British photographer Kit Young, born in 1984, has a knack for capturing the unexpected—both in the bustling streets of Paris and the windswept landscapes of Scotland. Currently, his work is on display at G99 Gallery in Vienna as part of FOTO WIEN, offering a rare chance to see his photographs as he intended: hand-made silver gelatin prints that command time and attention.

More photos can be found on my Gallery Page.

Exhibition view “Poems of Paris and Scotland”, Kit Young at G99 Galerie, Vienna

The Duality of Young’s Process

Young’s photography thrives on contrast—not just visually, but in how he works. On the streets, he is impulsive and reactive, letting moments unfold naturally through his lens. But in the darkroom, he becomes way more methodical. It’s here that the moodiness seeps in, the shadowed textures and emotional weight of the image taking shape. This blend of spontaneity and careful crafting is what gives his prints their depth and resonance.

Exhibition view “Poems of Paris and Scotland”, Kit Young at G99 Galerie, Vienna

Paris: Light, Shadow, Life

Young’s Paris series bursts with life and motion. He has a keen eye for light and shadow, capturing fleeting moments that feel cinematic yet intimate. Grainy textures - likely from Ilford FP4+ and HP5+ on a 35mm Leica - lend his urban scenes a tactile warmth, a physicality often missing in digital photography. These images reward a slow, considered gaze; hey are poems in silver gelatin. A selection of Paris prints can even be seen inside the gallery’s darkroom space!

Scotland: Landscapes with a Signature Style

His Scottish works, while more traditionally landscape-oriented, are unmistakably his as well. Hard contrasts and a love of grain shine through even in open spaces, adding drama and emotion to seemingly quiet vistas. There’s a sense of solitude here, echoing the contemplative quality of his urban work but in a calmer, more introspective tone.

Exhibition view “Poems of Paris and Scotland”, Kit Young at G99 Galerie, Vienna

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The Prints Themselves

At G99, only prints crafted by Young himself are on view. Each is perfectly framed in elegant, dark aluminum with color-matched passepartouts that complement the paper tone. The grain (probably that prominent because he pushed his films) is strong yet so much more beautiful then what digital cameras cameras are producing (and dont get me started on about AI noise reduction software…)

A Personal Take

While both bodies of work are compelling, the Parisian streets hold a particular allure—their energy, unpredictability, extreme compositions and the way Young captures fleeting humans (and interactions with the viewer). Yet, the Scottish landscapes are quietly mesmerizing, offering a meditative counterpoint and revealing another layer of his artistry.

If you’re in Vienna, this is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the tactile beauty of analog photography and the emotional depth of black-and-white prints.