Beyond the Frame 82/
A review of 2025. The most popular newsletter articles and my favourite photo events, books, podcasts, documentaries, gear, and more.
2025: The Year in Review
It might just be another date in the calendar but there is something provocative about the turn from one year to the next. It’s a time for reflection on the year that’s ending, and for hopeful expectation for the year ahead.
In terms of Beyond the Frame, 2025 has been an interesting year. Looking back, I see that I’ve published 48 editions containing 106,000 words (enough for a thick novel), highlighted the work of 98 fellow photographers, featured dozens of photo contests, books, and events.
In the process, I have learned so much. Before Beyond the Frame, I might have read an article or flipped through a photo book with what I now appreciate was limited attention. Now, wanting to learn more before committing to writing about a subject, I read more, research more, explore more, travel further along the trail. The depth and breadth of my knowledge have increased in ways that I could not have predicted.
I’m grateful to you, readers of Beyond the Frame, for being part of a community which provides that imperative.
I’m especially grateful to Paid Subscribers and Founding Members. Much as I enjoy writing newsletters, the time it takes is far, far greater than I anticipated. I could not justify investing that time without the support of paid subscriptions. Thank you.
Reminder: You can access all archived editions for free. You’ll find a full directory and a list of tagged content plus a database of resources online.
I’m always keen to receive your comments, feedback and suggestions. Perhaps there’s a photographic technique or story you’d like me to include in a future edition? As always, you’ll find a comment button at the foot of the newsletter.
Most Popular Articles of 2025
These are the ten most read articles published in Beyond the Frame in 2025. Links in the titles.
1. Annapurna Kids
It’s no surprise that this video of giggling Nepalese children contributed to the most popular article of the year.
2. Kodachrome
A review of Kodak’s most iconic film with details of my Kodachrome emulation for Lightroom and Photoshop.
3. Street Portraits
A look at the techniques for impromptu street portraiture.
4. International Women’s Day
I’m pleased to see this edition in the top ten most-read list. It includes photos from a women’s co-operative in Nepal plus a look at the National Geographic book, Women of Vision.
5. The Napalm Girl Controversy
I’m sorry this story even exists. A documentary, now on Netflix, suggests that Nick Ut was not the author of the famous Napalm Girl photograph, made in Vietnam in 1972. Nobody would suggest that accurate attribution is not important but this documentary raises more questions than it answers and has resulted in an admired photojournalist’s reputation being jeopardised.
I was pleased to chat with Nick Ut at Visa pour l’Image this year and appreciated being part of the audience who gave him a standing ovation when he walked onto the stage.
6. On Reading
A collection of photos of people in public spaces reading books and newspapers.
Perhaps the act of reading something tangible, rather than on a digital screen, is something that resonates with us as a meaningful way to pass the time?
7. Valparaíso — Sergio Larrain
I really enjoyed learning about Sergio Larrain’s life and work and this short article was one of my favourites to write this year.
8. Paralympic Photographers
Looking at the sports photographs of blind photographer João Batista Maia da Silva and Ian Rice, who has multiple sclerosis.
9. Phi Ta Khon (Ghosts in Masks)
Photos from the spooky festival in northern Thailand. Part I and Part II were understandably popular with Beyond the Frame readers.
10. Cyanometer
Who could have predicted that Horace Bénédict de Saussure’s curious device for measuring the blueness of alpine skies, home-made in 1787, would still be finding an appreciative audience in 2025?
My own cyanometer is still available to download for free.
Review of the Year 2025
Gear of the Year
I’d almost given up the search for a really versatile camera in a truly pocket-sized format but the Leica D-Lux 8 has been a revelation. Wide apertures, decent focal lengths, impressive image quality and the legendary Leica build quality. Reviewed in Beyond the Frame 72/.
Mobile App of the Year
The Leica Lux iPhone app began as a bit of a gimmick but has been thoughtfully developed to the point where it’s become my go-to mobile camera app. It offers emulations for several classic Leica lenses, exposure control and traditional Leica Look processing options. I’d recommend it to photographers looking to translate the Leica rangefinder experience to an iPhone.
Photo Event of the Year
It would be hard to beat the Women’s Euro Football finals in Switzerland in terms of energy and colour but my standout photography event in 2025 was undoubtedly Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan.
In turbulent and divisive times, Visa pour l’Image was a breath of fresh air, a timely reminder that there exists a conscientious community of photojournalists devoted to documenting events with integrity and compassion.
I wrote postcards from Perpignan in Beyond the Frame 71/ and Beyond the Frame 72/.
