This episode of Neil Kramer  @neilochka joins Tim Bingham @_timbingham_  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  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. #TalkingFramesPodcast #neilkramer #documentaryphotography #StreetPhotography

@photolondonfair marks a new chapter for one of the world’s most important photography fairs. Running from 14 to 17 May, this year’s edition brings together leading galleries from across Europe, the US, Asia, and Latin America but what really defines Photo London is the way it balances the commercial energy of an art fair with a genuinely thoughtful curatorial vision. After a decade at Somerset House, the fair has now moved to Olympia London. That shift isn’t just logistical; it changes the entire experience. The new venue offers a more open, unified layout, making the fair easier to navigate and expanding what’s possible in terms of programming, presentation, and scale. In this episode, @_timbingham_ is joined by @__sophie.parker__ Director of Photo London 2026, to talk about why this feels like a turning point. We explore the shape of this year’s programme — from curated exhibitions and solo presentations to an expanded talks series focused on collecting, and a new screening room dedicated to artist films. There are standout moments too: early work by Stephen Meisel, a strong mix of emerging and established artists, and a major presentation from Autograph. And we look at the broader trends shaping the fair right now — including a renewed interest in craft, process‑driven work, and documentary photography.  Overall, this episode offers a clear insight into how Photo London is evolving in scale, in ambition, and in direction and what that evolution tells us about photography today.

Niamh Barry @narryphotographyvids 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, @photomuseumirl 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, @_timbingham_ 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. They also dive into the realities of sustaining an artistic career — from the importance (and fragility) of funding and her residency at Photo MuseumIreland, 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.

Reuben Radding, @reuben_radding a New York based street and documentary photographer whose work has become a distinctive voice within contemporary urban photography. Reuban has spent more than a decade walking the city with a camera, creating images that feel less like observations and more like encounters His photographs have appeared in exhibitions and publications since the early 2010s, and his first photobook, Heavenly Arms, published by @redhookeditions , has already earned international recognition, including a 2nd Place Prize in the 2025 International Photography Awards. The book distills ten years of wandering, witnessing, and wrestling with the idea of human interconnectedness. In this episode Tim Bingham @_timbingham_ speaks with Reuban exploring how his artistic background shapes his approach to street photography. A central theme of the discussion is how photography became a form of personal healing. Reuben describes previously feeling separate from others, like an observer on the outside of life. Through photographing on the streets of New York, he began to feel part of the city’s flow—less detached and more connected. This shift not only changed his relationship to photography but also deepened his sense of belonging and engagement with people. Ultimately, Reuben frames photography as a tool for understanding both himself and others. The practice has taught him to see people as complex and multifaceted, moving beyond simple judgments. Through this ongoing process, he recognises a shared human experience that connects everyone, making photography not just an artistic pursuit, but a way of engaging more deeply with the world . Links in the podcast notes #talkingframespodcast #reubanradding #streetphotography #newyork #VisualStorytelling

Dave Cossini @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, Dave 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 @_timbingham_ sits down with Dave to explore not just his photography, but the experiences and philosophy that shape it. Dave 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. Dave places himself within the story, allowing relationships to develop over time and shape the narrative organically. More details in the show notes #TalkingFramesPodcast #documentaryphotography #photographypodcasts

John Boaz @johnboaz_ is a portrait photographer whose work explores faith, community, culture, and place. He has been recognized multiple times in the Portrait of Britain awards, and his work has been exhibited at respected venues such as the Saatchi Gallery in London. His editorial photography has appeared in major publications including The Telegraph Magazine, Financial Times, New Statesman, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel. In this conversation with Tim Bingham, he discusses his journey into photography, his slow and deliberate working process, and the ethical responsibility he feels toward the people he While studying, he discovered the work of photographers including Alys Tomlinson, Laura Pannack, and Alex Soth. Encountering their work shifted his understanding of photography from simple image-making toward storytelling and visual communication. Much of John’s work focuses on long-term observational and portrait projects. His ongoing series Rivers of Living Water documents Christian faith communities across Britain while Our Father explores monastic life. Another deeply personal project, Hope in New Beginnings, turns the camera toward his own parents. Across these bodies of work, John emphasizes patience and relationship-building, often spending long periods with people and communities before making photographs. His portrait practice is grounded in trust and authenticity. John prefers to photograph people in their own environments using natural light. This approach reflects his belief that portrait photography should celebrate and honour the people being photographed.  Photographers mentioned in this episode @Laurapannack @Alystomlinson #talkingframespodcast #johnboaz #portraitphotography #photography #DocumentaryPhotography

