Talking Frames 35 Dave Cossini Immersive Documentary Photography, Marginalised Communities & Human Connection
David Cossini is a documentary and street photographer whose work is grounded in immersion, connection, and honesty. Rather than chasing quick images, he invests time in the people and communities he photographs, building trust and creating images that feel raw, human, and deeply personal. His approach prioritises emotion and atmosphere over technical perfection, drawing viewers into the scene rather than positioning them as distant observers.
His work has been recognised through a number of photography awards and competitions, reflecting both his strength as a storyteller and his commitment to long-term, meaningful projects. He is also a member of the Revoke Photo Collective, a group dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary street and documentary photography. Alongside his practice, David is an active voice within the photography community, speaking openly about process, ethics, and what it truly means to document people with respect.
In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Tim Bingham sits down with David to explore not just his photography, but the experiences and philosophy that shape it. David shares his non-linear journey into photography and explains why he rejects conventional, surface-level assignments in favour of long-term, immersive work. His focus often centres on people living on the margins, those navigating addiction, identity, and social exclusion by approaching these stories with a desire to understand rather than simply observe.
A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the importance of proximity. David places himself within the story, allowing relationships to develop over time and shape the narrative organically. Some of his most powerful work is rooted in personal experience, including reconnecting with his father after a 20-year estrangement, using the camera as both a bridge and a tool for understanding.
The discussion also explores his ongoing work with punk communities and individuals struggling with addiction, highlighting the ethical balance between honesty and dignity, the role of consent, and the emotional weight of sustained engagement with difficult realities. His commitment to these communities is long-term and non-transactional.
At the core of David’s perspective is a strong personal ethos. He draws a distinction between empathy and compassion, arguing that while bias is inevitable, compassion allows for a more honest and sustainable relationship with subjects. Forgiveness—particularly in relation to his father—emerges as a powerful theme, framed not as something done for others, but as a way of finding personal freedom.
Ultimately, this conversation reveals that for David, photography is not just a career but a way of living—one built on presence, patience, and emotional investment. Whether working in Uganda, Newcastle, or within subcultures closer to home, his focus remains the same: to tell stories with integrity and remain loyal to the people at the heart of them.