documentary photography

Street Photography Meets Street Art

Street photography is all about capturing life as it happens — candid moments, fleeting gestures, the poetry of everyday existence. It’s about roaming the streets with a camera, open to whatever unfolds. No staging, no second takes, just real people in real places.

Street art, on the other hand, is expression painted directly onto the city. Murals, stencils, graffiti — they transform grey walls into living canvases. Art for everyone, not locked away in galleries. It reflects politics, culture, and identity. Together, street photography and street art create a fascinating mix: one captures life happening in the present, the other leaves its mark on the walls for the future.

When I travel, I love nothing more than to roam the streets — camera in hand — and let things unfold. If I stumble across street art, all the better. It adds another layer to the story, another voice to the frame. It’s exactly what Ian Plant (whose street photography workshop I recently reviewed) talks about: finding abstract elements in the urban environment, and then waiting for people to bring the scene to life. A mural, an advertisement, even just shadows and architecture — all can become part of the composition.

Street Art and Street Photography in Barcelona by Geraint Rowland

One of my favourite examples of this is the image above, shot in the Raval area of Barcelona (or Ravalistan, as locals sometimes call it due to its multicultural flavour). It’s a moment of pure poetry: a woman in a colourful headscarf walking past a mural of another woman with her head covered looking on. A fleeting alignment of art and reality. Same theme, two worlds — one painted, one lived.

📸 Canon EOS 5D Mark II | EF50mm f/1.4 USM | ƒ/7.1 | 50mm | 1/320s | ISO 200
Location: Raval, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

That’s the beauty of this kind of work: sometimes you wait, sometimes you just get lucky. Either way, it’s the mix of patience, instinct, and curiosity that makes street photography so rewarding.

For more on my Barcelona adventures, check out my earlier post: Street Photography Tours in Barcelona.

And below, I’ve included a slideshow of more of my street photography and street art captures from around the world — each one its own little dialogue between painted walls and the lives passing by. From the raw, vibrant streets of Santiago, Chile, to the colourful icons splashed across Wynwood Walls in Miami. Barcelona makes several appearances too — a city constantly reinventing itself through the paint on its walls. In Mexico City’s Condesa, a Star Wars stormtrooper seems to take aim at an unsuspecting passerby, while in Havana, portraits of Che Guevara and Jimi Hendrix keep watch over the streets.

Street art fades, gets painted over, or disappears — but in that brief moment when it collides with real life, it creates something timeless. That’s what I try to capture: those fleeting conversations between wall and world.

👉 All images are available to purchase — get in touch via my website for prints or licensing.

#streetphotography #streetart #urbanphotography #artinpublic #citylife #travelphotography #documentaryphotography #streetphotographer #urbanart #photooftheday #barcelonastreetphotography #streetartphotography #everydaylife #streetphoto #peoplewatching #globalstreetart #urbanstories #streetcapture #candidphotography #visualstorytelling

PhotoWhoa Review: How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant

1. Introduction

I chose this masterclass because street photography has always been close to my heart. For me, travel and street photography are inseparable — nothing beats getting lost in an unfamiliar city, camera in hand, and just roaming. From Lima to Varanasi to Amman, I’ve spent countless hours wandering, watching, and waiting for those fleeting stories to unfold. I’ve also long been drawn to street art and how it collides with daily life — the perfect backdrop for the unscripted.

But I’ll admit, working heavily with stock agencies like Getty, I sometimes feel I’ve lost a little of the spark for pure street photography. Street work is about energy, spontaneity, and play — things that can get dulled when you’re focused on keywords and commercial value. That’s why I turned to Ian Plant’s Street Photography Masterclass. Having previously reviewed his Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass for PhotoWhoa — and being impressed by his enthusiasm, laid-back style, and artistic vision — I wanted to see how he applied those same qualities to the streets.

PhotoWhoa Review: How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant

2. Overview of the Masterclass

As I mentioned before this isn’t Ian Plant’s first appearance on PhotoWhoa, and while he’s best known for landscapes and wildlife, here he turns his eye to the street. He makes a strong case for why street photography is worth practicing: it’s a great way to sharpen your eye, learn to see differently, and ultimately become a stronger photographer in any genre.

The course runs about 1 hour 38 minutes and covers the fundamentals of street photography: what it is, how to capture compelling candid moments, and how to think more abstractly and artistically about the everyday world around you. Plant defines street photography as “the study of the human condition” — not necessarily about the streets themselves, but about ephemeral moments where subject, mood, composition, and light combine to create art.

