EP54 | Chris Owens | Patterns, Portraits and Pictures | Local Heroes Podcast

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to award-winning portrait photographer, Chris Owens about building a career behind the lens and finding your voice in a changing industry. From his early days learning in the darkroom to adapting through the digital revolution, Chris reflects on how discipline, curiosity and human connection shaped the way he sees the world — and why photographing people is as much about psychology as it is about technique.

The conversation explores the tension between commercial success and personal fulfilment — chasing big campaigns, navigating industry gatekeepers, and resisting the pressure to become “known” for one particular look. Chris shares honest insights into representation, rejection, resilience, and the reality of sustaining a long-term career in photography while staying true to your instincts.

They also dive into social media, the democratisation of image-making, and the rise of AI. Rather than fearing it, Chris sees AI as another inevitable shift — arguing that in a world flooded with flawless visuals - imperfection, lived experience and genuine storytelling will only grow in value.

It’s a thoughtful take on where the creative industry is heading and what will continue to matter.

The episode also touches on the birth of Pattern — Chris’s people-first storytelling platform born during lockdown — and how it’s become both a personal outlet and a powerful connector. Expect strong opinions on the debate of our times - curry vs gravy, last meal lasagne, and the ever present Greggs Order.

A wide-ranging, grounded conversation about growth, identity, and doing work that means something.

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Episoder(80)

EP79 | Helen Stewart | Pigs, Poultry & Produce | Local Heroes Podcast

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EP78 | Ian Wright | Risk, Relationships & Reinvention | Local Heroes Podcast

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EP76 | John Nejjy | Boilies, Banter and Belonging | Local Heroes Podcast

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1 Aug 1h 54min

EP75 | Luke Smith | Stills, Slugs and Sausage Rolls | Local Heroes Podcast

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EP74 | Jo Milne & Steve White | Empathy, Awareness and Understanding | Local Heroes Podcast

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18 Jul 1h 29min

EP73 Paul Mort | Moments, Motivation and Mentors | Local Heroes Podcast

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11 Jul 1h 34min

EP72 Claire Liddle | Cake, Courage and Comeback | Local Heroes Podcast

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4 Jul 1h 17min