Vintage Dreams in the Heart of Cardiff
On the 26th of April, 2025, the backstreets of Cardiff became the perfect playground for a very special vintage fashion shoot featuring the brilliant Ensor Taylor.
Armed with my camera, and an unreasonable amount of caffeine, I set out to capture something that felt gritty, nostalgic, and alive; a little time machine back to the 1970s, but with a Cardiff twist.
This shoot was all about attitude. We hunted down graffiti-plastered alleyways, rusted metal staircases, cracked concrete, and battered brickwork; places where the city’s true character bleeds through the cracks. Every backdrop added a texture and edge that perfectly framed the vintage styling, without ever feeling forced. It was like finding little slices of New York’s Lower East Side hidden right here at home.
Ensor Taylor, despite this being his first ever photoshoot (yes, really!), was an absolute natural. Within about five minutes, it felt like I was photographing a seasoned rock star who’d just stepped out of a vinyl album cover. His look; wild, curly hair, bold colours, oversized faux fur, flared corduroys, and serious vintage swagger - worked so naturally with the streets around us. It was pure magic.
The vibe we chased wasn’t about polish or perfection. It was about soul. About that feeling when you pull on an old jacket, and somehow you feel a little bit cooler, a little more reckless. The perfect combination of Ensor’s easygoing spirit, the rough beauty of Cardiff’s streets, and the unapologetically retro styling made every frame feel electric.
I’m so proud of how this shoot came together; not just because the pictures look killer (they do, obviously!), but because they capture something real. Fun, freedom, creativity; and a reminder that you don’t always need a polished studio or a perfect plan. Sometimes, all you need is a battered staircase, a fearless model, and a lot of trust in the moment.