84 photography galleries from predominantly the Western or trans-Atlantic world exhibiting in the beautiful old rooms of Somerset House at The Strand in London – that is Photo London!

One may say that what Art Basel is to other art, Photo London has the potential to become to photography in all its shapes, categories, styles, techniques, expressions, media and historic periods.

It has come to life thanks to its two directors and art connoisseurs, Iranian-born Fariba Farshad and Michael Benson about whom you may read here.

And like Art Basel it is, with few exceptions, basically for the moneyed elite – and not too much experimentation. It costs even to just walk around and enjoy, an adult one-day tickets is £ 25.

However, the enthusiast or the person who has traveled a bit to get there – like I have from Sweden – will find it worth it. You’ll need two full days to give it a thorough review if you haven’t kind of seen it all before.

Somerset House in the mirror of the ticket office © Jan Oberg 2016

2016 was Photo London’s second year and my first time there. This article will focus on what I was most enthusiastic about at Somerset House. I always write about the things I like, thus conveying positive energy. I know how much it means to myself when someone expresses appreciation – and there is enough of negative critical-only, Besserwisser type of discussions in today’s world.

I don’t pretend to be a competent art photo critic, but see myself rather more as a recommender. Thus, I don’t do long more or less analytical text but let the images speak with a little intro and links where you can explore more – as if you had been there yourself.

That why it’s called social media – sharing and caring – and promoting achievement and success in all directions.

I’ve also made a 44-photos report at my Instagram account #obergphotographics and on #photolondonfair – and for your browser here.

In May 2016, London was turned into what was probably the world centre of photography.

Besides Photo London, there are interesting photography-related shows at about 30 places – e.g. at the Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern and OXO Tower Wharf’s “Fix” to mention some.

Taking time to process it all – and I take hundreds of photos a day – I’ll write about these as soon as I can get around to it.

Martin Parr’s installation at the terrace facing river Thames was fun, a flashback to the good old days with photos inside an unusual “frame”. I’m not sure I was touched by it, but it inspired me to put it in yet another flashy frame.

A digression on the images in these notes:

I always process and/or crop, frame and otherwise change my photos before uploading to social media and this blog. One, it is fun with all the tools available. Two, you make it more personal. Three, I dislike the fast shoot-and-upload laziness with sharing of raw images that could have brought the viewer a little joy had they been cared for. Four, it’s good training and – fifth: Every image worth publishing is worth publishing well!

Many of the photos here are taken from the side. Continue reading →