
Artist Statement
I’m Lee Cooper, a documentary and portrait photographer based in Manchester (UK). My work sits at the intersection of art and advocacy, using visual storytelling to confront stigma, spark conversation, and create space for truth.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I use photography as a means of reclamation- of identity, of voice, and of power. Through projects like Victorious Voices, I aim to break the silence surrounding sexual abuse and offer survivors the dignity of being seen on their own terms. My lens is not passive, it’s participatory. Each image carries the weight of lived experience, captured with empathy and intent.
Photography became a lifeline at a time when I felt invisible. Now, I use it to connect, to challenge, and to shift how we collectively understand trauma, strength, and survival. My travels have taken me to diverse locations across Europe and coast to coast in the USA. I have explored and documented a myriad of cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles. This global exposure has provided me with a deep appreciation for diversity, which I infuse into my work, ensuring that each photograph tells a distinct story.
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‘Places Nowhere'- 286 Deansgate, Manchester, 2025
‘Places Nowhere' - Gallery Oldham, Oldham - 2023
'Manc of the Year' - Barbirolli Square, Manchester - 2022
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‘Victorious Voices’ - Viv Gordon, Gloucester - 2025
‘Victorious Voices’ - 286 Deansgate, Manchester - 2025
‘Victorious Voices’ - Survivors West Yorkshire, Leeds - 2025
‘Victorious Voices’ - 92 Degrees, Manchester - 2024
'Victorious Voices' - Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, Glasgow - 2024
'Salford Open'- Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Salford - 2024
‘Manchester Open’ - HOME, Manchester - 2024
'MancUnity' - Great Northern Warehouse, Manchester- 2024
'In Manchester’- Barbirolli Square, Manchester - 2022
'Submerged Spaces' - Submerged Studio, Manchester - 2022
‘Together’ - Inch Gallery, Altrincham- 2022
Contact Me.
Have a project in mind, a question about prints, or want to collaborate?
Beyond my personal and advocacy-driven work, I’m available for editorial, event, and commissioned photography across the UK. Whether you’re interested in booking a shoot, discussing a commission, or connecting around Victorious Voices, I’d love to hear from you. Just drop me a message using the form below.