The Photowalk

Today’s conversation with photojournalist Claire Thomas takes a remarkable turn within just 20 minutes, shifting from casual beginnings to the profound realities of her work now. From those early travel ‘snaps’ to capturing global crises, Claire’s photography isn’t just about documenting what she witnesses; it’s about her genuine desire to share stories of resilience and hope. Working with clients like The New York Times, National Geographic, Amnesty International and UN agencies, her work is respected worldwide. Claire shows real humanity behind the lens and a commitment to her subjects that surpasses the act of photography alone. Also, on the show from the mailbag, Tim Bindner believes he’s discovered his true creative WHY, Bob Shonkoff has insomnia but has turned it into a photographic opportunity, Lynn Fraser and David Higton are making proper pictures of proper snow, and Mark Krajnak is celebrating Hogmanay in a place far from Scottish shores. We’ll also remind you of January’s assignment set by the Art of Photography’s Ted Forbes, plus there’s some more information about April’s ENCOUNTERS workshop and experience. Links to all guests and features will be on the showpage, my sincere thanks to MPB who sponsor this show and the Extra Milers without whom we wouldn't be walking each week. WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.

Jack Lowe’s Lifeboat Station Project is a profound photographic tribute to the courageous British lifeboat crews who risk everything to save lives at sea. Using a Victorian camera and wet plate collodion methods, Jack makes powerful portraits that honour the resilience and humanity of these everyday heroes and today, he is on the show to talk about his incredible undertaking and risk-taking. Jack’s project has taken a toll, though, both emotionally and financially, and he discusses and reveals how that has affected him personally.  Also today from the mailbag, Randy Bullerwell is having a crisis of photographic direction, Mark Christensen finds pelicans have quite the attitude, Matthias Focks is making excellent pictures under an umbrella in a small German town, and Michael Mixon introduces us to a photographer who is questioning human connection. We have a new TEACH ME STREET series that launches today with Valérie Jardin, plus the inspirational Ted Forbes sets this month’s ONE WORD ASSIGNMENT. Links to all guests and features will be on the showpage, my sincere thanks to MPB who sponsor this show and the Extra Milers without whom we wouldn't be walking each week. WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.

Ted Forbes is a photographer, educator, and creator of The Art of Photography YouTube channel. His new book, Visually Speaking, explores photography as a universal language, offering 21 chapters filled with insights and examples for photographers of all levels to create images that truly communicate. From the mailbag, Gavin Perry shows the World is at your shutter fingertips without boarding a plane, Craig Wilson is yomping through Welsh landscapes, Simon Blakesley has a seven-decade-old personal pilgrimage picture, and Paul Friday has me revisiting photographers who make pictures of things that go bump in the night. We reveal a new assignment for this month and last month’s winner of the show flask, plus announce a new storytelling experience and workshop in London. Links to all guests and features will be on the showpage, my sincere thanks to MPB who sponsor this show and the Extra Milers without whom we wouldn't be walking each week. WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.

In photography, knowing your WHY can guide each choice you make, from composition and lighting to the themes you explore, ensuring your work feels authentic and meaningful. But it’s not just about the art of photography, but expressing what and how you feel and believe. Today, on this last celebratory show before Christmas, 23 of this year's guests once more reveal their own WHY in a compilation of inspiration to close out on the year. From the mailbag, Mark Christensen sets out on his first street mission, Harald Kahles has some ideas for specials in ’25, Susan Larsson has found a social replacement for Insta, Peter Turnbull is making environmental portraits, Glenn Sowerby has found the secret for enjoying photography, and Allin Sorenson with a story of 370 million pairs of eyes staring down the lens of a television camera lens at Christmas. Links to all guests and features will be on the showpage, my sincere thanks to MPB who sponsor this show and the Extra Milers without whom we wouldn't be walking each week. WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.