Leading names in photography announced as speakers for FotoFest 2026 in Walsall
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Excitement is building for FotoFest 2026 as a standout and diverse line-up of speakers has been announced for the highly anticipated visual expo coming to Walsall this May with only a few days left to secure tickets.
Taking place at The Crossing at St Pauls, Walsall, on Saturday 9 May, FotoFest 2026 will bring together some of the most respected and inspiring voices in photography, offering visitors a unique opportunity to hear directly from leading creatives working across fashion, portraiture, documentary and commercial photography.
The programme features an impressive mix of keynote speakers and industry experts, each bringing their own perspective and experience. Among them is Dr Pogus Caesar, an internationally recognised photographer, filmmaker and curator whose work has been exhibited globally and held in prestigious collections including the National Gallery of Art (USA), the V&A and the National Portrait Gallery. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University, Dr Caesar is also a Visiting Professor and former BBC television producer and director.
“ "This year's FotoFest brings together a broad range of creative individuals. The two-day festival draws focus and widens the lens on how photographers can shape society and provide historical reference of world events." “
Also featured is Rachell Smith, a celebrated British photographer and director whose striking portrait work has appeared in titles such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Glamour. As founder of DEFINED Magazine, she has photographed leading figures including Twiggy and Emma Thompson, with her work now part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Known for her engaging and honest approach, Rachell is also a respected speaker on creativity and the future of photography.
“ “I’m honoured to be speaking at this years FotoFest. To return to where I’m from and stay connected to the creative community is a real joy. I’m Looking forward to meeting everyone and hearing the other talks in such a welcoming space, where we come together to celebrate photography across different disciplines, perspectives and walks of life.” “
Joining the line-up is Tina Eisen, a London-based beauty and fashion photographer with over a decade of experience working with global brands including Sephora, ASOS and Marks & Spencer. An established educator, Tina delivers workshops worldwide and regularly collaborates with leading industry names such as Canon, Profoto and Capture One.
The wider speaker programme further strengthens the event, showcasing a broad range of talent and expertise. Calvin Chinthaka, a London-based fashion photographer and visual storyteller, is known for his bold editorial style and cinematic brand campaigns. Multi-award-winning photographer Garry Hunter, founder of Fitzrovia Noir, brings extensive experience spanning commercial work and socially driven creative projects with organisations including the NHS and the UN.
Wildlife photographer and filmmaker Nick Wilcox-Brown will share insights from his work with major brands such as Land Rover and broadcasters including the BBC, alongside his experience delivering workshops across Europe. Bruno Vinel, a Paris-born, West Midlands-based photographer and Chair of the Royal Photographic Society Central Region, will offer his perspective on street and documentary photography, storytelling and building creative communities.
The speakers continue to bring additional voices bringing fresh perspectives to the event. Carol Hartfree, a photographer with over 24 years’ industry experience, now focuses on more personal, creative work using Fujifilm, encouraging others to slow down and rediscover the joy of image-making. She is joined by Leeds-based photographic artist Adam French, whose work uses historic and analogue processes with antique equipment, blending heritage techniques with contemporary practice and drawing on experience from projects with Netflix, the BBC and major cultural institutions.
The line-ups also includes Huw Alban, a South Wales-born photographer known for his expressive landscape work inspired by his sensory experience of the natural world. Now based in Dorset, his images have been widely exhibited and published, and he shares his distinctive approach through workshops, talks and online platforms. Also appearing is Jemella Ukaegbu, an accomplished photographer, entrepreneur and founder of the award-winning UK Black Female Photographers Community, a network supporting over 600 women across the UK. Through her work and leadership, Jemella champions representation, creativity and community within the photographic industry.
FotoFest 2026 builds on the momentum of MakerFest and MakerFest Fringe events over the last two years. These ongoing events aim to position Walsall as a creative hub, continuing with the refurbishment of the Guildhall becoming a creative incubator and community makerspace for the borough.
Tickets are still on sale with the last chance to book and be part of one of the region’s most exciting creative events.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite. Stay up to date by following @FotoFestWalsall on Instagram.
