Simon King’s new documentary captures the photographers documenting London today for tomorrow's history

Simon King has released a new documentary titled Everything Happens All The Time, which provides an in-depth look at street photographers documenting contemporary London. King, a documentary photographer himself, focuses on capturing everyday life, human behavior, and fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. His work aligns with the tradition of social and observational documentary photography, where the value lies in preserving a particular place, person, or moment in time.

The documentary features 27 photographers from various backgrounds, including street photography, documentary, photojournalism, and experimental interpretations. It combines their conversations, photographs, and footage captured across London, resulting in a snapshot of the photographic community at a specific moment in time. The film effectively communicates the unique value of street photography, as it reveals things that official photographs, tourist imagery, and carefully staged commercial work often overlook.

London street photography in 2026 is diverse, covering protests, communities, families, loneliness, humor, subcultures, and ordinary interactions between strangers. Photographers are drawn to color, light, and surreal moments that occur briefly and disappear forever. The common thread among these photographers is observation, with London providing an abundance of material.

As street photography becomes increasingly popular, there is a professional tension between hobby photographers and those who pursue it as a serious career. Some photographers have transitioned from street photography to working with major press organizations, demonstrating how the skills developed on the street can lead to significant opportunities in the industry.

The most intriguing aspect of the documentary is its reflection on the significance of these photographs in the future. As time passes, the mundane elements of today—such as clothing styles, advertisements, buildings, and social interactions—will change, eventually becoming historical artifacts. The images captured by these photographers today could serve as valuable documentation for future generations to understand the London of the 2020s.