I Only Took This Photo For You: Photography walk by zeashan ashraf

What does it mean to be here, in this city, while the people who live close to our hearts remain so physically far away? So often we walk past something - a certain light, colour, or pattern - that reminds us of someone we love, without ever stopping to observe it fully, let alone document it for them. This photo walk is an invitation to reflect and record.

We’ll begin at Palestine House with reflective exercises, and head out into Holborn to explore the neighbourhood, pausing where something catches us, and making images for the people we’re thinking of. Working both as a group and individually, we’ll draw on all our senses to sharpen our attention before returning to Palestine House to close the session.

This guided photography walk grows out of Zeashan’s own practice of street photography - which began as a way of sending pictures home as digital postcards to family and friends spread across borders. He’ll also share the process and story behind his work ‘Where Should The Birds Fly?’, (created in collaboration with Aya Zabadne) which is currently exhibited at the Awaiting Home Exhibition. 

Bring a camera, or whatever tool you use to document the world. 

The art workshop and discussion is facilitated by Zeashan Ashraf (@zeashanashraf ). Zeashan is a photographer and former educator committed to social change. His practice explores the complexity of belonging within today's global cities. This work is informed by his experience teaching in Pune, India, and by his own migration story - born in Kerala, and having lived between India, the UAE and the UK.