Talking Frames

This episode of Talking Frames Neil Kramer joins Tim Bingham for a deeply reflective conversation exploring photography, ethics, family, aging, and the evolving realities of street photography in a post-pandemic world. Neil discusses his unconventional journey into photography, initially resisting the medium despite growing up around cameras through his father before eventually discovering photography through the accessibility of the iPhone and the streets of New York City. Drawing from his background in English literature and film school, he reflects on how narrative, framing, light, and emotional storytelling continue to shape his photographic approach. A major focus of the conversation centres on how dramatically street photography has changed over the last decade. Neil reflects on how smartphones and social media transformed photography from a largely observational practice into something far more public, performative, and ethically complicated. Questions surrounding privacy, consent, representation, race, immigration, and audience perception now sit at the centre of photographing strangers in public spaces. Neil speaks candidly about the emotional complexity of photographing family members and the difficult negotiations surrounding vulnerability, authorship, and consent when the people closest to you become artistic subjects. The conversation also examines the growing influence of social media on photographic practice. Neil openly discusses the tension between making photographs instinctively and subconsciously anticipating audience reaction online. He reflects on the discomfort of strangers publicly commenting on his family life and explains why he declined interest from the Daily Mail, fearing the work would be reduced to sensationalism rather than understood as nuanced personal documentary storytelling. They further explore broader questions surrounding authenticity, interpretation, and artistic control. They discuss the balance between allowing photographs to speak independently versus guiding viewers through captions and narrative context, especially when deeply personal work becomes publicly consumed and frequently misunderstood. Neil Kramer Website Neil Kramer Instagram Photoville Exhibition Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Niamh Barry who is based in Dublin is a photographer and visual storyteller whose work focuses on intimate, emotionally honest portrayals of queer life in Ireland. Her images are grounded in trust, tenderness and a commitment to representing people and communities whose stories are often overlooked. Niamhs work has been exhibited widely, including at the RHA Annual Exhibition, Photo Museum Ireland’s Talents programme, Irish Design Week and the Galway Arts Centre. She has been nominated for FUTURES, featured in the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Humanity, and supported by multiple Arts Council Agility Awards. Her photography has appeared in publications such as VICE UK, Billboard, CLASH Magazine and Totally Dublin, reflecting her growing presence across both art and editorial contexts. In this episode, Tim Bingham speaks with Niamh fresh from winning an award at the Manchester Film Festival, Niamh reflects on her path from studying at Trinity College Dublin into a career shaped by instinct, collaboration, and lived experience. The conversation traces her early development through projects like No Queer Apologies, a defining body of work that expanded her visual language and led to a sold-out photobook supported by the Arts Council Ireland. It also explores her more recent project Now & Forever, Interpersonally Queer, which focuses on intimacy, chosen family, and a slower, more collaborative way of working. A central focus is her documentary Something in the Air, inspired by the work of Nan Goldin and developed through an unexpected connection with a transgender storm chaser in Oklahoma. Niamh discusses the shift from still photography to film, the challenges of working with a small crew, and how storytelling changes when moving from image to motion. They also dive into the realities of sustaining an artistic career — from the importance (and fragility) of funding and her residency at Photo Museum Ireland, to navigating freelance life, creative control, and representation within the Irish photography scene. Alongside her personal work, Niamh reflects on photographing musicians like boygenius and Chappell Roan, and how commercial work provides a separate creative outlet. At its core, the episode is about building a practice without a roadmap — balancing uncertainty with purpose, and using photography as both a personal and political act. Niamh Website Niamh instagram Talking Frames instagram

David Cossini is a documentary and street photographer whose work is grounded in immersion, connection, and honesty. Rather than chasing quick images, he invests time in the people and communities he photographs, building trust and creating images that feel raw, human, and deeply personal. His approach prioritises emotion and atmosphere over technical perfection, drawing viewers into the scene rather than positioning them as distant observers. His work has been recognised through a number of photography awards and competitions, reflecting both his strength as a storyteller and his commitment to long-term, meaningful projects. He is also a member of the Revoke Photo Collective, a group dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary street and documentary photography. Alongside his practice, David is an active voice within the photography community, speaking openly about process, ethics, and what it truly means to document people with respect. