Craig Easton

Craig Easton is a British documentary photographer renowned for his long-term projects that delve into themes of social policy, identity, and community. Born in Edinburgh and raised in Liverpool, Easton initially studied physics at the University of Salford. His passion for photography emerged during his university years, leading him to pursue a career in photojournalism. He began his professional journey at The Independent newspaper in the early 1990s, focusing on stories that highlighted social issues and underrepresented communities. 

Easton’s work is deeply rooted in the documentary tradition, often combining intimate portraits with expansive landscapes to weave narratives that connect contemporary experiences with historical contexts. His notable projects include Fisherwomen, which documents women in the UK’s fish processing industry; Thatcher’s Children, exploring intergenerational poverty in Northern England; and Bank Top, a series challenging media representations of segregation in Blackburn. In 2021, his Bank Top series earned him the prestigious Photographer of the Year award at the Sony World Photography Awards. 

Easton’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond photography; he often incorporates text and audio elements into his projects to provide a more comprehensive perspective. His work is held in various public and private collections, including the Hull Maritime Museum, Salford University Art Collection, and the University of St Andrews Library Special Collections. 

In addition to his personal projects, Easton continues to work on editorial and advertising assignments for clients such as the National Health Service, Visit Britain, and Land Rover. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at universities and conducts workshops both in the UK and internationally. (Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)