Matthew Phelim Doran is a photojournalist and social documentary photographer committed to capturing the stories that shape our times. A member of The Frontline Club, London, he focuses on struggles, resilience, and the realities of life at work, home, and in society.
Known as Phe to colleagues and friends, he has covered austerity picket lines, political demonstrations, crime scenes, and anti-war movements across Ireland and the UK. His work with Pacemaker Press Agency has been published by the BBC, Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter, NI World, and other national and local publications.
His documentary work explores themes of identity, tradition, and perseverance—from young athletes navigating victory and loss to the vanishing traditions of rural Lough Shore communities. His photography aims to preserve moments of truth and history.
Phe holds a BA in Film Studies from Queen’s University Belfast and trained in photojournalism at the London College of Communication. Influenced by Paul Strand, W. Eugene Smith, and other 20th-century documentary photographers, his approach is immersive and storytelling-driven, grounded in the power of the still image.
With experience in high-pressure, security-conscious environments, he brings adaptability and discretion to assignments requiring resilience and a deep understanding of access, privacy, and sensitivity.
While photojournalism and documentary remain at the core of his work, he also provides corporate photography services—a professional offering that supports his long-form storytelling. His work has been used by national and local government bodies for public-facing projects, and his industrial clients include Mercedes, Fleet Maintenance Ireland Ltd, and Bricks & Mortar NI.
Known as Phe to colleagues and friends, he has covered austerity picket lines, political demonstrations, crime scenes, and anti-war movements across Ireland and the UK. His work with Pacemaker Press Agency has been published by the BBC, Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter, NI World, and other national and local publications.
His documentary work explores themes of identity, tradition, and perseverance—from young athletes navigating victory and loss to the vanishing traditions of rural Lough Shore communities. His photography aims to preserve moments of truth and history.
Phe holds a BA in Film Studies from Queen’s University Belfast and trained in photojournalism at the London College of Communication. Influenced by Paul Strand, W. Eugene Smith, and other 20th-century documentary photographers, his approach is immersive and storytelling-driven, grounded in the power of the still image.
With experience in high-pressure, security-conscious environments, he brings adaptability and discretion to assignments requiring resilience and a deep understanding of access, privacy, and sensitivity.
While photojournalism and documentary remain at the core of his work, he also provides corporate photography services—a professional offering that supports his long-form storytelling. His work has been used by national and local government bodies for public-facing projects, and his industrial clients include Mercedes, Fleet Maintenance Ireland Ltd, and Bricks & Mortar NI.