50 Gus Powell on Street Photography, Photobooks & The Art of Looking

In this episode Tim Bingham is joined by Gus Powell for a wide-ranging conversation about photography, creativity and the experiences that have shaped his distinctive approach to making pictures.

Although widely recognised for his street photography, Gus's work reaches beyond the conventions of the genre. His photographs often find meaning in subtle gestures, unexpected juxtapositions and moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Rather than searching for the extraordinary, he is interested in what happens when we pay closer attention to the ordinary. We explore how this way of seeing developed and why remaining curious is so important to his creative process.

The conversation moves through the influences that have shaped Gus’s thinking, including the unexpected connections between photography, poetry and everyday life. We discuss the role of mentorship, the importance of learning to see differently and how experiences outside photography can profoundly influence the way we make pictures.

Editing and sequencing are also central to our discussion. Making photographs is only one part of the process; deciding which images belong together, how they relate to one another and what emerges from their arrangement can be just as important. Gus reflects on the challenges of developing a coherent body of work and the discoveries that can happen when photographs are brought together.

We also explore his fascination with the photobook and the relationship between photographs, design and the physical object. For Gus , a book is much more than a collection of images. It is an opportunity to experiment, make connections and create an experience for the reader that goes beyond looking at individual photographs.

As the conversation develops, we touch on the personal experiences behind some of his work, the unpredictable nature of creative projects and the importance of allowing ideas to evolve. We also discuss what happens when an established photographer steps outside familiar territory and begins exploring new ways of working.

Throughout the episode, one question keeps returning: how do we remain open to the world around us, especially when we think we already know how to see it?

For photographers interested in street photography, visual storytelling, photobooks or the creative process itself, this is a conversation full of ideas to take away and consider.

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