Talking Frames

In conversation  Tim Bingham  is joined by Richard Sandler and explores how one of New York’s most distinctive street photographers developed his eye, his craft and his philosophy of seeing. Richard reflects on an unconventional upbringing in New York, early encounters with creativity, and the winding path that eventually led him to photography. He talks about the mentors who shaped him, the analogue traditions that grounded his work, and the instinctive approach that became central to his style.

The discussion moves through Richard’s return to New York during a turbulent era, his fascination with the city’s energy, and the discipline required to photograph while raising a child alone. He shares insights into how photographers learn to see — the relationships between movement, stillness, foreground and background — and how a single frame can hold humour, tension and contradiction at once.

Throughout the conversation, Richard reflects on the role of craft, authenticity and mistakes in shaping a photographer’s voice. He also touches on the unexpected stories that sometimes emerge from his images years later, revealing how photographs can continue to evolve long after they’re taken.

This episode is ultimately about curiosity, mentorship, and the lifelong process of learning to observe the world with clarity and intention.

 

Richard Sandler Website

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The conversation between Tim Bingham and Julie Hrudová offered a fascinating insight into her distinctive approach to photography, creative storytelling, and the long-term projects that have defined her career. Throughout the discussion, Julie revealed how curiosity, careful observation, and a sense of humour lie at the heart of her work, whether she is producing commissioned assignments or pursuing deeply personal documentary projects.

A significant part of the conversation focused on her ongoing commission for Amsterdam's leading newspaper, Het Parool, where she creates a full-page vertical street photograph every week. Rather than viewing creative limitations as restrictive, Julie explained that they often become the catalyst for stronger work. Working within clearly defined parameters—whether shooting exclusively in a vertical format, using black and white, or concentrating on a specific neighbourhood—encourages her to look more closely at familiar surroundings and discover photographs that might otherwise be overlooked. For Julie, constraints provide focus, consistency, and a framework that nurtures creativity rather than suppressing it.

Julie reflected on the two major photographic series she has created for Het Parool. The first documented Amsterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing a city that had suddenly become quiet, empty, and unfamiliar. Photographing these transformed streets presented both creative and emotional challenges, forcing her to find visual stories in an environment stripped of its usual energy. Her current project explores Amsterdam after dark, where artificial light, shadows, and reflections reshape ordinary streets into cinematic, atmospheric scenes. She described how the city's diverse neighbourhoods, cultures, and vibrant public spaces ensure there is always another story waiting to be discovered.

One of Julie's most celebrated personal projects centres on Amsterdam's urban herons. What began as an observation of birds living within the city evolved into a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between wildlife and the people who unknowingly—or intentionally—support them. By documenting these subtle interactions, Julie reveals how nature adapts to urban life and how humans and animals quietly coexist in shared spaces. The project struck a chord with audiences because it encouraged people to see their own city from an entirely new perspective, uncovering moments of wonder hidden within everyday routines.

Drawing on her experience as both a photographer and a photo editor, Julie discussed how an understanding of the editorial process can help photographers present and pitch stories more effectively. She explained that the responsibilities of photo editors have changed considerably in recent years, with increasing emphasis on avoiding stereotypes and creating more balanced visual representation. At the same time, she expressed concern that the rapid pace of social media has encouraged many news organisations to prioritise speed over depth, making carefully researched documentary photography more valuable than ever.

The conversation also provided practical advice for photographers looking to develop stronger bodies of work. Julie believes many photographers weaken their projects through poor editing, weak framing, or by including too many images that communicate the same idea. She emphasised that effective editing often requires removing favourite photographs if they fail to strengthen the overall narrative. Her advice was simple but compelling: discover the subjects that genuinely excite you, commit to them over time, remain curious, and allow enjoyment to remain at the centre of the creative process.

Julie also spoke about expanding her storytelling through video. Alongside her photography, she now produces engaging reels documenting Amsterdam's unique cycling culture and creates YouTube videos that offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, often filmed with her Fujifilm X-T4. Rather than viewing video as a replacement for still photography, she sees it as another powerful medium through which ideas, experiences, and stories can be shared with a wider audience.