He stresses the importance of learning to see in the abstract — shadows, light, framing, and negative space become the raw ingredients for your compositions. A flare of sun between two buildings, the silhouette of a stranger passing by, or the geometry of city architecture: all of these become part of the visual toolkit for street photography.

Interestingly, he also highlights how street photography overlaps with other genres like travel, cityscape, and even abstract architecture. The human element is often what defines it as “street,” but he encourages photographers not to feel bound to sidewalks or plazas — airports, lobbies, indoor spaces can all provide opportunities to capture stories of people and place.

Plant also downplays the importance of gear, pointing out that technical perfection is overrated in street photography. Instead, he introduces the idea of “strategic technical imprecision”: intentionally playing with motion blur, off-focus, or unconventional exposure to create artistic, expressive images. Whether you’re using a DSLR, a mirrorless setup, or even just your phone, he argues, the essential tool is your vision, not your kit.

What is Street Photogrpahy - a PhotoWhoa Masterclass by Ian Plant

3. Instructor’s Teaching Style

Like in his other masterclass, Ian Plant comes across laid-back but deeply thoughtful. He’s not rigid about rules — instead, he encourages experimentation, imperfection, and developing your own creative approach. What I like about his teaching style is that he’s not obsessed with gear talk or technical jargon; he’s more interested in helping you see the world differently.

His examples are clear and often artistic, showing how he applies his philosophies in real-world scenarios. He makes you feel like it’s okay to get things wrong — blur, overexposure, missed focus — as long as the image communicates something. That’s motivating in itself, because it frees you up to try more, take risks, and chase those fleeting moments.

Black and white photography in Airports

4. Video Quality & User Experience

The production quality of the course is solid. The video is sharp, the audio clear, and the editing smooth enough that it doesn’t distract from the teaching. Ian’s examples are well-presented — you can clearly see the photographs he references, and the on-screen visuals help reinforce the points he’s making. The platform itself is easy to navigate, with chapters broken down logically so you can dip back into specific sections if you want to revisit a technique or example.

It’s not flashy or overproduced, which I actually prefer. The focus is entirely on the content and Ian’s insights, which keeps the learning experience straightforward and practical.

Photography courses by PhotoWhoa

5. Content Relevance & Depth

Street photography is notoriously hard to teach, but Ian breaks it down into practical, transferable lessons. He stresses the importance of abstraction — seeing light, shadow, shapes, and textures as building blocks. He also dives into storytelling: capturing emotions, gestures, juxtapositions, and personality in fleeting moments.

One of the biggest debates he tackles is colour vs. black and white. His view is refreshingly simple: if colour adds impact, use it; if monochrome makes it stronger, strip it back. There are no rules, only choices that serve the story.

How to Take Compelling Street Photography - A Masterclass by PhotoWhoa

Techniques & Approaches

Ian balances two main methods. The first is the “Spider in the Web” approach: finding an interesting composition or pocket of light, setting up (even with a tripod), and waiting for the human element to enter the frame. It’s patient, deliberate, and often leads to powerful, layered images.

The second is the “On the Fly” approach: roaming, reacting, and moving quickly to catch fleeting moments. Here instinct matters most — noticing patterns, bold shapes, or a peak gesture before it disappears. This method sharpens your eye for light and composition and builds creative reflexes.

Across both, he emphasises:

  • Look for bold contrasts of light, even harsh midday sun.

  • Use graphic shapes and architectural details as compositional raw material.

  • Experiment with “strategic technical imprecision” — blur, defocus, unusual exposures — to embrace imperfection as art.

  • Incorporate colour intentionally: bold primaries, complementary tones, or expressive personalities that bring life to the frame.

  • Go where the people are — parades, protests, markets, festivals — where energy and unpredictability collide.

Importantly, he also addresses ethics and respect — something too often skipped. Street photography may happen in public, but that doesn’t mean respect goes out the window. Ian stresses treating people with dignity, avoiding invasive behaviour, and always being mindful. Whether you shoot candidly or with permission, be honest, be decent, and keep a low profile. It’s a valuable reminder that the best photos should never come at the cost of someone else’s humanity.

PhotoWhoa Masterclass review by Geraint Rowland

6. Uniqueness & Value

What sets this masterclass apart is Ian’s fusion of artistic philosophy with real-world practicality. Many street photography guides focus only on camera settings or gear; here, the emphasis is on vision, abstraction, and respect — the harder but more rewarding parts of the craft.

