Derrick Santini

Derrick Santini is one of Britain's most respected portrait photographers, renowned for creating powerful, character-driven images that sit at the intersection of portraiture, culture, storytelling and contemporary art. Working across editorial, entertainment, advertising and fine art, his photographs are celebrated for their honesty, intimacy and ability to reveal something beyond the public persona.

Born and raised in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, to a family of Italian heritage, Derrick discovered photography at the age of thirteen using his mother's old Agfa camera. Fascinated by people, performance and the stories that shape our lives, he spent his teenage years documenting the world around him, drawn to what he describes as the 'moments in-between' - fleeting observations that reveal something deeper about character, identity and the human condition.

Beginning his career in documentary and reportage photography, Derrick developed the sharp observational eye and instinct for storytelling that continue to define his work today. As his career evolved, he naturally gravitated towards portraiture, where his ability to connect with people quickly set him apart.

Derrick has photographed some of the most influential figures in fashion, music, film and contemporary culture, including Lee McQueen, Adele, Idris Elba, Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Graham, Taylor Swift, Lily Allen and One Direction. Known for creating portraits that feel both intimate and iconic, he has built a reputation for revealing the person behind the public image.

Whether photographing global talent, emerging artists or everyday individuals, Derrick combines the instincts of a documentary photographer with the craft of a portraitist, creating images that feel timeless, cinematic and deeply human.

Alongside his commercial and editorial practice, Derrick maintains a significant fine art career. He is internationally recognised for his pioneering lenticular works, which blend photography, movement and illusion to create immersive visual experiences that sit between still image, film and installation. These ambitious projects reflect the same fascination with identity, storytelling and human connection that runs throughout all of his work.

At the heart of Derrick's practice is a simple belief: every photograph should tell a story. His work is driven by a enduring interest in people, identity and human connection, creating images that linger long after the moment they were captured.