The Project

In October 2020, when the UK entered its first Covid lockdown, 11 amateur photographers united to start a street photography project. Initially collaborating online, they used the 52 Assignments: Street Photography book as their inspiration. They made it their mission to complete all the assignments over 12 months, with the ambitious aim of producing their own book and exhibition at the end to showcase their achievements.

The photographers are of mixed abilities from beginner to very experienced. They used the 52 Assignments: Street Photography book because most of them had been students of Brian Lloyd Duckett's Streetsnappers workshops and were confident in using material from someone they knew and respected who was an expert in the field. They found the book accessible and easy to follow, no matter what stage they were at in their photographic journey. It provided a clear and focused brief, tips, techniques, and guidance. It supported them to continue learning and developing as photographers.

Adhering to lockdown restrictions made shooting a challenge in the early days. However, they were committed, and they used their designated "exercise time" to hit the streets and complete the assignments. 

Word soon got out, and photographers from all over the world asked if they could join in the project. The core team realised that this initiative benefited them in several ways during the lockdowns. Most importantly, it supported their physical and mental health. They agreed to open the group to anyone who wanted to join, and the project quickly grew to almost 400 members on their Facebook group with over 1,000 followers on Instagram. The project was free to join and participate in.

The project was run in a very structured and organised way with a programme that included a weekly online video walkthrough for new members and a monthly online critique session to review their assignment work. The core team provided email and video support to the wider group, and when Covid restrictions eased, they organised monthly photo walks in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, and Lisbon.

The participants have shared something very special during the darkest of times and forged many great friendships. It is a diverse and inclusive group with people from all walks of life who are like-minded and deeply passionate about street photography.

They have successfully completed the project which took them through to 2021. As planned, they are producing a book of their favourite images and preparing for an exhibition curated by Brian Lloyd Duckett to showcase the very best in show from the project.