If you were to design a postcard that captures the spirit of your local area, what photograph would you pick? Like Kay Ibrahim’s vibrant image of Stratford Bus Station, instead of a local landmark or tourist trap, you might reimagine a transport hub that thousands use every day without stopping to appreciate. Or, as in Shenell Kennedy’s portrait of archivist and writer Naz from Newham, you might disregard local celebrities and instead spotlight a dedicated community champion.
In a new commission in collaboration with community platform and production agency Take More Photos, we challenged six London-based photographers to distil the energy of east London into a single image. Kid Cricus, Kay Ibrahim, Shenell Kennedy, Suhaib Hashi, Safa and Nabra Badr all submitted photographs that reveal what it’s really like to live and work on this side of the city. From the frantic energy of a run-club zooming past Haggerston station, to candid portraits of friends, colleagues and local creatives, check out the images below and read what the photographers have to say about them.
Shenell Kennedy
‘I photographed Naz because she embodies the spirit of east London. Her devotion to documenting its people and places shines through everything she does, from her independent archive project, Memori(easts), to her daily interactions. This image captures her during a shoot with fellow east London artist Zino Vinci, showcasing her tireless dedication to preserving her community’s stories. @shenellkennedy
Kay Ibrahim
‘East London is home – it’s where I’ve experienced life’s highs, lows, and moments of hope. This photo, taken from the top of Westfield Stratford, captures the essence of my connection to the area. Looking down towards old Stratford, it’s a reminder that while places change, they remain a part of who you are.’ @kay.ibrahim
Kid Circus
‘While walking through Brick Lane in east London, I was drawn to a piece of graffiti that stood out due to its unique typeface and colour combination. As a local, it’s easy to take the area’s vibrancy for granted, but stopping to appreciate works like this reminds me of the creativity that makes this neighbourhood so special.’ @kidcircus
Suhaib Hashi
‘This photo, taken during one of our Sunday long runs in Hackney, reflects the strong sense of community and culture I’ve always associated with East London. The backdrop of Homerton Overground Station, a place close to my heart, encapsulates the diverse and vibrant spirit of the area, which aligns perfectly with Pana Run Club’s values.’ @suhaibshoots
Safa Mohamoud
‘Taken at Queens Market in Upton Park, this photo captures the vibrant energy of one of London’s bustling marketplaces. It showcases the incredible mix of culture, style, and community that infuses everyday life in the city with creativity and individuality.’ @lenoiire
Nabra Badr
‘To capture the spirit of east London, I sought out spaces and people that feel like home. In Hackney Wick, I discovered FeYi, a Black-owned floral business run by Eni Awo. Her artistry and warmth embody East London’s vibrant tapestry of culture‘ @nabrabadr
Want to become a pro photographer? Check out Take More Photos founder Hassan’s guide to breaking in to the industry.
