Photo London, Somerset House, 2018

There's almost too much to see at Photo London, Somerset House – the UK's largest photography event. It's the Frieze of the photography world: a selling exhibition signalling to the world that London is just as serious a photographic centre as LA, Paris and NYC. Major museums, industry heavyweights, tiny galleries, auction houses – London's photographic comes out in full force for one week in May. Bianca Jagger's a fan, as are Lily Allen, Daniel Craig, Nick Serota and Simon Schama.

Now in its fourth year, the fair takes over the whole of Somerset House for four days. There's an embarrassment of riches, and certainly no way to see everything. Patience is key, as is perhaps a glass of wine halfway through: we've learnt from experience! While almost everything is for sale, prices can be eye-wateringly expensive. But snoop around anyway to catch a glimpse of rare editions, 'iconic' masterpieces and little seen works by some of the world's most famous photographers.

From photojournalism and fine art fashion photography, there are more than 108 galleries involved from 18 countries around the world. Galleries to look out for include Olivier Castaing/School Gallery based in Paris, who will present an installation on ‘1968’, Flowers Gallery and Louise Alexander Gallery, who will showcase a solo presentation of work bu Guy Bourdin. Big-hitters such as White Cube, Tiwani Contemporary, Atlas Gallery and The Photographer's Gallery will also be offering their goods.



Lorenzo Vitturi, Painted Agbe, Italian Leather, Coral Beads and Horn, from the series Money Must Be Made 2017. Courtesy of the artist

This year, the International Center of Photography and Photo London are collaborating to present a new version of the installation Unwavering Vision, which features over 5000 images from the ICP's archive. Elsewhere, emerging artists and galleries can be found in the Discovery section, which has expanded in size and scope for the fourth edition, welcoming 22 new galleries and artists.

Each year, a Master of Photography prize is awarded to a leading contemporary photographer – previous awards have gone to Sebastião Salgado and NYC-based Taryn Simon – multidisciplinary artist, ultimate Cool Girl and the hottest property in photography right now. This year, Canadian fine art photographer Edward Burtynsky has been announced as Master of Photography. As part of the public programme, Burtynsky will present an exhibition of new and rarely-seen work, alongside special presentations by Darren Almond and super star stage-set designer Es Devlin among others.

But Photo London is not all about the sales. Refuel and relax with a bite to eat or a glass of champagne at the Courtyard and Terrace Pavilions, or indulge in a fine dining experience at Somerset House restaurant Spring. There's also an extensive line-up of talks, seminars and interactive workshops, led by industry experts, on offer throughout the fair. Please click here for the full schedule of events.

Even the camera-phobic will find something to love. Be sure to book now.