In more than four decades as a photojournalist, I have travelled the world with a camera, documenting moments that have shaped our history and changed the lives of millions. From the turmoil of the Bosnian War to the extraordinary scenes surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall, my work has taken me to the heart of some of the most significant events of our time. I have witnessed history at first hand, often from places where few would choose to stand.

My work often involved travelling alone with my passport, press card, cameras and a few rolls of film, often into chaotic situations. I didn’t always have a writer with me, so it was my job to tell the story through a set of images. Unlike today, with digital photography, I had to really think about each frame I took - once I ran out of film I was done. Precious rolls of film would then be sent back to whichever paper I was working for, often smuggled back by a friendly air hostess.

It wasn’t always lonely work. I had the privilege of chasing stories with many of the best journalists of my generation (some of whom are kindly providing commentary to these editions). It was also a privilege to share these moments of history with the people who were making them happen. I was always there just as an observer, and while sometimes the protagonists very much didn’t want their actions to be photographed, most of the time I was welcomed, as people wanted their stories to be told to the world.

And if I hadn’t been there to take these pictures, many of these moments would be lost to history.

Until now, these photographs have mostly lived as stacks of prints and negatives in boxes in my office. For the first time, I am making a carefully selected collection available as limited edition prints.

These are images intended to be lived with, not simply looked at. Whether displayed in a home, office or private collection, each print is a snapshot of, and a lasting connection to, the events and human experiences it portrays.

All the images are ©Justin Leighton 2026

printsales@justinleighton.com