Public SpeakinG
Chris Gorman is Britain’s leading drone photographer and a seasoned public speaker. As The Big Ladder Photographer™, he shares compelling stories from his career, illustrating how aerial photography can drive media narratives and capture the world from new perspectives.
Presentation Overview
Chris’s talks are dynamic and engaging. Drawing on decades of media experience, he reveals how drone technology has become vital in photojournalism. Discussing how key editorial decisions help a drone image make the front page – even when the odds seem stacked against it. Each presentation is tailored to the audience’s interests, blending humour and insight to keep everyone involved.
Topics Covered
- Photographic Composition: Training your creative eye to see the world from above. How to create stunning images with a drone.
- Drone technology in media: an introduction to DJI drones and how they’ve revolutionised news photography.
- Lessons from a picture editor: what working on both sides of the editorial fence has taught Chris about storytelling with drone images.
- Publishing under pressure: behind‑the‑scenes stories of how headline images nearly didn’t make it to print.
Chris Gorman Speaking on Fundamentals Stage at The Photography & Video Show, London’s Excel.
“Your Presentation was inspiring. Your drone shots are awesome.
“A great insight into the work and travel involved to obtain spectacular drone photographs”
“IT WAS CLEAR that our pupils really engaged with all you had to say”
About Chris Gorman
Widely regarded as the UK’s leading creative drone photography and video specialist with work appearing regularly on the front pages of the UK’s top titles from The Times and The Daily Telegraph to the Guardian and the Daily Mail.
Commissioned globally with assignments in Russia, New Zealand, Uganda, Australia and most of western Europe. Clients include: Waitrose, The National Lottery, The Eden Project, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Universal Pictures. His work has been featured by The Daily Telegraph and The Times as the best drone photography of 2023/2024 consecutively, 2025 has seen his work highlighted by respected photography website PetaPixel.
The Big Ladder™ has over 30 years experience working around the world as both a picture editor and photographer.
Described by many as a pioneer of drone photography and drone film making, Chris has set a benchmark globally in photographic creativity harnessing drone technology to produce results that have become a template for many photographers today.
Booking & Availability
Chris is available for talks across the UK and internationally both in person and online. To enquire about rates and availability, please email directly.
Whether you’re an art/photographic society or camera club, a corporate team, a school/educational organisation or an event organiser, Chris can tailor a presentation to inspire and inform your audience.
Watch Chris Gorman Live on the BBC
Some (Very) Frequently Asked Questions
What topics can Chris cover in his presentations?
Does Chris offer customised talks for specific groups?
Do you work with external public speaking agencies?
If you’re representing an agency and would like to discuss a potential partnership, please contact us with details about your event and audience, and we’ll work together to create a memorable experience.
How long does Chris speak for?
Talks generally last 90 minutes with 20 minutes for questions at the end. Chris is more than happy to fit into the hosts own running style/format on the day.
Does Chris Offer any other talks?
Yes, Chris also presents a talk split equally between his time as a tabloid news photographer and his later drone work. Topics discussed include photographing celebrities and royalty including both Princesses of Wales (Diana and Kate) and The Rolling Stones. Contact Chris to find out more.