Beyond the Frame 76/
It’s all about the portrait in this edition, from the streets of Bangladesh to the Portrait of Britain shortlist.
Ayesha, Dhaka, Bangladesh
In the densely populated Adabar Thana neighbourhood in the centre of Dhaka, corrugated metal shacks are concertinaed along the banks of the Buriganga River, pitched in any available space, leaving only a maze of paper-thin alleyways for pedestrians.
Many families share single rooms with only a hinged flap of metal to serve as a door or window, scant ventilation in a crowded city where temperatures routinely nudge 40ºC (104ºF).
On a search for beauty and joyful laughter, one might not instinctively place Adabar at the top of a list. In my experience, however, the materially deprived neighbourhood boasts a surprising abundance of both.
Ayesha lives a short walk from the BRAC-funded school where she and her friends attend daily lessons. Keen to advance my knowledge of Bangla, Ayesha taught me two useful Bangla phrases:
“Apnar nam ki?” – What is your name?
“Ami ki apnar ekta chhobi tulte pari?” – May I take your photo?
I almost always carry an instant camera when I’m working. The prints are a small token of appreciation for the gentle hospitality I’m invariably shown.
Sadly, the riverside communities of Dhaka live with an uneasy future. Flooding is already frequent, the city’s drainage and embankment protections are stretched thin. Rising groundwater and heavier monsoon rains make life ever more precarious and as sea levels continue to rise, Bangladesh will be one of the first countries to suffer the consequences.
It’s hard not to wonder if the residents of Adabar Thana don’t already have more than enough challenges to face.
Portrait of Britain 2025
“Portrait of Britain is a celebration of identity; an opportunity to rejoice in the diversity of a changing nation.”
The annual Portrait of Britain photography contest has grown in reputation, becoming one of the industry’s most prestigious portrait photography awards.
This year’s 200 shortlisted entries include a multitude of photographic styles, and a reassuringly diverse range of subjects. Each portrait illustrates a uniquely individual story. Behind the portraits are stories of strength and resilience, hope and aspiration, commitment and devotion.
Looking at the shortlisted entries for this year, I see people making up a nation that defies a pigeon-hole definition, a nation strengthened by the diversity that the contest seeks to celebrate.
I’ve highlighted just three of my own favourites here but could easily have chosen dozens more.
Often, the accompanying caption reveals important details of the stories behind the portraits. Accurate, informative caption-writing is an art in itself.
Sophia works for the NHS on the front desk of Croydon University Hospital – a role she loves – but as the accompanying caption explains, Sophia and her colleagues sometimes face abuse and harassment. This portrait captures both the pride Sophia has in her role (the badges, the NHS lanyard) but also the visibly distressing effects of working in an environment that is sometimes more challenging than it ought to be.
If you’re interested in people’s stories, or even if you simply appreciate a well-made portrait, I know you’ll enjoy looking through this year’s shortlisted entries.
Vivek’s caption for this image is soberingly pointed. It reads, “My mother, Sumitra, awaiting results for her illness.”
Our first impression of a pleasant portrait bathed in golden light in a comfortably homely setting is turned on its head when we understand the potential contents of the letter.
I wrote about last year’s Portrait of Britain award in the very first edition of Beyond the Frame.
A photographer is like a cod, which produces a million eggs
in order that one may reach maturity.
– George Bernard Shaw
Beyond the Frame Recommendations
Articles, documentaries, exhibitions, podcasts and more.
◉ Listen
When it comes to storytelling, The Moth is a great example of how often the most straightforward approach can be the most affecting. One storyteller, one microphone, one attentive audience.
For nearly three decades, The Moth has invited people from all walks of life to share their real-life stories.
The Moth hosts curated Mainstage events and smaller, open-mic StorySLAMs. The power lies in the storytellers’ unscripted authenticity. We hear stories that are funny, heartbreaking, surprising, inspiring – sometimes all of the above in a five minute tale. Above all, The Moth’s storytellers offer a sense of meaningful connection with a reminder that everybody has a story worth hearing.
Highlights of The Moth events can be heard on their award-winning podcast.
▶︎ Watch
Adobe has released several new features for Lightroom Classic.
You can find a detailed feature list on the Adobe website. Better still, watch Matt Kloskowski’s characteristically practical video guide (above).
❖ See
Not for the first time, I wish I had plans to be in Australia. A new exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria featuring the work of more than 80 female photographers opens on 28 November 2025.
Featuring prints, postcards, photo books and magazines, the exhibition explores the role of photographers as image-makers, and the ways in which women artists create an image of themselves, of others, of the times – from images of the women’s suffrage movement at the turn of the twentieth century, through to the women’s liberation movement and beyond.
The exhibition runs until May 2026, more than enough time to arrange a Beyond the Frame class outing to Melbourne!
◘ Read
Tools, Tricks & Tips for the Travelling Photographer
My friend and colleague Matt Brandon has published a new edition of his popular ebook for travelling photographers.
The free PDF contains a wealth of expert tips and recommendations for tried and tested gear. But not only cameras and lenses. You’ll also find suggestions for bags, belt buckles, shoes, SIM cards, and many more things to make life on the road more comfortable and efficient. There’s even a recommendation for the best travel espresso maker!
✤ Create
A series of creative prompts, inspired by Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies, and designed with photographers in mind.
Read more about the concept and learn how to use my Oblique Strategies for Photographers.
And finally…
If everything has gone to plan, I’ll be at a live Moth StorySLAM event in New York later this week.
Whatever plans you have this week, I hope you find time to pick up a camera/paintbrush/pencil/chisel/microphone, and I wish you the most elevating inspiration.
Until next time, go well.
Directory: Beyond the Frame newsletter archive.
Resources: Recommended books, films, gear, media etc.
Beyond the Frame 75/
In this edition we travel from the hectic heart of Old Delhi to the dreamy expanses of the Tibetan Steppe. There are recommendations to inform and inspire plus new Oblique Strategies for Photographers.