People from across Wigan are invited to have their portrait taken for free, by professional photographer Christopher Nunn, as part of a new photography project celebrating local identity and community stories from Open Eye Hub and Wigan Council.
Christopher and his team will be setting up a temporary pop-up photography studio at the Open Eye Hub at Leigh Town Hall on Saturday 20th June and Wigan’s Makinson Arcade on Saturday 11th July.
Anyone who fancies ditching the usual selfies and getting an image that captures them in a different way is welcome to come down and get involved – either solo, or with friends or family. They will get the image to take away on the day.
Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We are proud to support this powerful new photography project that will capture the people, voices and experiences that make our community so special.
“By putting our residents’ diverse stories at the heart of this display, the exhibition will not only celebrate local identity but also help to foster understanding, community and connection.
“The exhibition will remind people that everybody has a story to tell, and we encourage all residents to come along, engage and see their neighbours in a new light.”
The pop-up studios are part of a bigger project led by Open Eye Hub and Wigan Council to create a new exhibition celebrating the people, stories and character of the borough.
Earlier sessions at Wigan Roller Rink and Wigan Youth Zone have already captured a cross-section of local life, with more photographs to be created during these upcoming events.
A selection of the images will feature in a borough-wide exhibition this autumn, appearing in public spaces, shop windows, digital screens and online.
Open Eye Hub is a socially engaged photography programme that empowers local people to tell their own stories through the lens. Delivered in partnership by Open Eye Gallery, Wigan Council and Wigan and Leigh College, the initiative supports community participation alongside a programme of artist commissions and a Fellowship scheme for emerging local photographers entering the cultural sector.
People who take part will get the chance to gain insight into photography, experience a professional shoot and work creatively with Christopher to create their image.
Christopher Nunn said: “I’m interested in ways photography can be used collaboratively to allow people to share their stories, as well as being a record of a time and place.”
The pop-up studios will be open from 11am to 3pm and you can drop in anytime. There will also be fun creative activities related to photography and writing.
Date and time: Saturday 20 June 2026, 11am to 3pm
Location: Open Eye Hub at Leigh Town Hall
Date and time: Saturday 11 July 2026, 11am to 3pm
Location: Makinson Arcade, Wigan