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Tim Bingham sits down with David to explore not just his photography, but the experiences and philosophy that shape it. David shares his non-linear journey into photography and explains why he rejects conventional, surface-level assignments in favour of long-term, immersive work. His focus often centres on people living on the margins, those navigating addiction, identity, and social exclusion by approaching these stories with a desire to understand rather than simply observe. A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the importance of proximity. David places himself within the story, allowing relationships to develop over time and shape the narrative organically. Some of his most powerful work is rooted in personal experience, including reconnecting with his father after a 20-year estrangement, using the camera as both a bridge and a tool for understanding. The discussion also explores his ongoing work with punk communities and individuals struggling with addiction, highlighting the ethical balance between honesty and dignity, the role of consent, and the emotional weight of sustained engagement with difficult realities. His commitment to these communities is long-term and non-transactional. At the core of David’s perspective is a strong personal ethos. He draws a distinction between empathy and compassion, arguing that while bias is inevitable, compassion allows for a more honest and sustainable relationship with subjects. Forgiveness—particularly in relation to his father—emerges as a powerful theme, framed not as something done for others, but as a way of finding personal freedom. Ultimately, this conversation reveals that for David, photography is not just a career but a way of living—one built on presence, patience, and emotional investment. Whether working in Uganda, Newcastle, or within subcultures closer to home, his focus remains the same: to tell stories with integrity and remain loyal to the people at the heart of them. David Cossini Website David Cossina Instagram Revoke Photo Collective Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Marcin Kornacki is a photojournalist and documentary photographer whose work focuses on places and communities shaped by conflict, social inequality, and historical memory. He is based in London and studied photojournalism and documentary photography at the University of the Arts London. His practice is grounded in long-term projects and spending extended time with the people he photographs, combining visual storytelling with personal testimony. In this episode, Tim speaks with Marcin about his artistic development, working practice, and the ethical complexities of photographing communities affected by conflict and social marginalisation. The conversation traces Marcin’s journey from early inspiration through to his current, more contemplative approach to image-making. His professional work has taken him to Haiti, Bolivia, Lebanon, Jamaica and Nepal, with Haiti becoming one of his most significant long-term projects. There he documented gang violence, displacement and political upheaval, including direct engagement with gang leader Jimmy Chérizier. Marcin reflected on working in Port-au-Prince during a period when gang control, humanitarian crisis and political collapse converged, describing both the risks and responsibilities that come with photographing conflict. A major turning point in Marcin’s career was his year-long mentorship with acclaimed photographer Laura Pannack. This mentorship was described as profoundly transformative. Under Laura’s guidance, Marcin shifted from fast, reactive photojournalism toward a slower, more intentional way of working. This slower, more reflective approach to image-making became visible in his exhibition “Outer Land”, which explored liminal spaces and transition. Preparing the exhibition highlighted the difficulty of editing one’s own work and reinforced the value of collaboration with trusted editors and curators — a lesson strengthened through Laura Pannack’s mentorship. The episode also explored the realities of contemporary documentary photography, including self-promotion, audience connection, and the challenge of balancing artistic expression with journalistic responsibility. Marcin’s evolving practice points toward slower, more nuanced and collaborative storytelling, profoundly shaped by mentorship, field experience and ethical reflection. Marcin Kornacki Website Marcin Kornanki Instagram Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Simon King began his photographic career in the world of fashion, focusing particularly on backstage photography. While this commercial work provided valuable experience, it was through documentary photography that Simon discovered his true calling. This evolution signified a shift towards authentic storytelling, where meaningful engagement with subjects took precedence over commercial interests. A distinctive feature of Simon's approach lies in his clear separation between street photography and documentary work. He regards street photography as providing contextual imagery and B-roll material, serving to support the broader narrative. In contrast, documentary photography delivers the hero shots and A-roll content, encapsulating the central storyline of each project. This distinction allows Simon to maintain clarity and focus, ensuring that each project is grounded in the stories he wishes to convey. As a teacher, Simon’s emphasis