Favorite Tip/Trick: Ian’s idea of “strategic technical imprecision” stood out — embracing blur, motion, and imperfect focus as artistic tools rather than mistakes. It flips traditional thinking on its head and encourages experimentation.

Actionable Tips & Assignments: While the course isn’t structured around formal assignments, it’s loaded with exercises you can take straight into the field — from finding a single location and waiting, to hunting shapes, light, and gestures while on the move.

Examples & Illustrations: Ian backs up every idea with visuals — from New York skyscraper shots framed in sun flare, to airport candids full of abstraction. These examples make the concepts stick.

Bonus Value: By emphasising ethics, patience, and creativity over gear obsession, Ian makes the course feel both modern and timeless. It’s less about copying techniques and more about training yourself to see the world differently — which is what makes it stand apart.

Street Photography in colour or black and white? You decide!

7. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re serious about street photography — or if, like me, you need a reminder of its raw energy and creativity — this masterclass is well worth the time. Ian Plant manages to be both practical and inspiring, showing you how to embrace abstraction, think like an artist, and still keep your work grounded in respect for people.

It’s best suited for intermediate photographers who already know their way around a camera but want to sharpen their vision. That said, beginners will also find it accessible thanks to Ian’s laid-back teaching style. Whether you’re traveling the world or just wandering your own neighbourhood, the lessons here will help you see the streets differently — and capture them with more meaning.

Photography Deals To Improve Your Skills by PhotoWhoa

8. Where to Find It

Learn How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant today, click on the link below:

👉 How to Take Compelling Street Photography Masterclass – PhotoWhoa

#StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography #DocumentaryPhotography #StreetPhotoTips #PhotoWhoa #PhotographyMasterclass #IanPlant #UrbanPhotography #StreetLife #PhotographyInspiration #ianplant #photographylessons #geraintrowlandphotography

🌸 Flowers Through My Lens 🌸

There’s something timeless about photographing flowers. Wherever I travel, I always find myself drawn to the colours, textures, and delicate shapes of blooms — from wildflowers on coastal paths to vibrant markets overflowing with petals. Nature always provides inspiration, and flowers often offer the perfect balance between fragility and resilience. Check out some of my favourite flower photographs in the following slideshow:

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with wide apertures, capturing flowers in an almost dreamlike, painterly way. Using shallow depth of field allows me to isolate a bloom, blur the background, and create something more abstract and artistic than a straightforward documentary shot. It’s these moments — the little details and hidden beauty — that make photographing flowers such a joy.

Click through the following slideshow featuring some of my favourite flower images from my travels:

If you’d like to explore more of my flower photography, I have a dedicated Flickr album here:
👉 Flower Album on Flickr

And of course, many of my flower and nature images are available for purchase — perfect for bringing a little bit of natural beauty into your home or workspace. You can find them on my website:
👉 www.geraintrowland.co.uk

Flowers may seem simple at first glance, but to me they’re an endless source of creativity and inspiration. Whether it’s their colour, form, or the emotions they evoke, flowers remind us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty right in front of us.

💐 *If you’d like to purchase prints, commission a piece, or discuss collaborations, feel free to get in touch via my website.
👉 You can also license my images directly through my Getty Images portfolio.

#geraintrowlandphotography #flowerphotography #travelphotography #naturephotography #abstractphotography #documentaryphotography #artisticflowers #wideaperture #wanderlustphotos #artprints #artsale #photosale

Photo|Frome 2025 – 'inEquality' Photography Exhibition

I was recently honoured to have three of my photographs included in the Photo|Frome Festival as part of the ‘inEquality’ Exhibition, hosted at the excellent Roseberry Road Studios in Bath, England, UK. It’s always a buzz to see your work printed large and in good company, but even more so when the theme digs into something real—something that matters.

The 2025 edition of Photo|Frome brings together a diverse group of national and international photographers, each offering their own visual response to the timely and urgent theme of inequality. Whether economic, cultural, environmental or human, the imbalance is everywhere. The exhibition doesn’t claim to solve it, but it does demand we look.

Roseberry Road Studios, one of the newer venues for the festival, is a working creative space that fits the tone perfectly—raw, real, and grounded. The festival as a whole spans 14 free exhibitions across the town, with workshops, talks, photowalks, portfolio reviews and a ‘Faces of Frome’ portrait studio creating space for conversation and community. It’s great to see photography being used this way—free to view, open to all, and unafraid to ask hard questions.

