Photo London 2023 Talks | Sat 13 May

Providing you with unique insight into some of the world’s most exciting voices in medium, the Talks Programme features leading photographers, curators, writers and critics to discuss the photographic medium and its significance in the contemporary art world today.  

Talk tickets cost £9.50, these can be booked via the Somerset House website. Nikon talks are free of charge however booking in advance is strongly advised. 

Talk tickets do not include admission to the Fair. You must purchase a Day Pass ticket alongside your Talk ticket for the same day as the talk is taking place. Talks start promptly in The Screening Room at the scheduled time please arrive five minutes before the talk starts to avoid disappointment. 

Schedule

13.00 – 14.00
Nikon presents: The Art of Portraiture with Pip
Sharing images, stories and lessons from his career, acclaimed celebrity portrait photographer Pip will divulge the secret to making portraits at the highest level. Pip has photographed Ian MacKellen, Anya Taylor-Joy and Richard E Grant, to name a few famous faces.

14.30 – 15.30
Nikon presents: Shoair Mavlian in conversation with Heather Agyepong
Shoair will be talking to Heather about the process of making her latest series ego death which explores Carl Jung's concept of the shadow and our repressed selves. They will also discuss how her practice has evolved and what's in store next.

16.00 – 17.00
Nikon presents: Alia Ali on Re-imagining Photography | Make don't take, engage, don't capture
As a Yemeni, Alia Ali grew up in a culture where the camera was considered a weapon, and the act of photography was a threat that divided people and implemented a harsh border between east and west. It was a tool that drew a barrier between those who had the power to define a gaze, and those from whom that power was removed. Eventually, the camera, like many things, is what one makes of it. For example, the language around it— the verbs, the actions and the roles we set of those who engage with it or are engaged by it— defines those with agency and those from whom agency is removed. In her presentation at this year's Photo London, Ali will be redefining the roles we play as photographers, sitters, and viewers.

She will be sharing her experiences as well as photographic tips of how she continually strives to strike a balance of power among the various roles engaged in the making of a photograph. Join us in re-imagining the art of photography and its power to create more socially engaged, accessible and powerful narratives through our various lenses.

17.30 – 18.30
Nikon presents: The Power of Perception – Portraits & Self-portraits
Delphine will start the talk by questioning the audience their perception of self and the importance of human connection. Delphine will then go on to discuss: the relationship we have now with social media and photography; the role of representation and the body in our society; the importance of creating authentic art through the lens.