Seamus started at the AOP as General Manager in the summer of 2014 and became the CEO in July 2020, exactly six years since joining.

Seamus has worked in a variety of roles in the arts and charity sector since graduating from Hertfordshire College of Art and Design, St Albans in 1989 where he studied Model Making. 

Originally a freelance model maker he has gained extensive experience of business development, fundraising, film premier and events management and training at such organisations as: the British Film Institute;  London Film Festival; Stonewall; Shape Arts; UK Theatre/Society of London Theatre (membership body representing professionals in the theatre industry and performing arts). Following this he worked for arts charity Luton Culture where his role was to help create additional income to support its work.

Over the last seven years he has steered the AOP through massive change and has helped cement the AOP Awards as the leading competition for photography in the creative commercial sector.

Seamus enjoys vintage wines, films and cheeses and likes nothing more than to assists his Patterdale Terrier Gertie with her love of long walks, tennis balls and going to the pub to meet other dogs whenever she can.

Portrait © David Partner 2014

Nick has been a professional photographer all his working life. He spent 6 years as a non-executive director of the AOP Board, two years of which as Chair.

Nick has been involved with various working groups and committees concerned with copyright and photographers' rights at the AOP and other organisations including the British Copyright Council (BCC) and the British Photographic Council (BPC).

Picking up the reins from Gwen Thomas, Nick provides business and legal advice to our members on matters relating to professional practice, licensing, issues with copyright and infringements. This service is free to AOP Photographer members.

As a practicing photographer of commissioned and personal work, Nick is ideally placed to look at problems from a photographer's perspective.

Portrait © David Partner 2013

Some of you might be familiar with Rachel as she worked at the AOP from 2003 – 2015.  Rachel’s time at the AOP was largely spent at Leonard Street as Gallery Manager and as curator for the Awards and online Exhibitions.  Joining us once again as Marketing Manager Rachel's role is to promote all of the AOP's activities as well as showcasing the pool of work from all its talented members. Rachel invites all members to get in touch to say ‘hi’ and send any news you many have her way!  

Rachel graduated with a degree in Photography from The Arts Institute Bournemouth back in 2001 and has since worked in the arts and photographic industry. Following her long period at the AOP, Rachel became freelance offering her marketing knowledge out to the industry as well as advising photographers on the marketing of their businesses. 

In her spare time Rachel can be seen juggling motherhood alongside running her own small business, a handmade homewares and accessories business from home in Hackney.  Rachel's perfect evening consists of a glass of wine and crocheting - thankfully the two go very well together!

Born in London, but grew up in sunny Cornwall, returning to London in 1993.  Studied ‘Accountancy & Business Finance’ as a mature student at Thames Valley University, graduating in 2000.  Since graduating have worked mainly for charities and non-profit organisations and have stood as a governor at ‘New End Primary School’.

Enjoy playing tennis, running and long walks with the dog.

After working in various roles throughout the creative industries, Kevin now keeps the AOP office running smoothly. Kevin shoots live music and architecture in his spare time, and is particularly interested in public housing. When not in the office, Kevin plays in a band, and enjoys cycling and camping.

Born & raised in London, matured in Leeds. Tanzil recently graduated with a Physics degree from the University of Leeds in 2019. He has a thorough interest in advancing technology and data analytics, both in and out of the working environment. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active by running and playing football but has an even greater passion for reading and playing chess!