Throughout the conversation, Julie returned repeatedly to one simple but profound belief: photography enriches everyday life. Carrying a camera encourages closer observation, reveals humour and beauty in ordinary moments, and transforms even the most familiar routines into opportunities for discovery. For Julie Hrudová, photography is far more than the act of making pictures—it is a way of paying attention, remaining curious, and finding extraordinary moments hidden within the ordinary world.

Julie Website

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Tim interviews Kieron Beard, a former firefighter turned street photographer based in Switzerland, about his journey into photography and how his previous career has shaped his approach to photographing strangers.

Kieron explains how years of working as a firefighter gave him the confidence to communicate with people in difficult and unpredictable situations—an experience that now helps him approach strangers on the street. He also discusses the challenges of photographing in Geneva, where concerns around privacy mean photographers are more likely to be questioned than in UK cities.

Working exclusively in black and white with a Leica M11 Monochrom and primarily a 35mm lens, Kieron talks about his preference for being physically close to the scene rather than observing from a distance. He explores how black and white removes distractions and, for him, creates a stronger connection to emotion, memory and atmosphere.

The conversation also looks at Kieron's changing relationship with social media. Moving away from the pursuit of likes and external validation, he is increasingly focused on creating meaningful bodies of work, exploring what lies beneath the surface of everyday street scenes, and using his website, writing and workshops to give his photography greater context.

Kieron also discusses the ethics of street photography, emphasising patience, respect and the importance of never exploiting vulnerable people for commercial gain. He explains why he is always prepared to talk to people about his photographs—and, if necessary, delete an image if someone objects.

A thoughtful conversation about street photography, ethics, confidence, black-and-white photography and finding greater meaning in the work beyond social media.

 

Kieron Website

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Australian photographer Markus Andersen joins Tim Bingham for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about photography, creativity, and finding meaning through long-term documentary work. Known for his powerful black-and-white imagery, Markus explains why he has never felt comfortable with the label of street photographer, preferring instead to describe himself as a documentary photographer whose projects are built over months, sometimes years, rather than from isolated moments captured at random.

Markus reflects on the evolution of his photographic journey through the publication of three very different books. From the gritty monochrome work of Rage Against the Light, to a vibrant colour study of Sydney's Cabramatta community photographed over the course of a Lunar New Year, and finally the experimental Intimate, created with an extraordinary 1300mm lens from just a metre away, each project represents a distinct chapter in his creative life. Together they reveal a photographer who is constantly challenging both his vision and the way he sees the world.

At the heart of Markus's work is a fascination with the unexpected. He talks about trusting instinct, recognising when seemingly unrelated elements begin to align, and waiting patiently for those fleeting moments that cannot be planned. Although chance plays an important role in his photographs, Markus reveals that his work is anything but random. Every project begins with a clear idea, develops over 12 to 18 months, and is driven by purpose rather than simply collecting interesting images.

The conversation explores the tools that help shape his distinctive style, from the Nikon ZF and Sony RX100 to the film cameras he continues to use today. Markus also shares the story of selling his Leica cameras, Rolleiflex and X-Pan during the rise of digital photography—a decision he still regrets—and explains why he occasionally returns to an ageing iPhone loaded with Hipstamatic to recreate the imperfections and character he loves from film.

Light has always been one of Markus's greatest inspirations. Living beneath Sydney's harsh Australian sun has drawn him towards bold contrast, deep shadows and graphic compositions that have become synonymous with his work. Influenced by cinema, Richard Avedon, Ian Berry and classic documentary photography, he discusses how atmosphere, shape and emotion often matter more than the subject itself, creating photographs that feel cinematic while remaining firmly rooted in reality.

Compassion and respect underpin everything Markus photographs. He speaks openly about the responsibility photographers have towards the people they photograph, explaining why he never hesitates to delete an image if someone asks and why empathy must always come before making a picture. It is a refreshing reminder that great documentary photography is built not only on observation but also on understanding.

