Ian Berry

British photojournalist Ian Berry, best known for his coverage of social and political strife turned his lens to everyday life in 1972 when the Whitechapel Gallery commissioned him to document the people, communities and buildings that defined east London. Berry, personally invited by Henri Cartier-Bresson to join Magnum Photos in 1962 has had his work exhibited worldwide and has contributed to various publications from Esquire to the National Geographic. Here, he tells us about east London and why sometimes, it is dangerous hiding behind a camera. This is Whitechapel runs from 11 March to 4 September 2011 at the Whitechapel Gallery: 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX. www.ianberrymagnum.com