Man Lit & Phil: Under attack: 15 Years spent photographing Britain

Joel Goodman will talk about his specific experiences as a photojournalist, framed with the context of his photographs and publications. He will be discussing why it should matter to him beyond his own self-interest, what success and failure look like to him, what values he tries to bring to his practice and the pressures of working independently in sometimes hostile and unforgiving environments.

Most of his photography involves politics and “hard news” – unscheduled coverage of breaking stories or of live events – and, when he does his job well, the work can be published widely in print, online and on television, around the world. Often this coverage results from images photographed and then transmitted directly from his camera, where the only editing is in the focal length and composition he chose at the moment of capture.

Questions to Reflect On

• What does “success” versus “failure” look like for a hard‑news image?
• Walk us through one frame shown tonight: where you stood, focal length, and timing—why those choices?
• How do you stay safe and de‑escalate in hostile or fast‑moving situations?
• What pressures do independent freelancers face – from subjects, police, editors, or online audiences – and how do you keep your independence and values?
• In the UK context, how do you balance public interest with minimising harm – handling consent, privacy, minors, victims, and arrestees?
• With images sent straight from camera, how do you caption and verify under time pressure and prevent miscontext?

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is strongly advised.

Access

Access to the event is via the Altrincham Street entrance.