As the conversation unfolds, Markus reflects on how life itself has reshaped his relationship with photography. The loss of his parents and the experience of the pandemic changed both his outlook and his practice, leading him to spend more time working alone and becoming far more selective about the photographs he makes. Today, photography has become less about producing images and more about finding clarity, balance and a sense of emotional grounding.

Looking ahead, Markus shares the projects that continue to inspire him. From exploring the visual relationship between shadows and architecture to documenting landscapes scarred by Australia's devastating bushfires, his latest work examines themes of destruction, resilience and renewal. Drawn to blackened forests, dramatic storm clouds and the quiet evidence of nature reclaiming damaged land, he continues to search for photographs that ask questions rather than provide easy answers.

The episode concludes with an honest reflection on photography's rewards and sacrifices. Markus recalls a time when Instagram fostered genuine creative communities and unexpected opportunities, while acknowledging that a life dedicated to photography often comes at a personal cost. It is an open, insightful conversation about artistic growth, staying true to your vision, and creating meaningful documentary work in an ever-changing world—one that will resonate with photographers at every stage of their journey.

 

Markus Website

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Tim Bingham is joined by photographer James Clifford Kent, whose thoughtful and compassionate approach to documentary photography has seen him spend more than two decades exploring identity, memory, community, healthcare, and social change. Based in London, James blends documentary reportage, portraiture, and socially engaged photography to create work rooted in empathy, curiosity, and genuine human connection.

In this episode, James explains why he resists being confined by labels such as street photographer, instead embracing a reactive, people-centred approach to making photographs. He discusses the influence of Diane Arbus, Don McCullin, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, and reflects on why the most powerful images come from emotional engagement rather than simply recording events.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on James's long-term work in Cuba, a project that began while teaching English in Havana and has evolved over more than twenty years into an important body of documentary photography. He shares the stories behind the project and discusses his forthcoming photobook, Yuma, due for publication in 2026, exploring the relationships, trust, and cultural understanding developed over decades of returning to the island.

James also talks about his acclaimed work documenting the NHS, photographing operating theatres, maternity wards, midwives, and healthcare professionals. His photographs have been published by The Guardian, The Times, BBC News, British Journal of Photography, and The Lancet. His NHS-supported project Maternity won The Lancet Photography Prize and was selected for both Portrait of Britain and Portrait of Humanity, highlighting his commitment to portraying people with honesty, dignity, and respect.

The conversation explores James's wider achievements within contemporary photography. His Cuba project NHMN – "No hay más na'!" was selected for both the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. Earlier work from Cuba featured in the Discovery section at Photo London, curated by Charlotte Jansen. His photographs have been exhibited throughout the UK and Cuba, and in 2022 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS). His work has also been recognised by the Refocus Awards, reflecting a career built on thoughtful documentary practice and authentic storytelling.

James reflects on his journey from academia—where he completed a PhD in Visual Culture and spent a decade lecturing—to becoming a full-time photographer. He discusses balancing creative ambition with authenticity, and how his background in research continues to shape the way he approaches photography today. He also shares his passion for analogue photography, the importance of slowing down, and why carrying printed photographs continues to create meaningful conversations with the people he photographs.

Tim and James also discuss James's work documenting Arsenal supporters, exploring the connections between football culture, community, collective identity, and documentary storytelling. The episode concludes with a conversation about photobooks, zines, independent publishing, and the creative communities that continue to inspire his work.

Whether you're interested in documentary photography, street photography, visual storytelling, portraiture, or developing a more authentic photographic voice, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights into creating photographs that connect with people and endure over time. From revolutionary Cuba to NHS maternity wards and the terraces of Arsenal Football Club, James Clifford Kent's work is united by one defining principle: a deep commitment to empathy, authenticity, and the human experience.

People mentioned in the episode 

Laura Pannack @laurapannack

David Campany @davidcampany

Corinne Day @corinnedayofficial

Tom Seymour @mrtomseymour

Charlotte Jansen @omfgnoway

Gem Fletcher @gemfletcher

Dexter Kane @dexterkane_ldn