Mike Kwasniak is a Theatre Photographer based in Ipswich, recording images for professional theatres and touring companies for over forty years.

In his presentation A Shot In The Dark, Mike will share some of his images, illustrate the challenges presented by theatre photography and talk about essential photographic equipment. Inevitably, there may also be gossip...

Just a few of Mike's photographs...

An actor emerges from a tunnel holding a big staff aloft possibly in a moment of attack — Ragnarok (2014)

production photo from Stones In His Pockets. Lorcan and Cathal sit on the floor crossed-legged with a wooden stall in between them — Stones In His Pockets (2024)

Four women dance on stage, holding hands in a line. They're all wearing 19thc style dresses, a lit up set of the front of a barn is behind them — Ballad of Maria Marten (2021)

Production photo - Little Red crouches down to look at a caterpillar (felt prop used a puppet), she's smiling. — Little Red (2022)

About Mike Kwasniak

Mike started his career as Marketing Officer at the New Wolsey Theatre, where senior management provided the opportunity for him to start photographing dress rehearsals. What was previously a hobby soon became a career as he left the office to set up his own business as a full-time freelance photographer. He quickly became a popular wedding photographer while growing his theatre business across East Anglia. His work has appeared in all UK national newspapers and a number of published plays.

Two years ago the Royal Photographic Society asked him to talk to members about the craft, an event that set the wheels in motion for his unexpected journey to becoming an RPS Fellow. Fellowship is the highest level of distinction offered by the Royal Photographic Society, requiring work of the highest level of technical ability.