Testimonials

Feb 2017  –  Conwy Camera Club – Musician Photography & Other Images “Great talk and photos Phil” (Penny Dewhurst – club member);   ” A most enjoyable presentation and great photography to top it up. Thank you” Henrique Fino (Club Member); “Really good talk and great photos….pleasure to meet you Phil.” Philip Andrews (Club member)
Jan 2017 – Gatley Photography Club – “Thank you so much for your talk last night it was really fab, everyone has been saying how much they enjoyed seeing your work & hearing your stories. They are usually more interactive but I think they were all gobsmacked! ” Sue Anders (GPC Member). “Excellent Presentation by Phil Portus – very enjoyable. I also found the critique of the competition entries very helpful. Thanks Again.” John Kiss (GPC Member).
Nov 2016 – Whole Hog Big Band performance shots Slug&Lettuce, Didsbury – “Some great photos again Phil..They really get the mood of the gigs…Thanks for taking and sharing them…:-)”
Nov 2016 – Outdoor location Photoshoot (stills & video) using coloured smoke flares – “That’s awesome Phil! Seen the video on my phone… Looks really cool. Will download the wetransfer files tomorrow. Thanks Phil” – “That’s awesome Phil! Some of them look incredible with the light shining through the trees 🙂 Thanks for all the hard work! Yes lets get together at some point for the other shot! I may order some more colours too”  Ben Watte, Jazz musician and techno groove composer
Nov 2016 – Photoshoot with “Unfurl” band – “We love the photos. Would it be a massive hassle to crop all the photos which are of the entire band outside (so that we get rid of our legs)? Thanks Phil. ”   I think the black and white works great and with the border. But we also have a selection there, so that’s really helpful. Many Thanks, Olivier Moore (Musician)”
May 2016 – Gig photos at Railway, Stockport – “Thank you very much for the nice pictures!! ”  – Anne Chris, jazz singer
May 2016 - People & Places Exhibition at World Peace Cafe, Chorlton. ” I went to see them. I LOVE your orange bus shelter one but they were all excellent….- on the list for a return visit when next in the area!” – Jane Woodall
“Well done Phil..beautiful work” –  Danny Cawley, abstract artist
“I was so pleased to have  had a viewing of some of your outstanding photos. The beautiful, sometimes unusual and always interesting landscapes created an exhibition of great seasonal, geographical and compositional variety. The choice of black and white or colour, perspective and viewpoint, the simple framing added to the pleasures of viewing. I thought the
photo of Porthgain in Pembrokeshire which I know well, was stunning as it captured the rather extraordinary nature of this small harbour with its industrial history, set in a very rural area. The hoar frost in Scotland captured one of those special, fleeting moments in nature that one is so lucky to witness. The photo of Kinder Scout captured the grassy, boggy essential nature of any encounter with its presence. A very enjoyable exhibition and I look forward to going back to view all the photos again! “- Catherine Midwinter (Chorlton Open Gardens Organiser)
November 2015 – “Hi Phil, thank for a really good presentation at CADWA on Thursday. I am sure you felt the appreciation and enjoyment the members got from seeing your work and the stories attached to it.” Bert Whittlestone, Programme Secretary of South Liverpool PS
I have had great feedback from the members I have spoken to and would be delighted if you would return to us next season.

November 2015 –“Thanks for the last leg on the 2015 tour last night Phil. Lots of enjoyment was had”   Paul Matthews (former president of South Liverpool PS)

November 2015 – “Thank you so much for an entertaining and inspiring talk on Wednesday evening. I really enjoyed the wide variety of your photography ranging from beautiful natural landscapes through to indoor studio shots all with supreme quality and control. Your varied portraits have certainly given us lots of ideas for our themed competition of ‘People’ later in the season. Thank you again”.      Helena Jones,  Programme Secretary, Chapel Camera Club

 

August 2015 – ” To Phil, Hope you enjoy this ( A Moveable Feast – CD) and thanks for the excellent photos (I recently took at the Manchester Jazz Festival 2015). Mark Pringle” – jazz pianist / composer

July 2015 – “Many thanks to Phil Portus for his presentation “Photographing Urban Salford” at St.Sebs today. It was brilliant.” Bernard Young (Committee) On behalf of Charlestown Community Camera Club”

April 2015 – Lounge One, Didsbury live gig photo shoot “Thanks Phil, great photos as always!” Ollie Mulkeen, The Jive Swings.

