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NEWS / 3
TRIBUTE
Martin Parr: May 1952-December 2025
FROM THE EDITOR
Tributes from around the globe flooded in when iconic Magnum photographer Martin Parr passed away in December at home in Bristol aged 73. He died after a four-year battle against cancer. He has long stood among the most distinct and influential voices in contemporary photography. With an eye attuned to the humour and poignancy of everyday life, his work ranged from saturated snapshots of British seaside culture to incisive global explorations of consumption and community. Renowned for his unflinching gaze and wry wit, he blended documentary rigour with a distinct visual style, challenging conventions and inspiring countless photographers to embrace beauty in the ordinary.
At a time when spectacular images can be conjured from a computer prompt in seconds, something reassuring is happening in photography – real, documentary-style reportage is finding its voice again. As AI-generated imagery floods timelines, viewers are becoming more visually literate and more sceptical. Perfect skies, flawless faces and impossible moments are often no longer impressive by default. Instead, what cuts through is authenticity. Images that feel observed rather than engineered. Photographs that carry the mess, tension and unpredictability of real life. It’s no coincidence that recent high-profile work has leaned heavily into colour reportage. Leica’s Picture of the Year, rooted in classic street photography from back in 1963, and a major international calendar campaign shot entirely in a candid, documentary style, both celebrate the same thing – human presence. Reportage photography has always been about trust between photographer and subject, and between image and viewer. In a world where AI can fabricate anything, a sense of ‘being there’ has become a powerful currency. This isn’t nostalgia but relevance. Documentary photography answers a growing hunger for truth, context and emotional connection. It values observation over spectacle and patience over perfection. And it reminds us that photography
Parr’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic photographs. Through mentorship, exhibitions and books as well as his own foundation, he helped expand the possibilities of photographic expression. His work will spark conversation, laughter and reflection for years to come. martinparr.com
MARTIN PARR At home in his studio in a photo courtesy of the
Martin Parr Foundation
OPTICS Nikon zooms in a walkaround wonder
is not just about what a camera can produce, but what a photographer chooses to notice.
Nikon has expanded its full- frame Z mount line-up with the launch of the £529 Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1, designed as a true everyday lens but lighter and more affordable than the £849 24-120mm constant f/4 version. Weighing just 350g, it pairs well with compact full-frame bodies such as the Z 5II, creating a lightweight kit that’s easy to carry all day. One of the lens’s standout features is its close-up capability. A 0.5x reproduction ratio and a minimum focusing distance of just 0.2m at the wide end lets you get in close. Fast, quiet autofocus driven by a stepping motor ensures smooth performance for both stills and video, while weather sealing adds protection for outdoors. nikon.co.uk The Z system expands with a lightweight and versatile 24-105mm lens that’s designed for everyday shooting
Editor
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Adam Duckworth adamduckworth@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley nicolafoley@bright.uk.com
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WIDER CHOICE The new 24-105mm Z lens gives a more affordable choice to Nikon mirrorless shooters
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Ace audio is a Shure thing
Shure’s MV88 USB-C stereo mic is designed to bring professional-quality audio to smartphones and tablets. A modern reworking of the original MV88, it swaps Lightning for USB-C. This offers compatibility with both Android and newer iOS devices and eliminates the need for batteries, pairing or wireless connections.
The £145 mic uses Shure’s auto level mode to adjust gain in real time and keep audio clean and consistent while a built-in, real-time denoiser reduces background noise. It has four selectable polar patterns, and Shure’s free MOTIV apps unlock deep customisation. shure.com
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MIC DROP Shure has launched a new microphone for mobiles
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