Chris Bentley

Chris is our Digital Content Creator, who started volunteering here soon after he graduated university. He’s got a degree in Computer Networking from Birmingham City University, but he has taken a very different path.

Chris loves all aspects of photography, but he has a found his passion in portraiture, where he has been able shoot with some wonderful people, including cosplayers, singers and street artists. As well as building up a portfolio doing portraiture, he has also taken magnificent photos for TPO, worked as a BTS photographer on a number of music video shoots, and shot multiple events, and weddings.

One of the most important things in Chris’ life is his family and going to family events. Especially when his aunties and uncles send him home with food. “Mami’s samosas are heaven”. He is one of four boys, all of whom have played at least one musical instrument, but despite this Chris struggles to play the triangle. One of these brothers was an original member of TPO playing the trombone. Don’t encourage the volume.

Chris has a very competitive streak, which is most notably unveiled when playing Mario Kart, or when Fantasy Premier League is mentioned, where he won his cousins’ Head-to-Head trophy in the 2022/2023 season.

When working at TPO, he loves the camaraderie in the office and loves having the opportunity to work with a crew that you can learn from. After volunteering, he was hired as the Digital Content Creator.

“It's really boosted my confidence behind the camera. I've had numerous rejections from companies due to my disability, but TPO look beyond my disability, and see my potential that can be built on. The People's Orchestra brings people from all walks of life together, helps them home their skills, not just in a musical aspect, but in a way that develops you as a person.”

His favourite concert that we've done has got to be Birmingham Comic Con, because it was so surreal having a Dalek sneak up on you whilst playing I Am The Doctor, and then going to the toilet next to a Clone Trooper.