In Focus - Ali Monk Posted On 27th May 2025 To Magazine, Lockdown Sessions & In Focus
Next up, for our 85th In Focus interview, we spoke with freelance event and project manager, Ali Monk.
SECTION 1 - BACKGROUND
SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE / PRINT SHOT ON ILFORD FILM AND TELL US WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU?
This has probably been my favourite image I have taken since it was shot back in 2021. I had been spending the day with one of my favourite people in Brighton. Lockdown was over and we could spend time with loved ones again doing all the things we hadn’t been able to do for a while. My friend Ben had decided to go for a swim in the sea and as he was walking in I grabbed the camera and took this. No planning, no thought. Without sounding too sentimental it just reminds me of one of my favourite days.
Subject Ben (_benwalden)
Location: Brighton Beach
Film: ILFORD XP2
Camera: Zenit 11
JUST IN CASE ANYONE DOESN’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU DO, CAN YOU GIVE US THE OVERVIEW?
My names is Ali Monk (@stiffpigeons) and I am a Freelance Event and Project Manager, mainly working in music and the creative arts. I am currently based in Manchester having moved from London in 2021. I mainly photograph people who I find are sources of inspiration, joy or brilliance.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET STARTED SHOOTING FILM?
I first started shooting film as part of a Photography A Level, however whilst I enjoyed it I became frustrated with it quite quickly as I didn’t feel like I was getting the outcomes I wanted and gave up after I completed the course. I picked it back up again in 2020 during lockdown after some encouragement from a friend who is also a film photographer and quickly fell back in love with it.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST PHOTOGRAPHIC INSPIRATION TO DATE?
I couldn’t name one specific photographer but the Only Films (@onlyfilmsproject) collective have been a constant source of inspiration. All have their own style and their own methods, they vary in experience and what they like to shoot, but all of them unapologetically own it. They always willing to share ideas, equipment, inspirations and are a joy to be around.
Subject Susie (@susiejonesband) Location: Preston Bus Garage during the ILFORD X RECOLLECTIONS photowalk Film: ILFORD HP5 Camera: Konica C35
Subject Charlotte (@char.lottefilm) Location: Preston Bus Garage during the ILFORD X RECOLLECTIONS photowalk Film: ILFORD HP5 Camera: Konica C35
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHY TIP OR ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
To just have fun and take photos of what you want, not what you think other people want to see. If you do this your more likely to end up with a set of images you love and are proud of.
WHAT FILM PHOTOGRAPHY RELATED PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON (OR ARE IN THE PIPELINE)?
I am currently working on the second part (of three) of a project called T R I / T R Y, in which I take three shots on three different films, showing three different sides of nine hand selected subjects who have a connection or importance to me. Part One exhibited in February 2024 as part of Recollections (@recollections.exhibtion) an exhibition in which myself Susie Jones (@susiejonesband) and Charlotte Parkin (@char.lotte.film) joined together to show three different projects which explored the importance of memories and the weight of being remembered.
T R I / T R Y Part one included some brilliant photographers such as Bettina (@ysa.gb), Matt @mattpshields) Mandy (@mandyleft) and Myra (@bluesky.redeye).
Subject Mandy (@mandyleft) Location: Light Space Leeds (@lightspaceleeds) Film: ILFORD XP2 Camera: Zenit 11
WHAT / WHERE IS YOUR NEXT SHOOT AND HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT FILM / KIT YOU WILL USE?
I plan to continue to shoot images for T R I / T R Y Part 2 and Part 3 over the next few months in various locations in both London and Manchester. I am hoping to include fellow photographers such as Steve (@gunpowderjam_), Alice (@alicelauradoesfilm), Peggy (@cameragocamera), Ash (@bigbadash), Mike (@md_images), Alicia (@Alicias_g) and Zino (@zinofeed), all of which have been great inspirations as well as my Recollections collaborators Susie and Charlotte.
WHAT ARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC GOALS GOING FORWARD?
My goals are not very specific or elaborate I’m afraid. I just want to experiment more, learn more and to continue to find the joy and fun in analogue photography.