My three selected images each take a slightly different approach to the theme of inequality, drawn from my travels over the last decade:

1. Sunday Morning, Kailash Colony, New Delhi
Captured on my most recent trip to India, this overhead shot shows several families approaching a car at a junction in the Kailash Colony area of Delhi, asking for food and money. It’s a quiet but confronting moment—routine for many, but hard to ignore. Shot looking down from the roof of my Hostel, it offers a removed, observational view that mirrors the distance many people feel from such realities.

2. Trash on the Streets of Cusco
Taken a decade ago while I was living in Peru, this image captures a woman in traditional Andean clothing rummaging through a pile of rubbish in central Cusco—the so-called gateway to Machu Picchu. Again viewed from above, the contrast between the city’s tourist veneer and the daily grind of local life speaks volumes about what gets seen and what doesn’t.

3. Contrasting Scenes of India, A Varanasi Ghat
One of my earliest shots from India, this scene from Varanasi’s Asii Ghat feels like a microcosm of the country’s layered contrasts. Again taken from above, the frame includes a group of Western Tourists sitting and chatting, local women in colourful traditional clothing having a break from work, a homeless, amputee beggar lying sleeping next to a large cow. It’s a surreal clash—privilege and poverty, devotion and despair, all sharing the same ancient steps in uneasy harmony.

All three images are connected by a literal angle—shot from above—but more importantly by the social divide beneath the surface. These aren’t posed or dramatic scenes, just slices of life that speak quietly but clearly to the subject of inequality.

Thanks again to the Photo|Frome and Roseberry Road Studios for selecting my work and for giving space to the kinds of stories that need to be seen. There are plenty more examples of inequality in my travel photography, to view more of my India selection take a look at my Flickr collection here.

#photojournalism #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #inequality #streetphotography #everydaylife #IndiaPhotography #PeruPhotography #visualstorytelling #humancondition #photofrome #roseberryroadstudios

Kodaikanal Living: The Pink House on the Hill

Perched on a hillside in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, this pink house stands out against the lush greenery that surrounds it. A local woman goes about her daily chores, tending to her home with quiet diligence. Captured from above, the scene offers a glimpse into everyday life in this South Indian hill town.

Kodaikanal, often called the 'Princess of Hill Stations,' is known for its misty landscapes, scenic lakes, and vibrant local culture. This photograph encapsulates a moment of routine in an extraordinary setting. The rusted tin roof tells stories of years gone by, while the bright blue windows and railings contrast sharply with the warm pink walls. Clothes dry in the sun, water barrels line the side of the house, and life moves at its own steady pace. I stayed in Kodaikanal for almost two weeks towards the end of my six month trip around India. I stayed in the Zostel Kodaikanal which was a great Hostel with excellent staff, I also met some great travellers from India. I joined them on a great road trip to the awesome Zostel Poombarai and we had a lot of fun en route!

The above images were captured on the Canon 5D Mark IV with my go-to-lens, the 50mm f/1.4 lens, the image balances sharp detail with soft natural light. The perspective from above not only highlights the home but also its integration into the surrounding environment, reinforcing the idea that home is more than just a structure—it's a lived experience. Take a look through the slideshow below for some more of my photography from Kodaikanal, I loved that town, it was a definite highlight of my trip around India:

For more of my photography from India, check out my India Flickr album or browse my Getty Images collection. All of my travel images from India are available for sale.

#Kodaikanal #IndiaPhotography #TravelPhotography #HillStation #StreetPhotography #EverydayLife #SouthIndia #Home #DocumentaryPhotography #Canon5DMarkIV #zostel #tamilculture #tamilnadutravel #visitindia #indiabloggers

Down on the River, Ziguinchor: The Global Crisis of Waterway Pollution

A typical scene from the waterways of Ziguinchor, Senegal, West Africa. Hand carved wooden canoes resting on the water, elegant white egrets perched gracefully, and, unfortunately, a shoreline scattered with discarded debris and plastic waste. This image encapsulates both the raw beauty of the natural world and the devastating impact of pollution on our waterways.

Traditional carved wooden boats, white egrets and a mound of pollution in a river in Senegal, West Africa.

