"I don't collect awards. I have won a few mentions and prizes over the years but I'd rather have a picture seen by a few million people over breakfast in a tabloid than dress up and eat a caterer's dinner any day."

Wanting to engage head on with the problems on his own doorstep, David Hoffman's pictures are based firmly in Britain. Best known for his pictures of uncomfortable subjects such as protest, drug abuse, racial politics and homelessness, David began his work in the mid 1970s. Choosing to 'photograph in an oppositional way to the state' he has built a body of work based around the belief that visual evidence of society's problems can motivate people to respond with positive action.

David has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, the Association of Photography and many other establishment venues, but 'the most memorable exhibitions are one in a tatty Tower Hamlets launderette and one I fly posted on a council estate.'

David has written numerous technical, sociological and philosophical articles for the photographic press and made substantial contributions to a number of television productions. He heads up a group of 750 plus Editorial Photographers. You can view this website here

Best known for his pictures of uncomfortable subjects such as protest, drug abuse, racial politics and homelessness, David Hoffman began his work in the mid 1970s. Choosing to 'photograph in an oppositional way to the state', he has built a body of work based around the belief that visual evidence of society's problems can motivate people to respond with positive action.

Wanting to engage head on with the problems on his own doorstep, the pictures are based in Britain. While the issues and the images arouse strong emotions, Hoffman stays detached while behind the camera. This has stood him in good stead, avoiding confrontation with the police 'I just move around and take the picture I want where the policeman isn't.'

The Poll Tax riot of 1990 is described by Hoffman as 'one of the best days I have ever had taking pictures… the Poll Tax had been a festering sore for what felt like an age…random police intimidation only increased people’s determination to force some democracy down Thatcher’s throat'

The homeless occupation of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the demolition of '60s tower blocks, the growth of violent racist groups in the inner city and the documenting of drug use are just some of the range of social issues covered in the David Hoffman Photo Library. But there are bright spots too. A happy child tossed in the air by a father at a demo, a policeman exchanging a joke with people on the street, a field of poppies born from weed-killer free soil, point to joy found only by accident.

CV: 1964-1967: Universities of East Anglia & York. I then took a few years to find my vocation and in 1973-1976 did a  Communication design course. DipAD.  Since 1976 I have been a freelance photographer.