Subject: Ben (_benwalden) Location: Haywards Heath Viaduct.
SECTION 2 - SHOUT OUTS
We all need a bit of inspiration and love so this is your chance to tell the community about yours – from the film photographers whose work inspires you, the labs you trust with your film, your ‘go to’ film photography stockists, your favourite community darkrooms or just anyone in the community who you feel deserves a special mention.
GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR 3 FAVOURITE FILM PHOTOGRAPHERS.
- Steve: @gunpowderjam_
Constantly amazed with his double exposures, night shoots and use of his surroundings. He achieves everything pretty much in camera and his work makes me want to experiment more.
- Zino: @zinofeed / @zinostreet
Whether its his street photography or portrait work, Zino brings whatever he shoots to life with a cool aesthetic and style.
- Alicia: @alicias_g
Alicias choice of film is always perfect for what setting she is in. She has a natural ability to make whatever she takes look elevated and editorial.
Subject Natassa (@dancingsushiii) Location: Light Space Leeds (@lightspaceleeds) Film: ILFORD XP2 Camera: Zenit 11
GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHIC RETAILERS.
As I split my time between Manchester and London I would like to name one from each.
Real Camera Co.
7 Dale Street, Manchester, United Kingdom, M1 1JA
21 Studio PhotoLab
21 Whitechapel Road, London, United Kingdom, E1 1DU
GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR FAVOURITE LAB SERVICE.
My favourite lab service is Come Through based in Manchester run by the wonderful Ciaran and Bethany. They may have only been running for three years but the impact they have had on the analogue film community, especially in the North, is immeasurable. They have also recently opened a dark room which is much welcomed.
Come Through Lab
84 Silk Street, Ancoats, Manchester, United Kingdom, M4, 6BJ
Subject Alice (@alicelauradoesfilm) Location: Preston Bus Garage during the ILFORD X REC-OLLECTIONS photowalk Film: ILFORD HP5 Camera: Konica C35
SECTION 3 - FAVOURITE KIT
WHAT FILM CAMERAS DO YOU OWN AND WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
I have various 35mm cameras but the ones I use the most include a Zenit 11, Konica C35, Olympus Trip and Pentax ME Super. I like having cameras I can carry with me on the go and I’ve never really been someone who is super into equipment, but more discovering what I can do with the tools I have.
ASIDE FROM YOUR CAMERA, LENSES AND FILM, WHAT ACCESSORIES MAKE IT INTO YOUR CAMERA BAG?
Pretty basic to be honest. Batteries as they always die at inconvenient times, lens cleaning cloth as I got into a bad habit of using my sleeve and a note pad to jot down anything I may need to remember/keep track of whats on which film.
AS THIS IS AN ILFORD INTERVIEW IT WOULD BE REMISS OF US NOT TO ASK ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE ILFORD PRODUCTS. TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE ILFORD FILM, PAPER OR CHEMS AND WHY?
ILFORD XP2 in 35mm has been a staple in my camera bag for years, its reliable, flexible and always guarantees results. Whether its inside at a shoot, or even at a concert, I find ILFORD XP2 consistently delivers.
Subject: Billy Film: ILFORD XP2 Camera: Konica C35 EFP
Subject Bettina (@ysa.gb) and Myra (@bluesky.redeye) Location: Sheffield. Film: ILFORD XP2 Camera: Konica C35 EFP
AND FINALLY…
NOMINATE ONE OTHER PERSON YOU THINK SHOULD FILL IN THIS FORM AND WE WILL REACH OUT TO THEM.
Natalia Kasiarz who is currently documenting the Metal Community of London on 35mm and 120 film with her amazing Analog Metal Project.
Personal IG: @koksownia
Project IG: @analogmetalproject
Subject Taylor Swift (@taylorswift Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool Film: ILFORD XP2 Camera: Konica C35 EFP
Image ©Ali Monk
About The Author
Ali Monk
Ali Monk is Event Manager and Producer originally from London and now based in Manchester. Alison took part in her first exhibition of her work last year and is currently working on the follow up.