Ziguinchor, Senegal: The Global Crisis of Waterway Pollution

A Journey Through Western Africa

This image was captured during my two-month journey through Western Africa, where I spent the majority of my time in Senegal, with a few weeks in The Gambia, where I captured my image of the four Vervet Monkeys posing like a boy band in the Bijilo Forest Park in Serrekunda. From the bustling streets of Dakar, and the awesome beaches on it’s peninsula, to the serene landscapes of the Casamance region, my travels revealed the vibrancy of local cultures but also highlighted the ongoing environmental struggles faced by many communities.

Ziguinchor, the largest city in the Casamance region, offers a fascinating glimpse into Senegalese life away from the tourist hotspots. The overnight ferry from Dakar is an experience in itself, providing travellers with a unique perspective of Senegal’s waterways and coastal environment. But as the ferry arrives in Ziguinchor, one can’t help but notice the plastic-strewn shores—an all-too-common sight throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

The Problem of Pollution

Plastic pollution is a growing crisis, particularly in developing nations where waste management systems struggle to keep up. The rivers and coastal areas of Senegal and The Gambia are no exception, with discarded plastics, fishing nets, and other waste accumulating in the waterways. These pollutants not only harm marine and bird life but also impact the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on clean waters for their trade.

Nature’s Resilience: The Egrets of Ziguinchor

Amidst the environmental challenges, nature persists. The beautiful white birds in the image are Great Egrets (Ardea alba) and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta). Their graceful presence on the wooden canoes adds an almost poetic contrast to the scene, a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human impact. These birds are common in wetlands across West Africa, thriving despite the threats posed by pollution and habitat degradation.

Capturing the Moment: Camera Specs

For this image, I used my old camera, a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with my favourite 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The settings used were ƒ/7.1, a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec with an ISO of 160. This combination allowed me to capture the rich textures of the wooden boats, the delicate details of the birds, and the unsettling presence of garbage floating along the riverbanks.

A Call to Action

Waterway pollution is not just a local issue; it’s a global crisis. As photographers, travellers, and citizens of the world, we must raise awareness and advocate for better waste management solutions. Governments, NGOs, and individuals all have a role to play in keeping our rivers and oceans clean for future generations.

Explore more of my work and support environmental awareness through visual storytelling:

🔗 Getty Images Portfolio 🔗 Instagram 🔗 Twitter/X

Let’s continue the conversation. What are your thoughts on waterway pollution? Have you witnessed similar issues during your travels? Drop me a message, or connect via my Instagram and let me know!

#WaterwayPollution
#PlasticCrisis
#SenegalPhotography
#WestAfricaTravel
#EnvironmentalAwareness
#WildlifeConservation
#SustainableTravel
#DocumentaryPhotography
#SurfersAgainstSewage
#GeraintRowlandPhotography

Day of the Dead at the Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima

In 2015 I spent a fascinating day experiencing the Day of the Dead at Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima, Peru.  This huge sprawling cemetery is the second largest in the World and on the 1st of November thousands of Peruvians visit to pay respect to their departed.  Very much a family affair, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of happiness and remembrance of the deceased as opposed to one of sadness.  A day where musicians play music to the dead, traditional Peruvian Dancers (Danza de las tijeras) perform, couples share beer by the graves and children embrace and play.  Click through the slideshow below to view the Día de Muertos images taken in Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima, Peru:

Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls Day is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd.  In Spanish, the Day of the Dead is called Día de Muertos, or Día de los Muertos.  Click through the carousel below for more images from the day of the dead in Lima:

A photo blog of the Mexican day of the dead can be found here.  More of my travel photos can be found on my website, my Facebook page and my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Catalan Castells

A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally in festivals at many locations within Catalonia. At these festivals, several colles castelleres (groups who construct towers) often succeed in building and dismantling a tower's structure.  

A castell is considered a success when assembly and disassembly can be done in complete succession. The assembly is complete once all castellers have climbed into their designated places, and the enxaneta climbs into place at the top and raises one hand with four fingers erect, in a gesture said to symbolize the stripes of the Catalan flag. The enxaneta then climbs down the other side of the castell, after which the remaining levels of castellers descend in highest to lowest order until all have reached safety. (Taken from Wikipedia)

A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally in festivals at many locations within Catalonia

A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally in festivals at many locations within Catalonia

This particular castell festival took place in the centre of Barcelona on the 18th June 2017 in Placa Sant Jaume.  It is a an amazing spectacle to watch, the strength and agility of those involved is impressive.  The atmosphere is very friendly and the emotions of those involved upon completion of a castell are highly visible.  Click through the images below of this Catalan tradition and the people involved.

