Simon Townsley is an acclaimed international photojournalist and three times recipient of the British Press Photographer of the Year Award. Simon is known for his ability to connect with people and convey their story with dignity, even in extreme contexts.
Appointed Senior Photographer at the Sunday Times he covered conflicts around the world, including the Balkans, West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He was assigned to photograph in depth numerous major news events such as Tiananmen Square, the Gulf war, fall of the Berlin Wall, siege of Sarajevo and the election of Nelson Mandela.
Since 2018 Simon has been working with the Telegraph Media Group Global Health Security Team. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Health Security project seeks to bring awareness of vitally important issues to a wider audience and focuses on key pillars of health and security around the world.
Hear from Simon at Summit Photo 2026
Simon will be speaking at Summit Photo 2026 on Sunday 18 July at 3.00pm to the title Permission to See: Trust, Access and the Global Drugs Crisis.