Photo Contest of the Year
In a crowded field, the Portrait of Britain photography contest stands out as being especially impressive. This year’s shortlist continues to highlight considered portraits that reflect the diversity of a multi-faceted nation. Often touching, always thought-provoking.
I shared some of my favourite portraits from this year’s entries in Beyond the Frame 76/.
Photo Book(s) of the Year
2025 has been the Year of the Photo Book for me. I’ve met many authors and enjoyed seeing the results of their labours of love. I’ve bought many photo books, all of which deserve promoting. I couldn’t choose only one favourite so these two are my picks for Photo Book of the Year 2025.
Alex Llovet’s And Into the Forest I Go looks a little gloomy at first glance. Closer inspection reveals a gentle, carefully-compiled collection of photos from the Spanish mountain forest of Collserola, near Barcelona.
Looking again at my short review in Beyond the Frame 57/, I see I described it as “gentle” there too. It’s one of the (too many) photo books I picked up this year that I’ve returned to most frequently.
When a skilled photographer with an empathetic eye turns their attention to a subject they are clearly passionate about, something special is produced. So it is with Suzy Bennett’s affectionate look at the Artisans of Dartmoor. I shared a glimpse of Suzy’s book in Beyond the Frame 64/ but I encourage you to spend some time enjoying photos from the project on her website.
Photo Documentary of the Year
Love + War is an intimate look at the life and work of conflict photographer Lynsey Addario.
At a time when more journalists are losing their lives than ever before, the National Geographic documentary shows the determination and sacrifice required to continue documenting the world’s most dangerous conflicts.
See more insights into Lynsey’s work in this Guardian review.
Podcast of the Year
Whilst Only Artists is not a new podcast, I discovered it this year and it quickly became a firm favourite. The premise is simple, an artist interviews a fellow artist of their choosing. There’s no presenter, no parameters, and the conversations are wide-ranging and free-flowing.
What I really appreciate is listening to creative people discuss challenges that most artists probably face: motivation, inspiration, confidence, dedication.
It seems that the BBC show finished in 2020 but there are 64 episodes to enjoy. Some of my favourites are Simon Stephens talking with Simon Armitage, Saxophonist Jess Gillam meeting David Bowie’s bassist, Gail Ann Dorsey in Paris, and artist Rose Wylie comparing hearing aids with comedian Stewart Lee.
TV Show of the Year
This unassuming BBC show isn’t about photography, as such, but it has many of the elements that I think matter to meaningful artistic endeavours.
The Repair Shop is another example of a simple premise proving to be surprisingly effective. Members of the public take treasured heirlooms to a rustic barn, where traditional craftspeople provide expert repairs and renovations.
The beloved artefacts are invariably attached to fond memories of family members, to evocative childhood memories, and very human tales from bygone days. The final act, where heirlooms are revealed in their shiny, restored state is often emotional, as tender memories are evoked.
In an increasingly superficial and decidedly digital world, The Repair Shop is a welcome escape to an analogue world where a wind-up child’s toy or a tatty old camera can be priceless.
I posted some videos showing Repair Shop camera restorations in Beyond the Frame 56/.
What’s your favourite photo book, event, podcast etc. from 2025? I’d love to know. Please leave a comment with your recommendations.
“ A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.” – Brigitte Bardot
✤ 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…
I did also promise to share my Joke of the Year…
Ho hum…
It’s not so much the joke as the execution that was amusing. Well, amusing to one person, at least. Here goes:
I’m in my office. Mrs G enters, plants both hands on my desk, fixes me with a serious look.
“Somebody said you sound like an owl.”
I’m dumbfounded.
“WHO?”
Mrs G dissolves into hysterics.
That’s it. That’s the joke.
Yes, you really had to be there.
🙄
2025 has, on balance, been an excellent year. It’s worth taking the time to reflect, to add up all the good fortune, to be reminded of all the light and the laughter that has blessed the year.
And what about the year ahead? What does 2026 hold in store?
I’m hoping, personally at least, there will be more of the same – plus a bit.
The world can feel like a dysfunctional and daunting place at times. Perhaps now more than ever before in my lifetime. If I was to make a New Year’s resolution it would be to try and keep my focus on those things which I can influence, not to be overly distracted by events beyond my control. Somebody’s probably written a poem suggesting an approach along those lines 😬
For the year ahead, I wish you the most enticing adventures, the most rewarding relationships, and the very best light.
Until next time – and next year, go well.
Thanks for all the great inspiration over 2025. Your newsletters need rereading; there is so much content. On my to do list! All the best for 2026.