Member Feature: Becky Stacey
This month we're shining the spotlight on Becky Stacey, a street photographer based in Lincoln that you'll often find roaming the bustling streets of London with her fellow photographer and partner in crime, Mark Stacey.Becky’s love for street photography comes to life not only on Instagram, where she shares her latest shots, but also through her creative projects, including two self-published zines: London Street and Hacer's House. Currently, she’s also part of the exciting seasonal exhibition Still In Sight. 
© Becky Stacey
VS: Becky, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into photography? Was there a particular moment or photo that sparked your journey?
BS: I've always really enjoyed photography and have had a camera in hand for as long as I can remember, but something clicked around December 2021. I was in Sheffield, and it was the first time I felt brave enough to start making frames that actually included people. Before that I mostly stuck to architecture, in particular brutalism, which I still love - but my journey with street photography really began once I started to capture and document stories, faces and moments.
VS: Your Instagram feed is full of strong urban scenes and candid moments, how would you describe your style of photography?
BS: I think you've done a pretty good job of describing it to be honest! I'm definitely drawn to colourful scenes, interesting people and playfulness. I guess I hope to capture real moments, whether it's a fleeting expression or unexpected interaction but have some fun with it too.
© Becky Stacey
VS: What usually draws you to press the shutter—light, characters, geometry, or something else entirely?
BS: Colour and characters... and colourful characters! Colour can add a lot of energy to a photograph, but it's the interesting people, scenes or moments that make me press the shutter.
VS: How do you approach photographing people in public spaces? Do you interact much, or is it more about blending into the background?
BS: I'm naturally quite introverted, so will usually blend into the background, but there's times I've felt an undeniable pull to approach someone and ask if I can take their portrait. It doesn't happen much, and if I hesitate for even a moment, the courage goes and I’ve missed the opportunity!
© Becky Stacey
VS: You’ve created a couple of zines… Can you tell us what inspired you to do that, and how the process was for you from start to finish?
BS: Honestly, both zines came about thanks to the incredibly supportive street photography community. The first one happened almost by accident - I’d made myself a book of my favourite photos taken in London throughout 2023, and a few people asked if I’d consider turning it into a zine. So I did!
The second was very much a personal project, and I wasn't originally going to share it. I'd been documenting the details of my nans home over the years, and continued the project after she passed away. It helped me feel connected to her and was really cathartic, but after a year and with the house on the market it felt fitting to bring it to a close. I mentioned that I was thinking of creating a small number of zines in honour of my nan and was so moved by the response. People were incredibly kind, and I had no idea how much it would resonate.
With both zines, I started by choosing a selection of images, then refined it before sequencing them to create a journey for the reader. Once I was happy with the layout I put it together using Mixam (would recommend!) and got them printed. I then did some shameless promotion on Instagram stories!
VS: What non-photography influences (like books, films, music, or art) inspire the way you see or shoot?
BS: I'm a big Wes Anderson fan; the dreamy colour palette and tones are stunning. I also love his use of composition - every frame feels like a little work of art. If I could ever create something even a teeny bit like that I'd be happy!
© Becky Stacey
VS: Have you got a favourite image you've taken recently, and what’s the story behind it?
BS: In March I captured a scene in Trafalgar Square of two families attempting a moment of calm amidst the chaos (photo above). There’s a lot of different emotions in the frame, but what stood out to me was the little boy clutching onto a single red rose. He looked completely lost in thought. I'd love to know what was going on in his head.
VS: Which cities or places inspire your photography the most—and is there somewhere you’re itching to photograph next?
BS: I love London. There’s always something happening. It's diverse, vibrant and hectic (in the best possible way), and you're guaranteed to see something different each time. It may sound a little cliché, but my dream destination to photograph is Coney Island.
© Becky Stacey
VS: What’s something you’ve learned over time that’s really helped you develop as a photographer?
BS: Trust the process! If you ever feel downhearted after a days shooting or like you didn't get much, step back. Just for a bit. When you come back to your photos, you’ll see them with fresh eyes and realise you might have overlooked some great details. What you’ve captured is likely better than you first thought!
VS: Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in street photography or thinking of putting together their first zine?
BS: Keep going and don't be too hard on yourself. Not every shot will be amazing, and that’s totally normal. Just get out there and enjoy it! The more you shoot, the more your eye will develop.
If you're making a zine, support your fellow zine creators - you'll discover some awesome work, find inspiration, and pick up tips on things like themes, sequencing and format.
© Becky Stacey