moves away from gear and toward self-understanding. He encourages photographers to examine their relationship with the world before worrying about cameras. Why you photograph, how you approach people, and what you bring into a space matters more than technical mastery. For Simon, photography becomes both purpose and permission — an excuse to enter communities, listen, and participate with care. The New Exit collective embodies this same spirit of collaboration. Rather than privileging individual authorship, the group prioritises shared purpose when the work demands it. It becomes a support structure where photographers grow together, challenge each other ethically and creatively, and commit to projects that carry social and cultural weight. Simon and Tim delve into the ethical responsibilities of documentary photographers, especially when working in enclosed or sensitive settings. Simon recounts his experience photographing inside a temple, where building trust and participating in the community were crucial. They question the notion of photographers as detached observers, with Simon advocating against simply "bruising the scene" and leaving. Instead, he emphasises the role of photographers as engaged participants, stressing the importance of representation, respect, and cultivating long-term relationships, which become as significant as the images themselves. Simon Instagram Blog Publications Talking Frames Instagram

Ekaterina Kutikova Bgantseva is a contemporary photographer working primarily in street photography, based in the Mediterranean city of Alicante, Spain. She has received numerous awards and recognitions in international photography contests. These include winning the FUJIFILM “Día Mundial de la Fotografía 2025” award, several LensCulture Street Photography Awards Editor’s Picks, being named a top street photographer in the 35AWARDS, plaudits in the Paris International Street Photo Awards, and medals in the Black & White International Photo Awards. Her work has appeared in various photography publications — including editions of Tokyo Streets and volumes of Photographize — and has been exhibited internationally, with shows such as Tokyo Streets in Tokyo and Calentamiento Global in Alicante. Founder of the Street Lens Society collective, she reinforces the importance of street photography as an art form and is dedicated to showcasing the best artists in the field. In this episode Tim and Ekaterina explored Ekaterina’s creative evolution as a photographer, tracing her shift from early conceptual and black-and-white work to her current cinematic approach to street photography. Today, her images focus on people’s emotions and inner worlds, often carrying a sense of mystery shaped through careful post-processing. Ekaterina shared how her artistic family background – a father in music, a mother working in theatre costume design, and a grandfather involved in documentary filmmaking – continues to influence her visual storytelling and drive for constant improvement. The conversation also touched on authenticity in urban photography. Rather than confining herself to a single genre, Ekaterina enjoys experimentation, and a book by Joshua Jackson helped reignite her passion for photography in her twenties. She prefers spontaneous, unstaged city moments, believing they better capture the magic and unpredictability of urban life. Tim and Ekaterina discussed photographing different cities, including Rome and her home city of Alicante. She noted how images from the same location can change completely depending on mood, time, and light. While fine art projects often require detailed planning, she finds that street photography thrives on walking, observing, and responding to the environment in real time. Finally, they discussed inspiration. Ekaterina finds ideas through direct experience of life rather than staying at home, drawing from cinema, Renaissance art, and other photographers. Photography, she said, feels like “second nature” and a form of meditation that changes how she sees the world. While Instagram remains a powerful platform for sharing work, she also values exhibitions, networking, and book publishing as ways for photographers to build an audience. Ekaterina Kutikova website Ekaterina Kutikova instagram Talking frames instagram

Wei Jian Chan is a Singapore-born photographer based in London, best known for his thoughtful black-and-white street photography and his exploration of migration, identity, and belonging. He moved from Singapore to the UK in 2012, and that experience of relocation has become a central thread running through his work. His photography has been exhibited in various locations in the UK and Europe, and has been acquired to form part of the permanent collection of the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Art. His work has also been featured by numerous outlets, including The Guardian, Deutsche Welle, National Geographic, Amateur Photographer, and Leica Camera. Wei Jian talked about moving from Singapore to the UK in 2012 and how that migration experience became central to his work. Adjusting to a new culture, language style, and pace of life created feelings of uncertainty and displacement. Photography became a way to process those emotions, helping him make sense of belonging and identity in a place that initially felt unfamiliar. Much of the conversation focused on his street photography practice in London. Wei Jian primarily works in black and white, drawn to how light, shadow, and architectural structure shape the city. He shoots mostly with a 35mm lens and spoke about balancing instinctive reactions on the street with careful pre-visualisation. He also noted that photographers often return to the same areas over time, mentioning places like the West End, South Bank, and Shoreditch. The interview explored the making of his photobook Journey to the West, a four-year project published by Satanta Books. The book uses street photography as a metaphor for migration, uncertainty, and adaptation. Wei Jian described the intense editing process, reducing tens of thousands of images into a tightly sequenced narrative, and emphasised the importance of the physical book, from paper choice to black pages and spot lamination. Some Photographers mentioned Joshua K Jackson Andrew Blowers Simon King Thoms English Journey to the West book Wei Jian Website Wei Jian Instagram Talking Frames Instagram

