City Collective
The Manchester Photography Collective (MPC) team at Deansgate Mews, ready to head out on a city photo walk.
A new style born from a Manchester photo walk
On Saturday, 27th September 2025, I joined my first ever walk with the Manchester Photography Collective (MPC).
It all started with a simple Instagram post. I sent a message, Lee replied, and before I knew it, I was heading into the city to meet a group of photographers I’d never met before. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect — and I was nervous. I’ve always walked and shot on my own, never with a group. But something told me this was the right time to step out and connect.
When we met, Emily set a challenge: capture images using layers. Not everyone stuck to it, which was fine, but for me it became the thread that tied my images together. I explored layers and many other compositions as we walked, and I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — pure excitement.
I was like a kid again, running around the city with my camera. At times, I even lost the group because I was so caught up chasing shots. That kind of confidence doesn’t happen when I’m walking alone, but with a community around me, it felt natural.
What struck me most was the mix of people. Professionals with years of experience walked side by side with beginners who had only days of experience. Strangers and friends, different backgrounds, different perspectives — but all sharing the same passion. The atmosphere was open, welcoming, and inspiring. I shared what I’ve learned along my journey, and in return picked up fresh ideas from others.
The Origin of the Droste Effect
The style I tried that day comes from something much older: the Droste Effect.
In 1904, Dutch illustrator Johannes (Jan) Musset designed the famous Droste cocoa tin. On it, a nurse carried a tray with a cup of cocoa and a Droste tin — which showed the same nurse again, tray in hand, repeating into infinity. It was clever, simple, and timeless. That’s where the Droste Effect was born: an image that contains a smaller version of itself, looping endlessly.
Tools of the Trade - Two compact cameras resting on a table, reflected through glass.
JT EchoFrame – My Take on It
Inspired by that, I created my own twist: JT EchoFrame (Droste Effect).
For me, it’s not just about repetition. It’s about echoing perspective. Each frame guides your eye deeper into the story. The frame itself becomes part of the narrative. A single photo transforms into something layered, infinite, and timeless.
This walk gave me the spark to bring JT EchoFrame to life, and my first edit in this style came from that day in Manchester.
Modern Eyes - Precision in the moment. A steady hand, a clear eye, and the city framed through Fujifilm glass.
JT EchoFrame – Artist Statement
“JT EchoFrame is my signature editing style — inspired by the classic Droste Effect but reimagined for photography. By overlaying framed duplicates of the same image, I create a layered viewing experience where the eye is guided deeper into the story. It’s not just about what’s in the frame, but how the frame itself becomes part of the narrative. This method turns everyday moments into infinite perspectives.”
Through the Leaves - Two people peeking through greenery, pointing toward the city.
Classic Focus - Old-school gear, timeless dedication. Some cameras aren’t just tools — they’re character.
Why This Day Mattered
That Saturday wasn’t just about photos. It was about people.
Meeting other photographers, seeing how differently we each see the same city, and realising that photography isn’t just about capturing moments — it’s about connection.
I walked in nervous, unsure of what I’d find. I walked out with new friends, new ideas, and a new style that now has its place in my work: JT EchoFrame (Droste Effect).
This is the power of community. The Manchester Photography Collective showed me that when people come together with a shared passion, amazing things happen.
Framed Focus - Photographer framed inside repeating rectangles, focused on his phone.
A Day with the Manchester Photography Collective at the Medieval Quarter Festival
Saturday turned into something special. What started as a normal MPC photo walk ended up with us right in the middle of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter Festival — history unfolding live at Chetham’s School of Music, Chetham’s Library, and near Manchester Cathedral.
We kicked things off sitting in a circle, introducing ourselves, sharing stories, and talking all things photography. It was a relaxed moment, just people connecting through cameras and conversation. From there, we headed out into the city together — wandering, spotting light, angles, and compositions. Everyone in the group brought their own style, skillset, and perspective, which made the walk even richer.
By pure chance, we came across the festival — full of reenactments, medieval costumes, falconry, and history alive in front of us. It was the perfect backdrop for creativity. Our group spread out, each capturing something different: portraits, street details, wide city shots, and the atmosphere of the reenactment itself.
Unplanned, but unforgettable. This is what I love about days like this — you never quite know where the walk will take you, but with the right people, it always turns into something worth remembering.
Because every picture tells a story, and every story deserves to be remembered.
hy JTSnapsPhotography
