Dougie Wallace is a Scottish photographer who is internationally recognised for his long-term social documentary projects; and his distinct style of expressive street photography. Based in London, his work is informed by his Glasgow upbringing and two decades spent in Shoreditch, resulting in a unique vision often described as 'visually exaggerated' and 'hard-edged'.
He has also recently been a Judge for the Capture Awards 2025.
Wallace attributes his eye for the tragi-comic and messy side of uninhibited human behaviour to these environments, translating societal trends and incongruities into images filled with wit, criticism, and humour.
Wallace’s idiosyncratic perspective is immortalised in a series of critically acclaimed books that have garnered viral buzz and industry awards. His publications Stags, Hens and Bunnies (2014) and Shoreditch Wild Life (2014) established his reputation for capturing hedonism and excess, while Harrodsburg won the inaugural Magnum Photography Award in 2016.
His extensive bibliography also includes Road Wallah, Well Heeled, East Ended, and the pandemic-era box set Bus Response (2022). These monographs have cemented his standing among tastemakers, earning him shortlists for the European Book Publisher's Award and exhibitions at festivals worldwide.
Beyond print, Wallace’s influence extends to television and major cultural institutions. In 2017, he was the subject of a BBC4 What Artists Do All Day documentary, and he was later commissioned by Sky Arts to create a film exploring British identity and Brexit, which was exhibited at The BALTIC and the Barbican.
His work is showcased in renowned galleries globally, including a recent feature in the landmark group exhibition Civilisation: The Way We Live Now at The Saatchi Gallery, London.
In addition to his documentary practice, Wallace maintains a prolific commercial and editorial career. He contributes to leading publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and The New Yorker, and shoots fashion campaigns for brands including Balenciaga and Tatler.
Whether conducting international workshops or capturing the changing moods of London streets, Wallace remains driven by a fascination with human interaction, aiming to convey a point of view that is at once believable, absurd, and deeply compelling.
You can see more of his work on his website.
