Until 22 Apr

Hayward Gallery - London. A major UK retrospective of the work of acclaimed German photographer Andreas Gursky. Known for his large-scale, often spectacular pictures that portray emblematic sites and scenes of the global economy and contemporary life, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant photographers of our time.
Driven by an interest and insight into ‘the way that the world is constituted’, as well as what he describes as ‘the pure joy of seeing’, Gursky makes photographs that are not just depictions of places or situations, but reflections on the nature of image-making and the limits of human perception. Often taken from a high vantage point, these images make use of a ‘democratic’ perspective that gives equal importance to all elements of his highly detailed scenes.

Brief Encounters by Mark Fairhust can be seen at the Goods Shed Tetbury (Gumstool Hill, Tetbury, GL8 8DG).

Photographer Mark Fairhurst began his career photographing inanimate objects, from jewellery to plugs, which were used in advertising. Seeing his work, someone told him that if you can make a plug look good, imagine what you can do for people.

It was this that sparked the idea of switching to portraiture and now an exhibition of his work is to be shown at Tetbury Goods Shed in Gloucestershire.

Fairhurst's pictures are usually taken on location and often he has little time to capture the image he wants.

Brief Encounters displays images taken on a one-to-one basis, often only with a short time to prepare the set on location.

"It's a challenge to create a relaxed atmosphere other than in a studio," says Fairhurst. "I would never have thought that I would be in front of so many famous people in my career."

He works in black and white taking inspiration from photographers such as Irving Penn, Jane Bown, David Bailey and Richard Avedon.

Until 20 May

 

Until 8 Apr

The renowned wildlife photography competition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, from the Natural History Museum is back at M Shed in the City Docks until 8 April, with 100 spectacular images. From frozen wastelands and peculiar species, to tropical paradises and fascinating animal behaviour; this year’s selection is a call to action – a plea to band together and protect our fragile planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights.
For full details, please click here.

Until 15 Apr

Swaps: Photographs from the David Hurn Collection. Until 15 April at the National Museum, Cardiff. This exhibition celebrates the major gift of photographs from David Hurn’s private collection and marks the opening of Amgueddfa Cymru’s first gallery dedicated to photography.
Throughout his career as a documentary photographer and member of Magnum Photos, Hurn has been an avid collector of photography. Remarkably, he has amassed his private collection by swapping works with other photographers.
The collection comprises approximately 700 photographs by leading 20th and 21st century photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eve Arnold, Sergio Larrain, Bill Brandt, Martine Franck, Bruce Davidson and Martin Parr, through to emerging photographers such as Bieke Depoorter, Clementine Schneidermann, and Newsha Tavakolian.
The exhibition presents a selection of works that reflect on Hurn’s own career and influences, his eye for a good photograph and the friendships he has developed with photographers along the way.
Further information & details, click here