The Croydon Photography Forum’s (CPF) goal is to expose our attendees to various photographers who share different elements of their art practice with the group. Our next meeting is no different, and we are pleased to be hosting cultural historian, lecturer, author, and photographer Dr Mike Chopra-Grant.

Mike has received Distinctions in the excellent quality for his images from the 168 years old, Royal Society of Photography. The distinctions that he has earned over the years are a testament to his technical and creative mastery as a skilled photographer.

The author of three books on visual representation in film and television, his recent work includes a book-length project based on the material featured in the Americans: Amateur Photography 1950-1980, an exhibition of found photography that he curated for Offspring Photo Meet. He is also a reader in Media, Culture and Communications at London Metropolitan University and currently delivers various modules on their documentary photography course, which he helped design.

As a skilled photographer and fan of street photography, Mike can often be found wandering around derelict areas and capturing the scenes in his own way using medium or large format cameras. He is passionate about the darkroom and other alternative photographic practices, including processing his film in coffee.

Outside of making photographs and curating exhibitions, Mike enjoys creating photo zines, books and developing courses and workshops that bring the fun back into photography by striking a balance between academia and enjoyable artistic expression.