Daren Frankish
I am an Edinburgh-based photographer and journalist dedicated to documenting the world’s most compelling—and often misunderstood—landscapes. My work is defined by a fascination with the structures we build and the political systems that shape them. From the monolithic concrete of Brutalist architecture to the high-stakes reporting of international geopolitics, I use my lens to bridge the gap between global history and personal narrative.
I am a photographer and journalist driven by the intersection of politics, history, and the built environment. While my home is in the historic streets of Edinburgh, my work has taken me across the globe—from the hermetic borders of North Korea to the sprawling industrial landscapes of China, and from the concrete heart of the USA to the diverse urban fabrics of Europe. I don't just photograph landscapes; I document the "Architecture of Power." My work explores how ideologies manifest in concrete, steel, and stone, and how people navigate these spaces long after the architects have left.
A Global Portfolio:
From Pyongyang to the Potomac My photography is a record of travel through some of the world’s most distinct political and visual landscapes: North Korea & China: I specialise in capturing the monumental scale and lived reality of East Asia. My work in the DPRK explores the precision of state-designed aesthetics, while my projects in China document the dizzying speed of urban transformation. The USA & Europe: I look for the contrasts between the Old World and the New. Whether I am documenting the social realism of European cityscapes or the vast, often lonely expanses of American infrastructure, my focus remains on the structural DNA of a nation. The Brutalist Obsession At the heart of my portfolio lies a deep fascination with Brutalist Architecture. To many, these concrete structures are cold or imposing; to me, they are the pinnacle of honest, raw design. I am drawn to the bold geometries, the play of light on textured "béton brut," and the social utopias these buildings were meant to represent. My photography seeks to re-contextualise Brutalism—capturing its strength, its decay, and its enduring presence in our modern world. Journalistic Integrity With a professional background as a British journalist for international outlets like European Media and the United States Press Agency, I bring a reporter’s rigour to my visual work. Every image is captured with a dedication to truth, context, and high-impact storytelling. Whether I am documenting a high-security border or a local housing estate, I strive to provide a perspective that is as informative as it is evocative.
Exhibited Work
The Story of the Creative, an International exhibition 25th July to 10th September, 2013 See | Exhibition Space 26 - 19 Jackson Avenue. Long Island City New York NY 11101
#CREATIVES RISING Oct. 5th 2013 See | Exhibition Space 26 - 19 Jackson Avenue. Long Island City New York NY 11101
ONE LIFE - Friday, May 30th, 2014 SeeMe Exhibition Space 26-19 Jackson Ave, NY 11101
5th Annual Exposure Award & Vox Populi Award; an international photography competition. June 13th 2015 at the Lourve Museum in Paris.
6th Annual Exposure Award & Vox Populi Award; an international photography competition. June 16, 2016 - August, 2016.
© Daren Frankish. All rights reserved