Ash is a London‑based photographer whose journey with a camera began in 1982, when he first picked up my uncle’s Nikon SLR on a family trip to Kenya. He had no technical knowledge at the time, only curiosity and the hope that the images would come out. That early spark stayed with him, resurfacing years later as digital cameras became accessible and travel offered new opportunities to explore the world through a lens.
Ash’s first digital camera, a 5MP Pentax Optio, accompanied him to India, where a visit to the Taj Mahal shifted photography from casual documentation to something more intentional. After the birth of his son, he purchased his first DSLR, a Canon 450D, hoping simply to keep up with a fast‑moving toddler. Over time, that practical tool became a creative outlet. A Canon 70D upgrade in 2014 opened the door to new possibilities, and a trip to Bali and Singapore in 2016 introduced him, unknowingly to street photography. He found myself drawn to everyday moments, ordinary people, and the quiet narratives unfolding in public spaces.
In 2018, he formalised his learning through a photography course, deepening his understanding of composition, light, and technical craft. Today, he gravitates toward urban and street photography for its immediacy and honesty, wandering without expectation and capturing whatever catches his eye.
Ash loves all genres of photography, but his heart lies on the street. For him, photography is a way to freeze a moment at 1/500 of a second. A fleeting gesture, a passing expression, a slice of city life and then simply move on.
Ash is a member of the Urban Lives exhibition team, helping to project manage and coordinate all activities for the exhibition.
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
© Ash Patel
