John Robertson Photography - My Blog

Aug 19, 2025

A spotlight on diversity

One of the most memorable assignments I worked on was for The Telegraph, covering a story about a single block of flats in Wolverhampton where families from 20 different nationalities lived side by side. It was a powerful example of how communities can thrive through diversity.

I photographed Jamaican resident Pertenax James standing proudly at the doorway of his apartment. The timing could not have been more perfect – as the evening sun dipped lower, it cast a warm, spotlight across the entrance, wrapping the scene in a quiet beauty. For me, it was one of those moments when photography and storytelling align naturally.

I was working with the brilliant reporter Adam Lusher, who sadly passed away a few years ago. Adam had an incredible ability to connect with people, to listen and to draw out stories with compassion. During the assignment, we were invited in for dinner by an Armenian family. They didn’t have much, but their generosity was overwhelming – they insisted on sharing what they had. That meal remains one of the most humbling experiences of my career. Looking back, that day in Wolverhampton was not just about capturing images or writing words. It was about people, hospitality, and the reminder that dignity and kindness exist everywhere, often in the most unassuming of places.