Knox Bertie is a photographer who is drawn to film for its tactile and aesthetic qualities, he continued using it even as digital photography became mainstream. Though often labelled a street photographer, Knox prefers a more introspective and deliberate approach, blending experimental and portrait styles. His background as a chemistry teacher informs his methodical darkroom work, balancing technical precision with artistic expression. His early Sydney work remains his most cherished, created without external pressures. International experiences in England, Dubai, and Malaysia shaped his style, but his visual signature—marked by thoughtful composition and use of light—remained consistent. Knox’s work often captures quiet, reflective moments and has evolved from standalone images to narrative-driven series like “Anika,” which explores themes of impermanence. He documents Sydney’s transformation over two decades, focusing on commuter fatigue and urban density. Writing is integral to his creative process, with daily journaling helping him refine his vision. As a Leica ambassador, Knox appreciates the brand’s support for creative freedom and the distinctiveness of Australian light. Influenced by George Orwell’s writings, especially during the pandemic, Knox resonates with themes of memory, change, and acceptance as these are ideas that echo throughout his photography. Knox Bertie Instagram Talking Frames Instagram

Chris Harrison, a talented photographer and designer based in Brighton, UK. Chris's creative practice seamlessly bridges the realms of street photography, visual storytelling Chris’s street work often focuses on Brighton’s seafront and off-season atmosphere, capturing moments of absurdity, solitude, and human quirkiness. His philosophy is rooted in patience and observation: waiting for a scene to unfold rather than chasing it. He has described his process as “finding interest in the ordinary,” photographing everything from crowded promenades to his own kitchen sink — guided by the belief that everything is interesting if seen with attention and curiosity. His design background strongly influences his photography. The clean lines, colour harmony, and attention to visual rhythm in his images reflect a designer’s eye for structure and simplicity. He often talks about the crossover between the two disciplines, describing how principles of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy inform how he frames a shot or sequences images in a series. In 2024, Chris self-published his first photobook, Sideshow, an eight-year project documenting Brighton beyond its tourist veneer — particularly during quieter, off-season periods. The book received widespread praise, quickly sold out, and reached collectors around the world. He has since become an active presence in the UK street photography community, running workshops, speaking at events, and serving as a competition judge. Chris's work is characterised by its clarity, humour, and human warmth. Through a combination of patience, design sensibility, and curiosity, he invites viewers to see the familiar with fresh eyes — reminding us that even the most ordinary moments can hold unexpected visual poetry. The conversation in this episode provides insight into the disciplined and honest approach of Chris. Through his dual sensibility as a designer and photographer, he demonstrates how embracing creative limitations, practising patience, and striving for visual clarity can result in genuinely original and impactful work. The conversation also addresses broader themes in contemporary photography, including the role of artificial intelligence, the importance of authenticity, and the ways in which social media is reshaping the photographic landscape. Chris discusses the balance between his commercial design work and personal creative projects, offering practical advice to emerging photographers: stay patient, trust your instincts, and focus on developing a unique visual voice rather than following fleeting trends. Chris Harrison website Chris Harrison Instagram Tim Bingham ( Host ) Instagram Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Dawn Eagleton is a renowned British street photographer, celebrated for her vivid portraits that reveal people in genuine, unscripted moments. Her photography has achieved international acclaim, with exhibitions in New York, Rome, London, and Singapore. Through her technical expertise and perceptive eye, Dawn continues to leave a lasting impression on the street photography community by showcasing the extraordinary within everyday life. In this episode, Dawn recounts her entry into the world of street photography, tracing it back to her first spontaneous photograph taken in Valencia. This experience became a turning point, igniting her