Documentary photographer to open pop-up exhibition celebrating North East Life
A photographer who moved to North Shields is preparing for her biggest exhibition yet, celebrating the people, places and everyday moments that make the region special.
Gaby Zak, known for her landscape photography and documentary work, will launch a large-scale pop-up shop at Newcastle Quays, North Shields from July 9, with a special event on July 12 featuring local DJs and food stalls
Photography has been part of Gaby's life since childhood. Inspired by regular family trips to Scotland, where her grandparents lived in Dumfries and Galloway, she developed a fascination with landscapes and the power of capturing a moment in time.
"I've always been creative," said Gaby. " I chose photography at A-level and I love the outdoors, the world amazes me, and I just wanted to capture it.
"During Covid I picked up my camera and posted my work every day online. I began researching ways to get my work published and secured features and interviews. From there, things just started to grow."
Today, she specialises in landscape and nature photography and has become known for her documentary projects capturing the North East.
Her acclaimed black-and-white documentary series has now reached its third volume, documenting local people, communities and the character of North East. The work has been published as a series of books, with many residents collecting each edition.
"I love telling people's stories through photography," she said. "Often people don't even realise they're being photographed. It's about capturing genuine moments and showing the beauty in ordinary life," she said.
The pop-up shop represents Gaby's first pop-up store.
The expanded venue will allow visitors to explore collections of her work, including landscapes across the North East and beyond, documentary photography and immersive projection displays featuring seasonal woodland scenes.
Visitors can also book photo sessions during the event, with Gaby setting up a dedicated photography space.
"I want people to look at the images and think, 'That's my place.' I want people to feel proud of where they come from and see themselves within the beauty that's all around them."
Following the event, Gaby is already planning the next chapter of her documentary series, with Volume Four currently in development.