The image is a powerful tool of testimony, capable of revealing the complexity of the human condition.” – Christopher Steele-Perkins
Christopher Horace Steele-Perkins, born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1947, is a British photographer renowned for his documentary work, which has shed light on social issues both in the United Kingdom and abroad. His ability to capture the essence of human life in its most raw and authentic forms has earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim.
His career took off with The Teds (1979), a groundbreaking book that documented the British teddy boy subculture. This work not only became a classic of documentary photography but also influenced fashion and subcultural studies, offering a vivid portrayal of the youth rebellion in post-war Britain. Through his lens, Steele-Perkins provided an intimate and detailed look at a community often misunderstood, highlighting the aesthetic and social elements that defined their identity.
Steele-Perkins’ passion for photography began during his university years at Newcastle upon Tyne, where he worked as a photographer and picture editor for a student magazine. After earning a degree in psychology in 1970, he initially pursued theater photography while also lecturing in psychology. However, his growing interest in social issues led him to fully commit to photojournalism.
By 1971, he had moved to London and started focusing on urban poverty, a theme that remained central to his work throughout his career. In 1973, he traveled to Bangladesh to document humanitarian efforts, capturing the struggles of communities affected by conflict and economic hardship. During this time, he also taught photography at institutions such as the Stanhope Institute and the North East London Polytechnic, sharing his knowledge and inspiring a new generation of photographers.
His commitment to social documentary photography deepened when he joined the Exit Photography Group in 1975, working alongside Nicholas Battye and Paul Trevor. The group’s work, initially commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, resulted in an extensive visual and oral history of Britain’s urban struggles, producing over 30,000 photographs and countless hours of recorded interviews.
In 1976, Steele-Perkins became an associate of the French agency Viva, further expanding his international reach. His work with Viva led him to explore conceptual photography, notably in collaboration with photographer Mark Edwards. Together, they experimented with images taken at the ends of film rolls—unfocused and unintentional shots that reflected the unpredictability of the photographic process.
Throughout the 1990s, Steele-Perkins traveled multiple times to Afghanistan, immersing himself in the complex realities of the region. His encounters with the Taliban provided him with a nuanced perspective on their lives, revealing them as “ordinary guys” rather than just the figures of terror portrayed in the media. However, he also faced significant danger, including being fired upon while working alongside renowned photographers such as James Nachtwey. These experiences forced him to reconsider his approach to war photography, leading him to reflect on the ethical and personal risks involved in documenting conflict zones.
Steele-Perkins’ career continued to flourish as he was elected President of Magnum Photos, serving from 1995 to 1998. Under his leadership, Magnum maintained its reputation as one of the most prestigious photo agencies in the world, supporting photographers dedicated to capturing reality in its most compelling and thought-provoking forms.
In addition to his international work, Steele-Perkins has maintained a strong connection to Britain. He has spent significant time in Japan, publishing two books on the country, and has also contributed to projects in South Korea, including a Hayward Gallery touring exhibition on contemporary slavery. His dedication to British documentary photography was reaffirmed through a project for the Side Gallery, which led to Northern Exposures, a black-and-white portrayal of life in northeast England.
Through his extensive and diverse body of work, Christopher Steele-Perkins has left an indelible mark on the world of photojournalism. His photographs not only document history but also challenge perceptions, giving voice to those often overlooked by mainstream narratives. With a career spanning over five decades, his images continue to serve as a testament to the power of photography in shaping our understanding of the world.
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