More of my travel photography from Spain can be found on my website, my Instagram, and my Flickr account. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Geraint Rowland Photography by PhotoVoice

The March Photography Competition Winner is…

The third PhotoVoice photography competition, in partnership with Professional Photography magazine was inspired by an image from PhotoVoice project ‘MAMPU‘. Photographers were asked to submit up to six images inspired by the theme ‘Discovery’. Photographer and Photo-facilitator, Meredith Hutchison selected Geraint Rowland as the winner. 

How did you get started in Photography?

I bought a digital SLR camera around 8 years ago and decided to enroll on a photography course instead of tackling the user guide.  I completed two courses, ‘Introduction’ and ‘Advanced’ at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff.  Since then, I have been doing a lot of travelling and documenting my travels through photography.

How would you describe your work and your practice?

I consider myself a travel and street photographer.  I like catching candid moments in everyday life around the world.  I am also a lover of nature and enjoy taking photos of landscapes and the ocean.  I like to show the beauty that exists throughout the world.

Tell us a bit more about your winning image and the series that it is from

I took this image during the yearly pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe in Mexico City.  Millions of Mexicans make the pilgrimage each year on or before the 12th of December.

The pilgrimage is very much a family affair, the Mexicans often referring to the Lady of Guadalupe as Mamá or Mother.  

I took this photo around a week before the 12th when there was already a lot of activity at the holy site.  I was lucky to capture this candid and touching moment between mother and child during the celebrations.  The photo was captured on a Canon 5D2 with a 85mm lens, I converted it to black and white, which gave the image more emotion.

© Geraint Rowland, Familia

What do you think the future for your photography will be?

I think both social media and advances in technology mean that photography is increasing in popularity all the time.  The vast amount of information online means that the still image continues to play a vital role in catching peoples attention and telling a story.  Hopefully this will mean an increasing need for photos and photographers in general.  In the future I would love to work with some international charities, where my photography will have a direct impact on the world for the better.  I also want to continue travelling the world and documenting it’s beauty along the way, and if I can find some work which allows me to do this all the better.

Are there any other up and coming photographers that you think people should know about?

Yes, Linda Wisdom is a street photographer based in London.  Her black and white imagery is beautiful and she always seems to be in the right place and at the right time to capture the perfect moment.  She runs Street Photography Tours in London. Another is Aliette Bretel, a Peruvian photographer who now lives in Cambridge, she has a very unique and timeless selection of images.

How did you hear about PhotoVoice and how do you think your work relates our vision and mission?

I found out about PhotoVoice on Facebook, I was very interested in their commitment to supporting underrepresented communities through participatory photography.  I believe that my photography contributes to positive social change by inspiring and informing others about people and places they may not know about.

The photo and interview were published in the August/September edition of the Professional Photography Magazine.

Find out more about Geraint Rowland’s work here or visit his Facebook page here

 

Belen Market, Iquitos Peru (Photo Essay for the First Issue of Dezine Magazine)

These photos were taken earlier this year in the village of Belen in Iquitos, Peru.  The entire village is flooded for several months each year by the nearby Amazon river.  The only way to get around is by boat so even the children learn to navigate and paddle in small canoes from an early age.  

Two young girls paddle a canoe in the flooded village of Belen in Iquitos, Peru.

Two young girls paddle a canoe in the flooded village of Belen in Iquitos, Peru.

Our local guide manoeuvred us around in a motorboat for a couple of hours exploring the streets which at that time of the year become waterways.  The area is fascinating, and our journey through it gave us a brief insight into life there.

Around every corner were amazing photo opportunities, with the local people using the river to work, travel and play.  Children would sit selling food and produce to passing boats, Men would offer taxi boat services or fish, and the Women would wash the family clothes in the river.  Some 65,000 people live in the Village of Belen on either moored floating houses or houses on stilts.  It is a very poor neighbourhood with many of the people living in impoverished conditions. Yet those we encountered seemed genuinely happy: laughing, smiling, and greeting us as we passed by.  (Click through the images below)

I took all the photos candidly and found that converting them to black and white gave them more emotion.  For more information on Dezine go to: https://issuu.com/dezinemagazine. 

More of my travel photography from Peru can be found on my website, my Facebook, my Twitter and my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.