Stephen Markeson's Career as a Young Fleet Street Photographer for the Daily Herald

Stephen Markeson began his photography career at age 19, becoming the youngest staff photographer for any Fleet Street daily newspaper after joining the Daily Herald. He was recruited by Picture Editor Ron Graham in Manchester, following initial work with the Burney News Agency in Wakefield. Despite his youth, Markeson gained union membership through special dispensation after the editor intervened. His assignments covered a wide range of events, including political conferences, sports, court cases, and significant historical moments like the Auschwitz war crimes trials and the Great Train Robbery. Markeson used cameras such as a Rolleiflex, Nikon 35mm, and Leica M2. The Daily Herald, known for its support of photographers and affiliation with the Labour Party, closed later, marking a loss in journalistic history.