I don’t light for the sake of beauty. I light for story.

My work lives in shadow and detail, in the quiet between moments. I’m drawn to stories that feel lived-in, raw, layered. Whether it’s a six-part drama or a vérité-style doc, I bring the same focus: to serve the narrative and elevate emotion through the frame.

I collaborate closely. I shoot instinctively. I trust the process.

Based in Manchester, I’ve worked across projects for Netflix, BBC, Disney+, Amazon and Paramount+.

I’m always looking to build with teams who value story over spectacle and know that great cinematography begins long before the camera rolls.

Print

DP Mike Staniforth on ‘Familiar’ - Cinematography World

DP Mike Staniforth on ‘Underwater’ - British Cinematographer Magazine

How To Shoot A Cinematic Documentary on Manchester City - RED Shark News

Shelter Feature - Mancunian Matters