Photographer Tom Marsh made a powerful point in his talk to Ilkley Camera Club on Friday 7 Nocvember 2025. He said that intention lies at the heart of every photograph. He also demonstrated just how differently we can interpret an image once we’re given a statement of intention from the photographer.
Tom, a West Yorkshire-based photographer who runs Yorkshire Photo Walks and various workshop sessions, gave a fascinating talk to Ilkley Camera Club. His presentation had two main parts.
In the first, he outlined a framework for evaluating a photograph’s qualities — looking at the subject, the visual design (the composition, colour, and form), and the content or message. The second half focused on something more philosophical: the photographer’s intention. Tom showed us how a simple statement of intent can radically alter the way we read a photograph.
He showed members some of his own work and to underline that understanding an artist’s intention can deepen our appreciation of their work.
Tom’s talk was excellent — insightful, thought-provoking, and full of inspiration.
More to follow up:
Tom’s website tommarshthephotographer.co.uk
Yorkshire Photo Walks yorkshirephotowalks.com