When many London galleries were forced to close their doors at the height of the Great Recession, the London Photo Festival emerged as a direct response to the challenges of the time. Its founders, Emma Mapp and Keith Shah, created a space where photography became a tool for community building and a way to champion new talent. Instead of strict selection processes or high costs, the festival showcased the work of enthusiasts to visitors, critics, and potential buyers. Read more on londonski.
The Story Behind the London Photo Festival
The London Photo Festival was launched in 2011 by Emma Mapp and Keith Shah. Their goal was to create an accessible platform where emerging photographers could exhibit their work without the need for a significant financial outlay. From the very beginning, the festival was open to anyone who wanted to submit their photos. All they had to do was pay a small entry fee and meet the submission requirements. The idea was born in the wake of the Great Recession of the early 2010s, which had led to the closure of numerous galleries across London. “We saw most art spaces shutting down,” recalls Keith, who met Emma on a course for exhibition design.
In October 2013, the fifth London Photo Festival brought together a host of beginners and enthusiasts. The main themes that year were black and white and night photography. The guest judge was Zoe Wishaw, a commercial photography consultant known for her passion for helping photographers develop their style and professional approach. She ran masterclasses and spoke at seminars, sharing her vision of an image as a powerful tool for communication. The overall winner was London-based photographer Lianne Bouve, who draws inspiration from her travels, architecture, and urban spaces.
The tenth London Photo Festival took place in May 2017. The organisers chose ‘Travel Photography’ as the theme, which perfectly aligned with the trends of the time and the collections submitted by participants. This genre is considered one of the most popular in the festival’s programme. Attendees could not only view the diverse works but also speak directly with the photographers, including Emma Jones and Neil Cordell. The event was, as always, held on Borough High Street—a convenient location near the Tube, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The 2020 pandemic was a significant test for cultural events, but the London Photo Festival proved its resilience and adaptability. Marble Hill House was chosen as the new venue, with the central theme being ‘Femininity’. Inspired by Henrietta Howard, the organisers aimed to use photography to showcase the diverse forms of the feminine image. Submissions from around the world explored themes of identity, strength, and breaking down stereotypes. Ten of the most powerful images were exhibited for six months as part of a new initiative—the London Photo Festival’s Fence, which was created specifically in response to COVID-19 restrictions.
In 2021, the London Photo Festival continued to champion its core values of accessibility and support for photographers. Participation remained highly beneficial for artists: their photos were displayed at the exhibition, available for sale, and received extensive publicity. That year’s themes covered a whole spectrum of emotions and experiences—from loneliness and nostalgia to a sense of magic and inner exploration. The festival’s team also launched a monthly online photo competition. Winners gained recognition through having their work featured in the digital gallery and on the festival’s social media pages.
Recognition and Importance of the London Photo Festival
The London Photo Festival has become a launchpad for hundreds of new names in the world of photography. Artists from all corners of the globe participate, and the exhibition themes—from black and white and night photography to travel, femininity, and nostalgia—are always relevant and profound. Thanks to seminars, competitions, and the opportunity for personal interaction with experts, the festival has evolved from a simple exhibition space into a vibrant educational hub.
