Talking Frames

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

​Renzo Grande is a Peruvian-born documentary photographer and visual storyteller based in New York City. His journey into photography began as a personal therapeutic endeavor,This practice not only helped him process his feelings but also ignited a passion for capturing authentic human experiences. Over time, Renzo's focus shifted towards documentary and humanitarian photography, emphasizing genuine connections and the raw essence of human life. Renzo's work is characterized by a deep commitment to ethical storytelling and cultural sensitivity. He emphasizes the importance of building trust within communities and respecting cultural boundaries when documenting stories. Through initiatives like the 24 Hour Project and Everyday Peru, Renzo continues to use photography as a tool for social advocacy, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and foster global empathy. The 24 Hour Photography Project, founded by Renzo, epitomizes his vision of uniting photographers worldwide to tell the collective story of humanity in real time. What began in 2012 with a handful of participants has grown into a global movement spanning 90 countries and over 3,000 photographers. The project not only documents diverse human experiences but also bridges cultures and communities, with participants forming meaningful connections and even life-changing relationships. The initiative's partnerships with NGOs further extend its impact, providing resources, exposure, and opportunities to address pressing social issues. Renzo’s reflections on patience, cultural sensitivity, and the democratizing power of smartphones highlight his belief in the transformative potential of photography, not just as an art form but as a catalyst for change. 24 Hour Photography Project  Renzo Instagram  Host Tim Bingham Instagram Talking Frames Instagram

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    

Carolyn Mendelsohn is a celebrated English portrait photographer and filmmaker, renowned for her deeply empathetic, co‑produced approach to storytelling through images. Carolyns work transcends visual beauty: it’s about connection, agency, and the co-creation of narratives with her subjects. Her portraits don’t just freeze moments—they invite viewers into a shared space of honesty, vulnerability and empowerment, shaped collaboratively from the very first conversation. Her acclaimed projects, such as Hardy and Free (originally commissioned as part of the Brontë Parsonage Museum Contemporary Arts Programme), delves into women's personal stories and their relationships with landscape - inspired by a quote by Emily Brontë, "I wish I were a girl again, half-savage and hardy, and free…"   Being Inbetween and Age of Wonder, focus on themes of identity, adolescence, and transformation. Being Inbetween, which portrays girls aged 10 to 12, received wide recognition including a Royal Photographic Society gold medal and a published book. Mendelsohn’s thoughtful, collaborative process allows her subjects to express their individuality and agency, making her portraits powerful and personal. Beyond her photographic practice, Carolyn is an educator and mentor. She founded Through Our Lens, a creative workshop project launched during the pandemic to help young people tell their stories through photography. As a Nikon Europe Ambassador and the first Royal Photographic Society ambassador, she continues to shape the next generation of visual storytellers with her blend of technical skill, empathy, and creative vision. In this episode, Carolyn shares her creative journey from acting and filmmaking to becoming a portrait photographer. Carolyn reflects on key projects, including Being In Between, which explores the transitional age of girls between 10 and 12, and Hardy and Free, which delves into women's relationships with landscape and resilience. A significant focus of the conversation is her powerful collaboration with athlete Heather Fisher. Over three days, including a trip to Paris, Carolyn and Heather worked together to document Heather’s experiences with alopecia, identity, and trauma. The project produced a series of intimate and empowering portraits that helped Heather embrace her identity and resonated deeply with others. Carolyn also talks about her approach to building trust with her subjects, prioritizing authenticity, collaboration, and emotional connection. She explains how she uses natural light, simple equipment, and often incorporates audio and film to create immersive storytelling experiences. Throughout the podcast, Carolyn highlights how photography has transformed her life—offering creative freedom, connection, and a way to amplify often-overlooked voices. Throughout the discussion, Carolyn emphasizes how photography transformed her life, providing creative freedom and opportunities for storytelling. The work's impact extends beyond the images themselves, creating lasting connections and meaningful relationships with subjects. Proud Reflections with Health Fisher Carolyn Website Carolyn Instagram Talking Frames Instagram Tim Bingham ( Host ) Instagram  

