A Street Photographer’s Journey to Putting Bradford on the International Map

Pioneers rarely see themselves as such—they’re too busy forging paths through uncharted territory, uncovering hidden worlds. For Ruxx Naqvi, what began as a necessity during the early pandemic evolved into self-discovery, fulfillment, and a passion for capturing the past to inform the present.

Ruxx is part of a new wave of street photographers bringing Bradford into the international spotlight, and she stands out as the only female Asian photographer in this space. Her journey has been shaped by both privilege and challenge, smoothing a path for others to follow.

Her late father, who arrived in the UK in the 1960s to work in the mills, had a lasting influence on her worldview. He later became a respected bus driver whose friendships reflected Bradford’s diversity. “Growing up, I never experienced racism. We didn’t see colour,” Ruxx recalls. Yet high school introduced subtle barriers, showing her that society often draws invisible lines.

She believes progress is possible. “This generation is more open-minded,” she says. Reflecting on her upbringing, Ruxx adds, “Home is a massive influence. People only know what they’ve grown up with—so if communities stay separate, understanding won’t grow.”

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