Polly Alderton

Polly Alderton is a British photographer known for her portrait-based work centered on the ‘Family Album’ under the premise of ‘Show Don’t Tell’, often examining class in the UK. After establishing her distinctive photographic practice centered on ‘The Family Album’ under the premise of ‘Show Don’t Tell,’ Polly Alderton quickly gained recognition, with her work published in prestigious outlets including The Sunday Times, The Observer, ID Magazine, British Journal of Photography, and Sudetenduetsche Zeitung. As a stills photographer for the BBC, she captured iconic figures such as David Attenborough for Climate Change: The Facts and Mary Beard, and notably collaborated with acclaimed photographer Martin Parr on a series of idents for BBC One. Her early career also saw her produce a short film for VSCO, showcasing her versatile approach to visual storytelling.

Demonstrating a profound commitment to social impact, Alderton contributed her talents to the Comic Relief Food Heroes campaign in 2023, where she captured compelling stories of ordinary individuals making extraordinary differences in austerity-era Britain. She further extended this philanthropic engagement in 2024, focusing her lens on the critical issue of hidden homelessness for Comic Relief, highlighting important societal challenges through her powerful imagery. Alderton’s body of work, characterized by its keen examination of class in the UK through portrait-based narratives, has cemented her reputation as a photographer whose imagery resonates deeply. Her consistent output and engagement within the photographic community make her a sought-after talent for both editorial assignments and artistic commissions.