Renowned Artists to Showcase Masterpieces at International Photo Festival
This spring the photography industry spotlight will shine on the historically proud and culturally vibrant city of Leeds for the sixth edition of Photo North Festival.
“Photo North festival has something magical – this may sound like a cliche but it’s different
to other photography festivals. There is an atmosphere of equality, informality and mutual
support and of course, a great programme of exhibitions and talks.”
Visitor, Simon Peter Green
Exhibitions by legends of the profession will be on display alongside up and coming photographers against a backdrop of talks, networking, screenings, book singings, food & drink and more.
A message from Peter Dench and Sharon Price, the creators of the festival:
Hello and welcome. In 2018 we had a vision to bring a lively, welcoming and professional photography festival to new audiences. A festival where visitors would leave feeling nourished and inspired.
Alongside a sensational display of exhibitions, from celebrated and emerging artists, is a stimulating Live Lounge of talks and screenings. In our Market Area you can browse book, zine and print stalls or just relax with friends, make new ones, all within a background of music, food and a licensed bar. Money is raised for several charities.
Students are a key part of our mission. Festival Friday is Education Day with participation and presence from teaching organisations and students across the UK who can benefit from free portfolio reviews and career advice from photographers and industry experts.
With your valued collaboration we’re getting there. Together we believe we’re building a community around a ‘must see’ event on the annual photography enthusiasts calendar.
If you have an idea or suggestion, we’re listening.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Pete and Sharon
Full details of the events, times and location are on the Photo North Festival website.
An introduction to some of the exhibitors…
1960s ROCK LEGENDS by Paul Berriff
Paul Berriff began his photography career in 1962, capturing the vibrant street life of his hometown, Leeds, at just 16 years old. As the pop music revolution was taking off, he seized the moment, creating a compelling photographic documentary of the era. During the early UK tours of iconic 1960s bands and solo artists, he documented their rise with striking black-and-white images—now highly sought after by collectors and legendary musicians worldwide. His work has been exhibited internationally, with the former CEO of The Beatles Story in Liverpool praising his Beatles photographs as “the finest I have seen of them at this stage in their career.” Further Information
RAGING by Sarah Oglesby and Grace Wilkinson
Raging! is a photography project that sticks two fingers up to women+ being seen and not heard. This vibrant, punchy and ironic commentary on societal expectation establishes a space where women+ can be loud, outrageous and angry about the things that affect us on a daily basis. Further Information
Rare & Iconic Film Ephemera Unveiled by Channel 4
Visitors can also explore a curated display of iconic film ephemera by Channel 4 Pictures Team, featuring memorabilia from classics such as Trainspotting and Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Brookside, Shameless and more. Further Information
HOW DO YOU DANCE IN A WAR ZONE? by Maria Falconer & Paul Hill.
In the midst of a war that has reshaped lives, landscapes, and the very rhythm of existence, Ukrainian dancers find a way to move, to express, and to survive. “How Do You Dance in a War Zone?” is a powerful exploration of movement amidst conflict, a collaboration between photographers Paul Hill and Maria Falconer, and dancers in Kyiv and Lviv. Further Information
THE NORTH REVISITED: by Simon Hill HonFRPS.
A major new year-long project which builds on the iconic work of photojournalist John Bulmer FRPS, whose evocative images of the north of England taken in the 1960s and 70s became a cornerstone of British documentary photography. Further Information
YOUNG MEN; WORST FEARS by Jillian Edelstein
Young Men, Worst Fears was a portrait project developed by Edelstein while mentoring underprivileged youth at North London’s Arsenal Football Club. Further Information
THE LAND IS YELLOW, THE SKY IS BLUE by Marc Wilson and Anna Nekrasova-Wilson
The Land is Yellow, the Sky is Blue is a poignant photographic project set in the small Ukrainian village of Balakliya. Further Information
THIS WAS THEN by Mike Abrahams
A selection of photographs documenting Britain over three decades, in the years before and after Margaret Thatcher’s time in government. Further Information
STATES OF AMERICA by Michael Ormerod
Michael Ormerod was a British photographer known for his striking and unflinching portrayal of the American landscape and its people. Born in Cheshire, England, Ormerod developed an enduring fascination with the United States. His work captures a raw, often melancholic beauty in the overlooked corners of American life, balancing stark social commentary with poetic visual storytelling. Further Information
SVALBARD PEOPLE: Exploring Life in the Arctic Circle Through Portraits by Graeme Chesters.
Winner of Amateur Photographer’s MPB sponsored “Rising Star Bursary”, Chesters captures the unique stories of Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement. Further Information
INTERSECTIONS: A Portrait of London Through The People by Barry Lewis
“Intersections” documents London through portraits and conversations, capturing the city’s dynamic, ever-moving population. “After 50 years as a photojournalist, I wanted to slow down and see my own city with fresh eyes. For the past two years, I’ve traveled London with a large camera and tripod, approaching strangers, listening to their stories, and creating images together. This slow, deliberate process turns public encounters into meaningful exchanges. My ultimate goal is a book that reflects the richness and diversity of London life.” – Barry Lewis Further Information
FOUNDERS
Festival co-founder & curator, Peter Dench, says: ‘We recognise people are passionate about photography. Photo North Festival aims to introduce or advance understanding of the medium through our programme of exhibitions – to inspire and engage debate. We have one perfect venue, with headline events and renowned photographers confirmed and the list is growing. The creativity in planning the festival format, talks and screenings is something unique to offer people in the north of England and beyond.’
Sharon Price, co-founder & curator, says: ‘We’ve chosen thoughtprovoking works that provide relevant social commentary on some quite hard-hitting issues. We also have the beautiful and the poignant, that will appeal not only to enthusiasts seeking to be challenged, but also to those seeking a feast for the senses.’
Sharon and Peter have secured the sensational line up to deliver a thought-provoking, lively and inclusive festival that will appeal to the professional photographer, photo-enthusiast, keen amateur and anyone who wishes to engage with the timeless appeal of the medium.
Once again, Photo North Festival promises to be one of the most exciting and engaging European photo events.
