I am a photographer based in south Manchester. I specialise in portrait photography and especially enjoy photographing musicians — jazz, classical or pop — either in performance or in my Didsbury studio.
My documentary projects include Salford from 1977 to the present day, Curry Mile, Rusholme 2016–2023, and Chorlton precinct.
Photography has always been one of my life’s interests and my camera is constantly at my side, with the aim of capturing the excitement of a festival, the splendour of a landscape or the gritty urban reality of a mill town in Greater Manchester. My photographs have been exhibited nationally and internationally and I have gained several awards from salon competitions, including the BPE Fourth Crown distinction, the international EFIAP distinction, the ARPS distinction from the Royal Photographic Society and the Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (DPAGB).
This website shows many examples of my varied work and styles — copies of many images can be purchased by contacting me.
Exhibitions
- 2012 St Clements, Ordsall — Heritage Weekend
- 2023 The changing nature of Curry Mile, Rusholme — joint exhibition with Michael Baker, Central Library, Manchester
- 2024 SALFORD 77 — Langworthy Cornerstone Community Centre
- 2024 Chorlton Shopping Precinct — Shops and People
- 2025 PEOPLE & PLACES — Chorlton Library
Publications
- Blurb Salford Images — Urban Photography 1977–2012
- Blurb Musicians 1970–2013
- 2023 Curry Mile to Shisha Mile — Michael Baker & Phil Portus (ISBN 978-1-3999-2461-0)
- 2023 Curry Mile — A Changing Neighbourhood — Michael Baker & Phil Portus (self-published zine)
- CRB Salford 1977 — Vols One & Two (Café Royal Books)
- CRB England & Scotland in Protest 1975–78 (Café Royal Books)
More about
Testimonials
What sitters, musicians and clients say about working with Phil.
Talks & lectures
Presentations on the Salford archive and documentary photography — available for camera clubs and societies.
Competitions & awards
Salon acceptances and awards, national (BPE) and international (FIAP), in full.
Preparing for a sitting
A short practical guide to getting the best from a portrait session in the Didsbury studio.
Links
Fellow photographers, clubs and resources.