12 - John Bolloten: Trust, Vulnerability, and the Art of Documentary Photography

​John Bolloten is a British documentary photographer based in Bradford, UK, renowned for his unflinching and empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities and subcultures.

Since picking up a camera , John has immersed himself in the lives of those often overlooked— drug users the homeless, underground fighters, and subcultures that thrive in the shadows.​

His seminal works, such as Nothing To See Here and Love Story, offer raw, intimate glimpses into the struggles and resilience of individuals battling addiction and poverty in Bradford. In Tbilisi Raw, he ventures into Georgia's far-right football ultras scene, capturing a world rarely seen by outsiders.​

Johns approach is deeply empathetic; he builds trust over time, allowing his subjects to reveal their realities without judgment. His photography doesn't just document—it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and recognise shared humanity.

In this episode we discuss how John found his calling in photography, his unique approach to building relationships with the various communities, and the stories behind some of his most impactful projects. We also explore the ethical challenges of documentary photography and the responsibility that comes with telling someone else's story.

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