LJ Ross

LJ Ross is an international bestselling author of atmospheric crime and mystery thrillers, whose books are all inspired by and set in the North East and have sold over seven million copies worldwide. She was born and bred in the region, where she continues to live with her husband and young children. Through her own publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, Louise undertakes a number of philanthropic ventures, including founding and sponsoring the Northern Photography Prize to support creative arts in the region she loves.

Jason Friend

Based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in England’s North-East, Jason Friend is an award-winning professional photographer that specialises in commercial, wedding and travel photography.

Jason’s photography career has spanned almost two decades with many incredible highlights including publishing a best-selling book, working for iconic brands such as Microsoft and National Geographic, exhibiting at the renowned Joe Cornish Gallery, and being personally invited to photograph a member of the royal family.

Adam Lang

Adam is a part-time freelance photographer and founder of Lang Shot Photography. He is self taught and shoots across multiple genres but his main love lies in urban and street photography. His prints of the North East and further afield hang on walls around the world and his work has been used on album covers, book covers and websites. When not taking pictures, Adam enjoys travelling, socialising and music. 

Janet Blair

Janet was picture editor and editor at sporting publishers Kensington West Productions before co-founding Living North and developing it into the leading lifestyle publication in the North of England. A Geordie born and bred, she is passionate about the North East and the incredible talent found here and Living North has championed small businesses, creatives and fledgling entrepreneurs for over 20 years. A mother of four, Janet loves the sea and spends as much time walking on the beach in Northumberland as she can.

Daniel Russell

Daniel Russell is the Head of Commercial Operations for The Alnwick Garden and sits as an Independent Director on the Commercial Board of Trustees for Northern Stage. Daniel is a vocal advocate of the promotion and development of creative professionals within the region. Born and raised in the North East, he is found most weekends exploring the length and breadth of Northumberland with his wife and their Springer Spaniel.