Renowned British photographer Tim Walker visited Middlesex University

In an intimate afternoon spent with our staff and students, I had the honour of interviewing British photographer Tim Walker. He cherry-picked stories and photographs from the most relevant and significant chapters of his life, ranging from his rudimentary beginnings and ‘making do’ to his latest project in India. This new body of work, inspired by the Kama Sutra, is a celebration of India’s queer community and is set to be exhibited at The Portrait Gallery in 2026.

Tim's experience and advice

Tim’s portraits have graced the front covers of magazines including Vogue and i-D, and his solo exhibitions at major galleries consistently sell out. Warm, open, and charismatic from the onset, he told his life stories with honesty and humour. He spoke about his ‘militant training’ in the nineties, when he worked as assistant number four to the legendary Richard Avedon in New York. That experience, he explained, helped shape the photographer he is today. Observing Avedon shock, surprise, and tantalise his subjects, Tim learned first-hand the importance of roleplaying and storytelling—approaches he has embraced ever since.

Throughout our conversation, Tim emphasised to students the importance of being resourceful, staying open to serendipity, and finding joy in imperfection. He generously shared tips and advice drawn from his own journey. His stance was humble and honest, and he was keen to share both mistakes and lessons learned. One point he made really stood out: never show your work until you’re completely sure it’s finished. That one chance to make an impact, he reminded us, is too valuable to waste. He also encouraged students to keep sketchbooks as constant sources of inspiration - timeless references that evolve alongside us. 

What resonated most with me, and I believe with everyone in the room, was how human Tim remains despite his legendary status. He admitted he’s still learning to let go, still working on not worrying, and still choosing to embrace the imperfect. In a time so often dominated by filters and AI, his words were a soothing reminder of the beauty in authenticity. 

-    Nicky Mace, Lecturer on BA Photography at Middlesex University