Photo London: An Insider’s View of London’s Photography Scene

London is one of the world’s great photography cities, but knowing where to look and who to meet is another story. This spring, as Photo London brings together galleries, artists, publishers, collectors, and photography enthusiasts from around the world, join Gem Fletcher—curator, writer, creative consultant, and host of The Messy Truth podcast—for a five-day workshop that takes you inside the city’s photography scene.

Gem brings a deep knowledge of London’s photography community and years of experience working within the field. She knows the people, spaces, and conversations that give the city’s photography scene its energy and draws on that perspective throughout the week. A big part of the experience is access. You meet artists and curators, hear directly from people working in the field, and have opportunities to experience parts of London’s photography community that you might not encounter on your own.

The week unfolds across London, moving between established institutions, independent galleries, and artists’ studios. You take part in private talks and presentations, explore exhibitions, and experience gallery openings along the way, with visits to institutions such as The Photographers’ Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. There is also time to slow down, ask questions, and consider how the work and ideas you encounter connect to your own photographic practice. You also have the opportunity to photograph together in different neighborhoods of London that are off-the-beaten-path, with time to review your images and share ideas as a group.

The experience culminates with access to Photo London at National Hall at Olympia. One of the world’s leading photography fairs, Photo London brings together galleries from around the world alongside established artists, emerging voices, publishers, collectors, and photography enthusiasts. Its “Discovery” section highlights exciting new galleries and artists, while the “Public Programme” features special exhibitions, installations, talks, and other events. With Preview Day evening access, you get an opportunity to explore the Fair before it opens to the general public. Take your time discovering new photographers and work, and experience the range of ideas and perspectives shaping photography today. 

After five days of exploring London through its photography community, you leave with a broader view of the international photography world and new ideas to carry forward in your own photography practice. Gem provides the perspective and the introduction, but some of the best moments are the ones you cannot plan. A conversation leads to an idea. An artist sends you somewhere unexpected. A photograph makes you stop and look twice. Leave a little room for the unexpected, and London has plenty to offer.