Talking Frames 22 Chris Harrison Design, Patience, and the Art of Street Photography
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.
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