Striking portraits – including an Olympic hopeful and a youngster preparing for a school play – are currently on exhibition at The Dukes gallery in Lancaster.

Silent Pride – 50mm is a collection by former press photographer Sam Reynolds who set up his own editorial photographic agency – Shooting the Living –  in 2011.

All the subjects in the exhibition were shot on a 50mm lens. “During each shoot, the person displayed a natural poise which, when coupled with their often serious expression or a natural un-forced smile, created an intriguing portrait, leading the viewer to want to know the story behind the shot,” says Sam.

The portraits include swimmer Samantha Murray at her last training session in Clitheroe before joining Team GB; a Kate Middleton look-alike, and two gang members from Preston where Sam lives.

Describing himself as a people-person, Sam has recently completed some photographic work for The Dukes and cites the likes of Eugene Atoet, Man Ray, Maurice Broomfield and Martin Parras as influences.

• Silent Pride – 50mm runs until 24th March. The Dukes gallery is open from 10am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday.  Please call the box office on 01524 598500 to check opening times if you’re making a special journey as occasionally the space is closed to the public.