biography

Photography

I am a professional music and events photographer, based both in the UK and Spain.

I was honoured to be the first prize winner at national flamenco photography competition in Spain.

In February 2024, in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes Manchester, I hosted an exhibition of my photography work titled "Ole Flamenco".

In May 2025 the Instituto Cervantes in Collaboration with the consulate General of Spain and Lancaster University, hosted "Ole Flamenco" exhibition at Lancaster University. I have also given talks about my journey into music photography, specially flamenco in Andalucia.

Photography has evolved from a long-standing passion into my main creative focus, deeply influenced by my love of the arts and music.

My work is driven by a fascination with cultural diversity, human emotion, rhythm, and colour, seeking to capture universal connections.

During my Foundation in Art and Design course at Manchester Metropolitan University, I learned the technical fundamentals of photography, including developing film, as well as gathering references to the work of other photographers. Ever since, I have since often carried a camera with me and continued to actively update my knowledge through online courses in digital photography.

My regular Life drawing classes further refine my way of seeing—light, shadow, colour, mood, and form.

Over time, I have channeled both my eye and my editing style to capture energy, emotion, and atmosphere. Music and performance photography, in particular, have strengthened my technical ability, as constantly changing lighting and movement demand quick decisions and adaptability.
Above all, my love of music deeply informs my photography. My camera feels like an instrument—an extension of the energy and emotion unfolding on stage.

Music has always been central to my life, particularly jazz and flamenco, with a personal focus on rhythm and percussion.

I have studied Nigerian percussion with Tafa Onigbanjo and Tommy Odueso, and Afro-Cuban percussion with La Timbala, which led to a study trip to Cuba. In Cuba, I experienced music with a raw emotional power and intensity unlike anything I had experienced before. This, fundamentally shaped my photography—how I sense rhythm, when I react, and how I capture the energy and emotion of performers in the moment.

Background

Born in the Middle East from an Armenian background (Ռինա Սրապոնեան).

I studied Interior Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and began my career as an Interior Designer at Airports UK. I then expanded my experience as a workshop artist at both Manchester Library and Wythenshawe Forum theatres.

As the digital landscape evolved, I expanded my skills by studying various digital software, specialising in 2D and 3D design. This experience has allowed me to work in various areas of design such as: Brand & Identity, event publications, exhibition design, web and print design.

SOFTWARES

Autodesk: AutoCAD | 3Ds Max.

HOBBIES

I love practicing yoga and travelling. My travels often include music festivals mainly flamenco and jazz, I also love exploring the traditional music in different places.

Life drawing is an area I picked up on my degree course and have been attending classes ever since.

I am currently studying flamenco singing (cante) in Jerez de la Frontera with attention to the rhythm (compás). A rich experience feeds that directly into my photography, shaping how I see timing, energy, and emotion in a frame.