Nina Welch-Kling, an innovative street photographer whose work has captivated audiences around the world. With a background in fine art and architecture, Nina brings a unique perspective to photography, blending her eye for patterns and structure with an instinct for capturing the raw, unfiltered moments of life. Nina has honed an intuitive eye for capturing the poetry of everyday life—wandering city streets, observing light and gesture, and distilling these fleeting moments into striking images Nina’s images are renowned for their ambiguity, mystery, and emotional depth, challenging viewers to interpret and engage with her work in personal and meaningful ways. Her projects have been featured in exhibitions globally, including her recent showcase in Germany, where her photography book was displayed as diptychs, creating new visual narratives for audiences to explore. Throughout her journey, Nina has embraced experimentation, whether by exploring new techniques or diving into the scientific elements of photography to push the boundaries of her art. She’s a storyteller and an artist deeply committed to capturing the essence of human connection and the beauty in everyday life. In this episode we discuss Nina’s journey as a photographer, from her beginnings influenced by her background in fine art and architecture to her recent exhibition in Germany, where her book was displayed as diptychs on gallery walls. We’ll explore her creative process, including how she embraces challenges, experiments with tools like long lenses, and finds inspiration in vibrant details.provide Nina provides valuable insights into the process of publishing and exhibiting her work. We’ll also discuss the evolution of her style, her thoughts on the changing world of street photography, and the importance of community and connection in her work. Nina will share stories about her projects, like Valentando, Duologues, and her more recent work Rallentando .   Nina Website Nina Instagram Host Tim Bingham instagram Talking Frames Instagram         Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Chloe Juno is a Brighton‑based British documentary photographer, visual artist, creative consultant, curator, and  photo editor with over 15 years’ experience in the industry She has  worked with major clients like Thomson Reuters, The Sunday Times, 8 Magazine, and has led workshops at respected institutions including the Royal Festival Hall and Plymouth City Museum  Her photography is part of the permanent collection at Plymouth Museum. Chloe’s photography intersects art and social commentary—turning overlooked street trash into moments that explore memory, identity, and consumer culture. Through Someone’s Rubbish, she builds a nuanced portrait of urban life, one small item at a time. Chloe was co curator of Documenting Britain from 2015 - 2021  the project curates a diverse range of images that highlight overlooked aspects of everyday life, offering an alternative to the polished visuals dominating mainstream media. As a curator, Chloe prioritised authentic storytelling and amplifies the voices of both emerging and established photographers. Documenting Britain has become a celebrated hub for grassroots visual storytelling, fostering a sense of community around real-life narratives and  empowering a new generation of storytellers and redefines what documentary photography can testify. Chloe supports photographers and arts organizations in developing concepts, photobooks, exhibitions, and visual identities. Her consultancy spans photo editing, art direction, project management, archiving, workshops, and public art commissions. Throughout the conversation, Chloe underscors the importance of authenticity and sensitivity when collaborating with different communities, emphasizing the power of photography to foster understanding and social change. The discussion also explored broader industry themes, particularly the evolving challenges photographers face. Topics included the growing impact of AI on the art form, the pivotal role of curators in shaping exhibitions, and the necessity of resilience in a rapidly changing industry. Chloe reflects on her collaborations, notably with environmental photographer Alan Juno, and shared her insights on how photography intertwines with her life as a medium for powerful visual storytelling. Resilience, she noted, is multifaceted—personal resilience stems from passion and focus, financial resilience from balancing commercial and personal projects, and creative resilience from staying true to one's vision. Professional resilience involves adapting to industry shifts, mental resilience requires managing imposter syndrome and rejection, and strategic resilience lies in forging unconventional paths when traditional routes falter. For Chloe, resilience is about "just doing you," pushing through challenges while remaining anchored to one's core passions and independent projects. Chloe Website Chloe Instagram The Powers That Be, Alan Gignoux and Chloe Juno Tim Bingham Host Instagram Talking Frames Podcat Instagram               Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

