Lorna MacKay is a photographer based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Her work is rooted in people's relationship to place, focusing on lived experience and the cultural and historical narratives that shape it. Through long-term projects, she explores identity, community and ritual, alongside the effects of social, economic and environmental change.
Her work has been recognised by British Journal of Photography and Feature Shoot, and supported by Arts Council England. In 2025, she received the inaugural Photoworks x MBP Seed Grant to develop a participatory project with a youth group in Newcastle's West End. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, including during Climate Week NYC with New York's Climate Museum and at Hong Kong's Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change.
In addition to self-initiated projects, she undertakes commissioned and editorial work. Her photography has appeared in and been commissioned by Bloomberg, The Guardian, The Independent and The Times, among others.
Contact
For commissions, print sales and general enquiries please get in touch directly.
Awards, Grants & Residencies
2025 Photoworks x MPB
2024 Bothy Project, Artist Residency (supported by Art Network North East)
2022 National Trust North East Emerging Artist Award shortlist
2022 North East Photography Network (NEPN) SHIFTS Professional Development Scheme
2022 Arts Council England
2021 British Journal of Photography, Decade of Change Award
2021 Feature Shoot Emerging Photography Award shortlist
2019-2021 Wellcome Trust Newcastle, Artist Residency
2018 Michael Ormerod Travel Award, Newcastle College University Centre
Selected Exhibitions
2025 Documenting Adelaide Terrace (commissioned by Newcastle City Council), Bus stand installations / St. James Hall Newcastle, 24 February - 14 March
2024 Photo Open 24. Queens Hall Hexham, 3 May - 1 June
2024 Print Exchange Project. Northern Print X Hotbed Press, 4 - 24 February
2022 National Trust North East Emerging Artist Award. Seaton Delaval Hall, 28 May – 9 July
2022 Investigations in Infrastructure. Subjectively Objective Gallery, Detroit, 7 May – 15 July
2021 British Journal of Photography, Decade of Change Award. NYC Climate Week. Javits Centre, New York, 20-26 September
2021 British Journal of Photography, Decade of Change Award. Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, Hong Kong, 10 June - 31 September
2021 Creative Arts Practice Graduate Show. Hatton Gallery, 20 August – 4 September
2021 Valance ii, Wellcome Trust Residency. Vane Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne, 18-28 August
2018 Michael Ormerod Travel Award: Sightlines (Solo Exhibition). Newcastle College University Centre, 26 October – 30 November
Education
2021 MA in Creative Arts Practice (Distinction), Newcastle University
2019 BA (Hons) in Photography (First), Newcastle College University Centre