March 2015 – “I’ve had a really positive  reaction to your pics so far. They’ve been really helpful with promoting my various sized function bands” Simon Milner (The Charleston Charlies)

March 2015    “As chair of the Charlestown Community Camera Club, Salford,  I would like to say how everybody enjoyed your visit on Wednesday.  We all enjoyed the photographs and the stories they brought back so many memories of Salford in the 70’s and we all had an enjoyable time so thank you.   There were quite a few people who were unable to attend for one reason or another  and they have all requested that we ask you if you would pay us another visit.  Also members of the local history group would like to attend a future visit.  So please can I send many thanks on behalf of our club and say you are very welcome at any time it will be a pleasure if you are able to visit again.”  - Linda Carr , Chair,  Charlestown Community Camera Club. 

March 2015    “On Wednesday 18th March, Mr. Phil Portus very kindly came to our fledgling camera club at St. Sebastians Community Centre and presented his project “Salford – Photographing Urban Change”. The presentation was not only enjoyable and entertaining it was truly authentic and informative. Many of the assembled audience were born and bred in the areas of Salford that Mr. Portus had concentrated his talk and photographs on and my feedback from them was that they were thoroughly impressed with the whole presentation. Also in attendance were representatives of other local camera groups including a youth group that are presently working on “The Changing Face Of Kersal”, a similar programme to what Mr.Portus started all those years ago. Also present was our local councillor, Mrs. Jane Hamilton, who concluded the meeting with a few words of appreciation for the time and effort Mr. Portus had put into his wonderful production. Mr. Portus is an easily approachable, personable man who was happy to advise our members on camera techniques and basics practices for which we as a club are very grateful.
Bernard Young (Committee) On behalf of Charlestown Community Camera Club”

March 2015     “I have experienced three photo sessions with Phil and I have to say that I really enjoyed them. Phil is indeed a great photographer with a wide range of genres and he is outstanding in all of them. The photo sessions are very enjoyable in a very relaxed climate where Phil makes you comfortable to express yourself and you get your professional photos in just one day. I would recommend Phil’s photos for any kind of events”.         Giuseppe “Joe” Murgia (Saxophonist)

March 2015  Live shoot at Creative Space gig at the Slug & Lettuce, Didsbury “ I got your 3 emails, and the photos look really good. I like the bleach bypass effect, but also the colour ones are quite psychedelic and I like that too. Thanks very much for your trouble; I will, of course, credit you” Julie Edwards & Kevin Dearden Duo

Sept 2014   Talk at Nelson Camera Club  on “Musician Photography & other Images”    “Well worth turning up for. I can recommend it.”  (Walks Walker Nelson CC)

July 31st 2014   Talk at Oldham Photographic Society on “Musician Photography & other Images”
“Thanks for tonight Phil – love your pictures” – Chris Widdall, MPAGB EFIAP BPE5* ( Member of Oldham PS, Lectures & Judges Secretary for the Lancashire & Cheshire Federation)

June 2014   All the photos on the opening pages of my website (http://www.kathydyson.co.uk/) are by Phil Portus. He is a jazz fan and keyboard player, and a great photographer. If you live around Manchester and go to jazz gigs you will have seen him taking photos. He does commissions too, so if you ever need a photographer I can recommend his work.

June 2014   Tutoring and teaching at a RPS 1920’s Portrait Day Event at Tabley Hall, Cheshire
I want to thank you for the sterling work you did on Sunday. The day was a huge success mainly due to your input. Alan Angel FRPS

May 2014   WW100 Challenge Photo shoot to promote charity cycle ride.
Thank you so much for the photos, they’re lovely. Everyone’s delighted with them.

April 2014   Lecture at the SRGB Photo Group, Ainsdale, Lanscashire
Thank you for coming over to the SGRB Group last week, I really enjoyed the night and the insight into your thoughts and background behind the images. Many of members of the group commented on the enjoyment and variety of work shown. Good luck with your D panel and your future work. Kind Regards Dianne (SRGB Photo Group)
It was a most enjoyable lecture, I’m glad you enjoyed being at SRGB. Well done and thank you. Gordon Jenkins (SRGB Photo Group, PAGB Executive, L&CPU)

April 2014. Live shoot at Creative Space gig at the Slug & Lettuce, Didsbury “Phil took some nice pictures of us in at a recent gig – we’re pleased with the results – and he’s a lovely fella to boot!” Julie Edwards & Kevin Dearden Duo

April 2014. Studio and on-location shoots.