​John Bolloten is a British documentary photographer based in Bradford, UK, renowned for his unflinching and empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities and subcultures. Since picking up a camera , John has immersed himself in the lives of those often overlooked— drug users the homeless, underground fighters, and subcultures that thrive in the shadows.​ His seminal works, such as Nothing To See Here and Love Story, offer raw, intimate glimpses into the struggles and resilience of individuals battling addiction and poverty in Bradford. In Tbilisi Raw, he ventures into Georgia's far-right football ultras scene, capturing a world rarely seen by outsiders.​ Johns approach is deeply empathetic; he builds trust over time, allowing his subjects to reveal their realities without judgment. His photography doesn't just document—it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and recognise shared humanity. In this episode we discuss how John found his calling in photography, his unique approach to building relationships with the various communities, and the stories behind some of his most impactful projects. We also explore the ethical challenges of documentary photography and the responsibility that comes with telling someone else's story. Vice video 'Spartan Bare Knuckle’ To purchase This is Not A Life, It's An Existance  John  Website  John Instagram Follow Host Tim Binghm Instagram Talking Frames Podcast Instagram       Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Neil Buchan-Grant is a distinguished Scottish Photographer now living in the Cotswolds in England  He specialises in travel, portraiture, and unit stills photography.  Renowned for his compelling travel imagery, he has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Insight Guides and KUONI, leading international photo tours to destinations like Vietnam, India, and Italy. Recognised for his excellence, Neil was awarded British Travel Press Photographer of the Year. As an Olympus Cameras Visionary, he created evocative fashion and travel projects in iconic locations worldwide. Evolving his craft, Neil transitioned into unit stills photography, working on film and television productions including "Tales of Babylon" and "The Experiment." He balances commercial success with personal projects, such as "The Dogs of Cheltenham," a charitable initiative. Influenced by legends like Saul Leiter and Peter Lindbergh, he continues to capture striking visuals that blend storytelling and artistry. Based in the Cotswolds, he remains an influential figure in both UK and international photography scenes.   In the conversation with Neil , we delved into his journey as a photographer, starting from his early passion for photography, which was sparked by a magazine article at a young age. He shared how he found success through travel assignments with Insight Guides. Neil discussed his experience transitioning into film stills photography, the challenges of balancing creativity with production needs, and how he developed a relationship with Olympus as an ambassador. We also touch on his love for dog photography and his project, "Dogs of Cheltenham," as well as his work in various photography genres, including street and portrait photography. Photographers Mentioned Nicola Dove Film Stills  David Eustace  Matt Stuart   Follow Neil Instagram Neil  Website    Follow host Tim Bingham Instagram Talking Frames Podcast Instagram              Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com

Daniel Sackheim, a renowned filmmaker and photographer known for his work on iconic series like Game of Thrones and The X-Files, dives deep into his dual passions. He discusses his journey from engineering to filmmaking, influenced by noir aesthetics and German expressionism. Daniel shares insights on directing actors, the evolution of storytelling in TV, and how photography honed his cinematic skills. He also contemplates future projects, the impact of social media, and the value of personal reinvention in a changing industry.

France leclerc is an independent photographer originally from Quebec, Canada, now residing in Chicago. She has travelled extensively to document people's lives in diverse and often remote settings. Her photography centers on themes such as vanishing cultures, gender, and social inequality.  The work is deeply rooted in exploring different cultures and communities, emphasizing the importance of building trust and capturing authentic moments. The conversation explored the challenges and ethics of photography in culturally diverse and vulnerable communities. The emphasis and  the importance of building trust and rapport with subjects, often by spending extended time within communities and using local contacts to navigate cultural norms. France shared her techniques for breaking the ice and  highlighted the value of embedding oneself in a community to create meaningful and accurate representations, contrasting this with the superficiality of short visits. They also acknowledged the responsibility of photographers to document communities under threat while encouraging local voices to share their perspectives. The discussion also delved into cultural immersion and its impact on photography. France stressed the importance of learning about a community’s history, customs, and arts to better understand and authentically portray them. The conversation touched on their experiences with unique communities, such as the Kalash in Pakistan and the traveler community in Ireland, both characterized by their resilience and strong cultural identity. Additionally, France shared her journey into street photography, which has influenced her approach to documentary work, highlighting the continuous learning process in photography. Both photographers agreed on the power of images to convey emotions and ideas, and the importance of staying respectful, adaptable, and immersed in their craft.  Follow France Leclerc Instagram France Leclerc Website    Follow host Tim Bingham Instagram Talking Frames Podcast Instagram              Song: Drip Music by: CreatorMix.com