’s so much variation in architecture, with red brick and sandstone buildings. Tall buildings with New York City-style fire escapes and lots of cool backdrops down side streets with murals from street artists around every corner.

This area of Manchester has a completely different vibe from the rest. Even though it’s just a short walk away from the high street, Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester Arndale shopping centre, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere and is centred around art and community.

It was historically a working-class area, and now it’s seen as the creative quarter of Manchester.

Walking around the area, you automatically feel more at home and relaxed, which always makes for great photos. This area comes alive on a sunny day, with lots of bars in the area having outdoor seating. Locals from Manchester flock to the bars on Thomas Street and Tib Street for craft beer on a summer afternoon.

Pre-Wedding Shoots in Manchester City Centre

If you’re planning on choosing a location for a portrait photoshoot in Manchester, the Northern Quarter is a great option, as once you’re done shooting, you can find some street food and a good bar and settle down for the evening.

One of my top tips for having a pre-wedding shoot is to turn it into a date day so you can really enjoy spending time together.

You can find out more about the pre-wedding shoots I offer here.

My Favourite Portrait Locations in the Northern Quarter

Here are some of my favourite locations to pass through when photographing couples in Manchester. Every time you turn a corner, you’ll find more street art and graffiti, and the best part is that every time you visit, there will always be something new to photograph!

If you’re looking for a quiet time to visit, weekday or Sunday mornings before 11 am are best to explore without big crowds of shoppers.

Street Art on Stevenson Square

Stevenson Square is a great starting point and place to meet. Designed in the 18th Century, it’s now fully pedestrianised, and surrounded by culture with cool cafes, shops and bars.

My go to places to visit are UNITOM, an independent book shop for the visual arts and Fred Aldous, a craft supply shop.

In the middle of Stevenson Square, you’ll find the walls of an old public toilet block. Now known as the Outhouse Project, Fred Aldous commissions local artists to paint murals and bring colour and fun to the area. These are changed and refreshed every few months and they provide an incredible backdrop for couple pictures!

Little Lever Street

Just one example of how wandering down side streets in the Northern Quarter can reward you with gold as a photographer!

Just off Stevenson Square, the facade of Fitzgerald Bar on Little Lever Street offers a colourful backdrop with a vintage theme 1920’s mural.

When the sun hits just right down Bradley’s Court, it really makes the colours pop for portraits.

Down a small alleyway is Stevenson Place, which is so great for photography with a grungy urban vibe.

Northern Quarter Car Park

In the middle of the Northern Quarter, you’ll find a multi-storey car park, although you probably won’t want to park there!

This car park has seen better days, but if you brave walking up the stairs to the roof, you’re rewarded with a big open space and views of Manchester buildings and skyscrapers all around.

On a sunny November morning, this multi-storey car park was the perfect spot to capture this couple together. I loved being able to use the graffiti on the walls as part of the composition. The couple really popped against the dark background with the sun lighting them up from behind.

Around the car park on street level, there is more incredible street art on offer for backdrops. I love nothing more than being able to involve colour in my work.

Locations Around Thomas Street

Thomas Street is the place to be if you like to drink and socialise, with bars lining one side of the street.

One of these buildings, Cane and Grain, has the most amazing blue painted shutters. It doesn’t open until 12 pm on weekends, so if you’re in the area before then, you’ll be able to have awesome photos like these in front of them.

Anything under construction in the area is usually covered in posters for events and clubs, and this acts as another great backdrop for fun portraits.

Running parallel to Thomas Street is Edge Street, which has a similar feel to it. There are two murals on Hare Street, including this awesome one of Barbie!

At the end of the road on High Street are huge decorative iron gates that used to form part of an old fish wholesale market.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

A real hidden gem in the city centre, Manchester Craft Centre is home to independent designers across 20 studios. It has a mezzanine level with a balcony all around and this is a pretty cool spot for more unique portraits. It’s also a great option if the weather is bad.

Mackie Mayor Food Hall

Another cool indoor spot just off Great Ancoats Street, Mackie Mayor is a huge food hall that was restored in 2017. Originally built in 1857, it was a market hall and is now home to lots of different food venues.

On the bottom floor in the corner is the snug. With its big windows and brick walls, it’s a lovely place for indoor portraits with lots of natural light coming through.

Urban City Couple Photoshoot

The Northern Quarter is a playground for photographers like me who love to capture colour!

Here are some more of my favourite shots taken with couples in the area:

If you’re looking for a photographer local to Manchester for a fun, colourful portrait shoot in an urban setting, I’d love to hear from you!