Marcin Kornacki @se18kornacki 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. 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. A major turning point in Marcin’s career was his year-long mentorship with acclaimed photographer @laurapannack 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. #DocumentaryPhotography #Photojournalism #VisualStorytelling #LongTermProject #TalkingFramesPodcast

Meryl Meisler @merylmeisler is an American photographer born in the South Bronx and raised on Long Island, New York, whose work offers a vivid, human-centred portrait of New York from the 1970s onward. In recent years a resurgence of interest in her archive has brought Meryl's work wider recognition. Exhibitions and books of her work present these photographic archives as cultural time capsules – “love letters” to New York’s chaotic energy, its people, and the fleeting, spontaneous moments that define community and identity. Her photography blends documentary grit with warmth, humour, and empathy, making her a significant voice in American street and social documentary photography. This episode is a conversation about the long arc of an artistic life — about identity, joy, survival, and what it really means to stay with the work.Meryl shares how photography was never something she “discovered” — it was woven into her childhood.  At its heart, this is a conversation about patience, community, and staying with the work. Recognition came late. The images lived quietly for decades before the world caught up. Meryl’s story is a powerful reminder that an artistic life is sustained not by speed or spectacle, but by attention, connection, and endurance. Meryl will be exhibiting and speaking at @dsp_festival #merylmeisler #bushwick #TalkingFramesPodcast #streetphotography

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. 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. 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. 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. #TalkingFramesPodcast #DocumentaryPhotography #streetphotography

Rich Gilligan @richgilligan is an acclaimed Irish photographer whose creative practice bridges Dublin and New York. His evocative images focus on skateboarders, subcultures, urban landscapes, and leading figures from art and music. His work has been internationally recognised, with publications including T Magazine from The New York Times and i-D Magazine. His photography is rooted in real environments and real relationships. While skateboarding appears frequently in his pictures, his real interest lies in the culture that surrounds it: friendship, DIY creativity, community, rebellion, and the way skaters reimagine city space. Many of his images capture quieter reflective moments — empty spots after a session, fragments of conversation, or the textures and atmospheres of the urban landscape. In this conversation, Rich paints a vivid picture of 1990s Dublin before gentrification, discovering the city through skate culture, and working with Bruce Kelleher on their DIY zine “Killing Time.” He discusses his philosophy of “shoot what you know,” his preference for natural light, and why authenticity matters more than technical perfection. We also talk about “The First Draft,” his 20-year retrospective at Draíocht Gallery, the accompanying book, community workshops, and the importance of revisiting the places that shaped him. Throughout the episode, Rich reflects on photography as a way to process experience, build relationships, and balance commercial assignments with personal projects, including a growing interest in moving-image work. A core thread in his practice is the exploration of place and mood. He often photographs peripheral or overlooked spaces — industrial edges, abandoned sites, coastlines, and transitional landscapes. These images move beyond straightforward documentation, evoking youth, identity, and belonging, with light and weather giving the work a cinematic, contemplative quality. #richgilligan #TalkingFramesPodcast #DocumentaryPhotography

Ekaterina Kutikova @katkutikova 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. #talkingframespodcast #VisualStorytelling #streetphotography #CinematicStreet

Laurence Bouchard @laurence__bouchard is a street photographer based in Tokyo, best known for his high-contrast black-and-white images that emphasise geometry, shadow, and silhouette. His work is characterised by strong structural compositions, often reducing complex city scenes into minimalist arrangements of lines, shapes, and negative space. Rather than focusing on overt narrative moments, Laurence’s photographs explore visual order, balance, and rhythm within the urban environment. Overall, Laurence Bouchard’s photography is less about documenting events and more about seeing the city as a system of shapes, light, and movement. His images invite viewers to pause, slow down, and notice the quiet moments of order that exist within one of the world’s busiest urban environments. In this episode  Laurence explores his long-term photographic relationship with Tokyo—a city he has called home for over 16 years. Known for his striking monochrome images, Laurence’s work focuses on geometry, shadows, silhouettes, and minimalism, seeking moments of calm and structure within one of the world’s most visually chaotic cities. The episode explores the Tokyo street photography community, including the Tokyo Streets collective, which supports photographers through exhibitions, publishing, and collaborative projects. Laurence reflects on how rare negative encounters have been during his years shooting on the streets and how community has helped foster confidence and creative growth. Some photographers mentioned @Tokyotimes_lee @mdkistler #laurencebouchard #talkingframespodcast #streetphotography #streetphotography #tokyostreet