Documentary Photography
Documentary photography is a style of photography that aims to capture real-life events, environments, and people objectively and truthfully. It seeks to observe and record life as it unfolds naturally, unlike staged or posed photography. It is an essential medium for reporting world events, both big and small. Many photographers dedicate their lives to focusing on particular issues such as war, protests, and social injustice, highlighting their impact on society.
Andrew Moore, a self-taught photographer, has focused his lens on societal issues in the UK and overseas since the 1980s. His work includes documenting campaigns for better social housing, protests in Handsworth, Birmingham in 1985, the Poll Tax riots in 1990, and the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Photo © Andrew Moore.
Everyday Life
British Culture Archive is a leading resource dedicated to British documentary photography. Our online galleries showcase the changes in society and culture throughout 20th century Britain and beyond. The photos range from the 1960s Mod Scene, Northern Soul, and Punk through to Thatcher’s Britain, Social Housing, Acid House and more.
Thomas Blower’s photographs document everyday life growing up in Greater Manchester during the 1970s. The images capture childhood freedom and life before the rapid rise of technology. A selection of Blower’s images were used to highlight the backdrop of Manchester during the late 1970s as part of the Use Hearing Protection Exhibition, which was held at the Science and Industry Museum.
Photo © Thomas Blower / British Culture Archive.
Social Documentary Photography
Photographer Tish Murtha documented her home community of Elswick in the West End of Newcastle during the 1970s and 1980s. This period was characterised by significant social change, as mass de-industrialisation in the UK left many inner-city communities dealing with the social impact of job losses and lack of employment opportunities.
Tish Murtha’s images of those on the margins of society challenged and documented the inequalities faced by working-class communities. In equal measures, they celebrated what it means to be working-class. Being part of the community she was documenting, Tish Murtha’s work is among some of the most empathetic and powerful examples of social documentary photography of the 20th century.
Photo: Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved.
Documentary photography is a constantly evolving field, and staying engaged with your subject is crucial for growth. In the digital age, sharing documentary photography has never been easier. There are many platforms and strategies for effectively showcasing work, and the influence of social media continues to grow.