“Phil is a fantastic photographer who knows exactly how to get the best shots. He makes you feel at ease during a photo shoot and is a pleasure to work with. The finished images are always stunning and I’d recommend him to everyone!” Gavin Barras (bass player, High Peak Music)

April 2014. Jazz musician studio shoot

The studio atmosphere Phil created really helped to focus in on creating great shots whilst feeling comfortable and relaxed. The finished shots are fantastic and full of detail. I have full confidence using them for all of my professional engagements. Thanks Phil.  Sam Healey (Sax player and composer)

April 2014. Classical musician studio shoot.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed my photo shoot with Phil- as my first shoot, he made me feel extremely welcome and made the experience relaxing and fun. I am really happy with the final results and am using the photos as publicity shots for solo flute recitals. I would definitely recommend to fellow musicians.’ Jenna (RNCM final year student)

March 2014

I have known and worked with Phil on photography on many occasions and when I say many occasions that itself says enough about how much I believe in Phil’s work as a professional photographer. But its not just the picture taking, it’s Phil’s ideas and approach to set a creative vibe during the shoot. I am getting back in touch with Phil next time I need some new photos for sure. Thanks Phil. Marek Dorcik (Drummer)

Feb 2014
Tutoring and teaching at a RPS Photographing Musicians Event at Wilmslow Guild
Let me thank you for the sterling work you did at last Sunday. From feed back I got from the members taking part they they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained valuable knowledge from you. Alan Angel FRPS

Sept 2013  ARPS distinction

“Dear Associate of The Royal Photographic Society , I am delighted to inform you that your ARPS recommendation has now been ratified by Council.”    Ben Fox RPS (Distinctions)

September 2013 Swinton Camera Club Talk

You probably won’t remember me. I had the pleasure of attending your excellent talk last Monday D. Flynn (Swinton Camera Club Member)

May 2012 Jazz band studio shoot.

Thanks Phil!

Thank you for doing such a thorough and thoughtful job on this shoot!

Much appreciated!    Larry (Jazz Drummer and band leader)

Nov 2011  Wedding shoot

“Mr Portus was a true professional, very calm and collected on the day when we were anything but. He produced some amazing photographs under serious time constraints. We would heartily recommend him to anyone considering a photographer for their special day.” Mr & Mrs Dalton-Bartley

April 2011  Wedding shoot

“We were really happy with our wedding photos and the album has a very high quality feel to it.  Phil got us some great shots on the day and had plenty of ideas and suggestions too.  The album is just what we wanted to capture our special memories of the day!”

12 Jan 2009 15:25 – An Jacob (Jazz Singer)

Hey Phil! It was fun shooting with you. I will know where to find you for a next shoot! See you.

Feb 2010 – St Helen’s Photographic Society – Lecture

Really enjoyed your presentation last night at St Helens CC. I liked the range of work you are doing and the fact you were willing to tell it the way it is – warts and all. Also some wonderful photos! Loved the AV work, particularly the Manchester one, very inspiring. Didn’t have to chance to chat at the end as I had to dash, but once again thanks and good look with the freelance work.

Regards, Mark

RPS July 2010

Dear Phil, I am delighted to inform you that you have had 1 image selected for The Royal Photographic Society’s International Projected Image Exhibition. Title:- “Have You Heard”

Congratulations on your success.

Lesley Goode, RPS Exhibitions Manager

July 2010

Dear RPS Member, Thank you for supporting Portfolio Two by submitting images to the Members Gallery. I am delighted to inform you that you have work included (Sheltered Shadows) and congratulate you on being part of this prestigious publication.

Roger Reynolds HonFRPS, Editor, Portfolio Two

Headshot – October 2010

Not being a naturally photogenic person, I was surprised how at ease Phil managed to make me feel and that we had a good selection of decent photos to choose from. Certainly the best publicity shots I’ve had taken and I almost enjoyed myself !

Lynsey (Halle musician)

Wedding – August 2011

“Mr Portus was a true professional, very calm and collected on the day when we were anything but. He produced some amazing photographs under serious time constraints. We would heartily recommend him to anyone considering a photographer for their special day.” Mr & Mrs Dalton-Bartley