Journey

Isayas Petchey-Ellis was born in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and spent his early years in the city before relocating to Cornwall. There he first explored photography as part of his A-Level studies, before shifting focus toward the sonic arts. His creative path led him to Plymouth, where he earned a Level 4 Diploma in Music Production, and later returned to London to continue studying Electronic Music Production at the London College of Music.

Although immersed in music, Isayas never fully left photography behind. A few years later, he rediscovered a collection of undeveloped 35mm film rolls from 2020. Curious to see what they held, he had them processed—an experience that reignited his passion for the photographic medium.

With his Olympus OM-10 in hand once again, Isayas began documenting everyday moments with family and friends—intimate gatherings, birthdays, shared meals, and fleeting expressions of joy. What began as a personal return to form quickly evolved into a deeper creative pursuit, drawing him toward fellow artists, musicians, and photographers. Through these connections, his photographic voice began to sharpen, and his interest in portraiture took shape.

Today, Isayas focuses on capturing candid, emotionally resonant portraits—seeking out the quiet, often unnoticed moments that reveal something genuine about the people in front of his lens.

Identity

At the heart of his photographic practice lies a deep commitment to honesty, sincerity, and personality. He approaches every session with a calm, pressure-free mindset, ensuring his subjects feel entirely at ease. By fostering genuine connections and taking the time to understand each individual's character and disposition, he is able to capture images that reflect not just appearances, but authentic stories and emotions.

Inspiration

Isayas draws inspiration from renowned British photographers Ewen Spencer and Adama Jalloh, whose work captures British culture with an elegant yet dynamic lens. Their influence, and the expressive energy of creatives—musicians, artists, and other visionaries—fuels Isayas’ drive to document authenticity in its rawest form. Deeply moved by both the beauty and the mundanity of everyday life, Isayas finds meaning in the routines, expressions, and individuality of people. Through photography, he seeks to eternalise these fleeting moments, turning ordinary encounters into enduring sparks of the past.