Behind The Lens:A Portrait Shoot with Derek Ryan at Riddle Warehouse,Belfast

There’s something electric about photographing an artist who’s as passionate about his craft as I am about mine. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Derek Ryan, one of Northern Ireland’s most loved country music singers, in the atmospheric surroundings of Riddel Warehouse, Belfast.

The Riddel Warehouse is a hidden Belfast gem — an architectural blend of raw industrial textures and soft northern light. It provided the perfect backdrop for this creative portrait session, allowing Derek’s personality and style to come through with authenticity and depth.

As a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Belfast, I’m always drawn to spaces that tell a story. With its distressed brick walls, high arched windows, and moody ambience, Riddel Warehouse gave us exactly that — a cinematic stage that mirrored the emotion and character of Derek’s music.

During the session, I focused on capturing both the confidence of a performer and the quiet introspection of an artist. Using natural light mixed with subtle off-camera flash, we created a series of images that feel timeless yet modern — true to Derek’s evolving sound and image.

This photoshoot was about more than creating press imagery; it was about portraying the real person behind the performer. Derek brought an effortless charm and professionalism to the set, making the collaboration one of those shoots that reminds me why I love working with musicians and creatives across Ireland.

If you’re an artist, musician, or brand looking for creative portrait photography in Belfast or across Northern Ireland, I’d love to help you tell your story visually.

📍 Location: Riddel Warehouse, Belfast

📸 Photography: Khara Pringle Photographic

🎤 Artist: Derek Ryan