About me

Wayne Crichlow (aka chasingthelight_67), is an East London-born street and documentary photographer, who harnesses the power of photography and visual storytelling to advocate for communities and the fundamental right to protest. His work transcends mere imagery, serving as a potent medium for raising awareness and giving voice to underrepresented narratives.

Born in London’s East End to West Indian parents, Wayne's journey into photography began with a humble bridge camera. His early fascination with capturing everyday life laid the foundation for a profound exploration of the creative freedom that photography offers. Each snapshot is a moment preserved and a call to recognize the stories embedded in our shared humanity.

Wayne’s artistic vision is deeply inspired by revered Black photographers such as Gordon Parks, Moneta Sleet Jr., Charlie Phillips, and other icons such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado. These influences fuel his commitment to honest storytelling, allowing viewers to gain insightful perspectives on the complexities of our world.

Through his lens, Wayne reveals the intricate connections between individuals and their environments, transforming candid street photography into a powerful medium for humanist storytelling. From chronicling the effects of social change in the impoverished townships of the Western Cape, South Africa, to amplifying the voices in the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice, Wayne passionately advocates for those whose stories deserve to be shared.

His extensive body of work reflects a keen interest in the multifaceted challenges of daily life. Recognised for his talent, Wayne has garnered a commendation from the Sony Photography Awards 2017 and was a finalist in Sky Arts Master of Photography 2018. He has cultivated a distinctive style and visual language that resonates with authenticity and urgency.

Since 2018, Wayne has collaborated closely with Future Hackney and forged a successful partnership with fellow creative Don Travis, gaining the trust of Caribbean and diverse communities in Dalston, East London. Through this engagement, he has co-authored narratives celebrating their experiences while advocating for their rights and co-art directing several exhibitions.

His dedication extends to documenting significant causes—addressing the dangers of climate change, supporting Black Lives Matter, exploring anti-fascist movements, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and pro-Palestinian issues. Through these efforts, Wayne Crichlow continues to champion the transformative power of photography as a tool for advocacy and change, underscoring the vital importance of the right to protest in our contemporary society.

Read more about Wayne’s appearance on Sky Television - Sky Arts Master of Photography Season 3, the latest news, workshops and awards and honouree mentions. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Threads and Bluesky.