In September 2025, I received a DM from Des Byrne and Paul Murray inviting me to show my work in a special exhibition and to help judge the 2026 Dublin Street Photography Festival (DSPF). I looked at what they had accomplished during the previous two years and said YES!
Over the next eight months, through many email exchanges, Des and Paul curated my work for “New York Visionaries,” an exhibition featuring the photography of Louis Stettner, Phil Penman, and lucky me, Meryl Meisler.
I also had the difficult task of reviewing hundreds of outstanding submissions to the Festival’s International Street Photography Open Call and selecting finalists for exhibitions in the categories of Single Image, Series of Images, and Street Portraits.
Then came the invitation to be one of the festival’s keynote speakers. My extended family and friends were so excited that fourteen of them decided to come along. I had my own posse!
Before the Festival officially began, there was a trifecta of surprises:
1) Des and Paul invited me to join them at The George, Ireland’s oldest and largest gay bar, to enjoy—and photograph—a drag show hosted by Davina Devine. They neglected to mention that I would be called up on stage!
2) I was a guest on the afternoon radio show Moncrieff on Newstalk..
3) OMG—I found myself talking about disco and the Festival on Ireland AM television !
Then came the DSPF three-day extravaganza: a joyous opening reception; an exquisite, multi-level indoor and outdoor exhibition; hundreds of street photography enthusiasts; speakers and panelists from around the world; workshops; photo walks; and fun, fun, fun!
Street photographers are generally interested in people—and are very friendly! I met and made new photography friends across continents.
For me, a special, inspiring treat was going on photo walks around Dublin: on Saturday with Ireland Analog x Photo Museum Ireland, and on Sunday with a walk led by Corna Fean. I returned from each one tired, yes—but absolutely inspired. I’m more excited than ever about street photography!
It’s hard to believe that Des and Paul pull off such an outstanding festival, attracting street photographers from all over the world, with the help of just a handful of volunteers.
I highly recommend putting the Dublin Street Photography Festival high on your wish list!
Go raibh maith agat Paul Murray @reflexlens Des Byrne @desbstreet and The Dublin Street Photography Festival @dsp_festival!