passion for capturing people in their most natural state. Dawn’s method is organic—favouring unplanned shoots, engaging authentically with strangers, and seeking out honest, unguarded moments. She emphasises the importance of moving slowly, being intentional in her actions, and using elements like lighting, framing, and location to craft compelling visual stories. The discussion also delves into the themes of authenticity and empowerment in her work. Dawn explains how her portraits invite viewers to interpret the stories of her subjects, and she shares uplifting feedback she has received from those she photographs. She celebrates her involvement with the Women Street Photographers community and notes significant milestones such as exhibitions in Rome and New York, as well as her recent collaboration with Fujifilm. In reflecting on her creative journey, Dawn highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts, taking time to recharge, and embracing a personal perspective. The episode concludes with a discussion between Dawn and Tim about the unique challenges street photographers face in different cities. Dawn Eagleton Instagram X-E5 x Dawn Eagleton/ FUJIFILM Tim Bingham ( Host ) Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Alys Tomlinson is a British photographer renowned for her evocative black-and-white imagery. Her acclaimed series Ex-Voto explored Christian pilgrimage sites in France, Ireland, and Poland, documenting the intimate rituals and offerings of pilgrims. Among these portraits, one of the most striking was of Mother Vera, a young nun at Grabarka, Poland. This photograph became central to Alys’s work, inspiring her to delve deeper into Vera’s story. Her subsequent work, Lost Summer, portrays young people in North London dressed in prom attire amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting themes of loss and resilience. Mother Vera, directed by Alys and Cécile Embleton chronicles Vera’s journey of self-discovery and liberation after two decades in a hidden Orthodox monastery in Belarus. The film retains the contemplative, minimalistic aesthetic of Alys’s photography, with a slow-paced, black-and-white visual style that emphasizes the quiet intensity of monastic life By translating and translates her photographic sensibilities into film. The film captures the emotional and spiritual depth of Vera’s experience, allowing audiences to connect intimately with her story. The success of Mother Vera, which won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary at the 2024 London Film Festival, highlights Alys's remarkable ability to move seamlessly between still and moving images. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on faith, ritual, and identity, whether in a single photograph or a feature-length documentary. Through both mediums, she continues to tell stories that explore the profound connections between people, place, and the human experience. Mother Vera information and screenings Alys Tomlinson website Alys Tomlinson Instagram Tim Bingham ( Host ) Instagram Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Soulla Petrou is a renowned British photographer whose work has defined key moments in music and youth culture from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s. Her photographic journey began at the age of ten, sparked by a gift of a Polaroid camera. Inspired by cinematic storytellers like Roman Polanski and David Lynch, Soulla developed a unique visual style that blends narrative depth with raw authenticity. Soulla transitioned into music photography through her early work with Touch magazine, capturing artists like General Levy during the formative years of jungle and UK urban music. This led to a prolific career shooting for iconic publications such as DJ Magazine, Mixmag, and The Face, where her ability to connect with subjects and document the energy of the scene made her a trusted name. From gritty underground raves to polished editorial spreads, Soulla’s portfolio spans genres and generations. Her lens has captured everyone from Blur and Orbital to Fatboy Slim and Geri Halliwell. Her book, Rewind, offers a striking retrospective of 15 years of music photography, covering scenes from Britpop to electronica with rare, behind-the-scenes intimacy. Soulla's method is rooted in meticulous preparation, creative independence, and above all, trust—both in her subjects and in her own vision. Navigating the shift from analog to digital photography, she has remained committed to artistic integrity, often challenging industry pressures around image rights and editorial control. Today, Soulla continues to celebrate photography’s power to document culture with depth and style. Recent exhibitions at Proud Gallery and Photo London affirm her enduring relevance, as she reflects on a career shaped by adaptability, passion, and a deep respect for the stories behind the image. In the episode Soulla offers behind-the-scenes stories of her shoots—some spontaneous, others meticulously planned—emphasising the importance of building trust with subjects, preparation, and maintaining creative control. She speaks candidly about navigating the industry’s shift from analog to digital photography, the implications on image rights, and how that transition reshaped the artistic and business sides of her work. Soulla's latest exhibition can be seen at Photofusion in Brixton ,London from 3rd September to 27th September2025 Soulla website Purchase Rewind Book Soulla Instagram Tim Bingham (Host) Instagram Talking Frames Instagram Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com