Surreal real-life situations are caught on camera

A new festival in London showcases street photography

�A new festival celebrating street photography will be launched in London this summer.

London Street Photography festival will celebrate the art from all over the world in venues throughout London, including some in Swiss Cottage and King’s Cross.

Street photography dates back to the late 1800s and has been a popular form of art since the 1950s. Each decade has produced a new generation of street photographers, who usually document surreal real-life situations using portable cameras.

Swiss Cottage Library will play host to Polish Perspectives, an exhibition of work from the streets of London by three Polish photographers. The event will run throughout July.

St Pancras Station, the Hotshoe Gallery and the British Library will all host exhibitions and events related to the theme of photography in the street along with other galleries across London.

The first UK exhibition of acclaimed Chicago street photographer Vivian Maier will also form part of the festival, where there will be workshops for those who are interested to learn more.

London Street Photography Festival runs from July 1-31 at various venues across London. For more information, visit www.londonstreetphotographyfestival.com.