New blog name

2012 sees AST Loves Life change name to Photojournalism Now. The new title reflects the direction I have moved in terms of my profile feature writing. It also addresses a topic that I am extremely interested in - the impact of digital media on the profession of photojournalism. My intention is to share information, articles, blogs and other links on the topic. I invite you to follow Photojournalism Now; let's see where this conversation leads to...

Chasing a Dream

I am in the process of writing a review on Australian photographer Carla Coulson's new book Chasing a Dream. I wrote a feature on Carla back in 2009 - Carla is an Australian photographer now living in Paris, a woman who turned her life on its head, shook it hard to see what would fall out and....you can read her story on my website at Reality Illusion Carla Coulson.

Michael Coyne story now on website

My Pro Photo feature on Michael Coyne is now available on my website Reality Illusion. New articles coming up on Martin Parr, Maggie Diaz and a review of Carla Coulson's new book, Chasing A Dream (a book I loved the moment I opened it).

Why newspapers are closing the shutters on staff photographers

Check out the above story at The Guardian - more commentary in the debate around citizen journalism and the move by media owners toward unpaid, amateur images (and text). Media owners claim by engaging (not working) with citizen journalists, the papers are better representing the public. Others surmise it is all about cost cutting to increase profits. Whatever the motivation, working in the media today is a moving feast. The Guardian

Nick Moir on mobile photography

Nick Moir, the "storm chaser" I wrote about last year, has penned an article for the Sydney Morning Herald on the use of mobile phones in professional news photography. An interesting read. Photos have gone mobile and mostly for the best

New story on website

My profile on Michael Coyne in December's Pro Photo is now up on my website for those who are interested Reality Illusion

Michael Coyne on Iran

My feature on legendary photojournalist, and really nice guy, Michael Coyne is in the December issue of Pro Photo. In the story he recounts the years he spent covering Iran as well as the 2000 Olympics project he shot for Kodak - one of the photos is below. Funny, generous, daredevil, dedicated - just some of the words that spring to mind when I think about Michael. I hope you enjoy his story.

Coming up are profiles on Martin Parr, and Maggie Diaz, coverage of Foto Freo (Fremantle March) and Visa pour L'Image (France September).

Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season. More posts to come in 2012. Thanks for reading.

Michael Coyne from Five Ring Circus

Baron Wolman Rolling Stone Photographer - story on website

My profile on Baron Wolman, the first photographer to work with Rolling Stone magazine in the US is now up on my website RealityIllusion - Baron Wolman

Baron Wolman Rolling Stone Photographer

The latest issue of Pro Photo features my profile of Baron Wolman on the cover - awesome photo of Janis Joplin, and inside a host of other rock'n'roll legends. On sale now!

Remembering Russia

Can't believe it's 12 months since I was in Russia and I've only just begun to go through photos in earnest - it's been a very busy year. This photo sums up how I felt on that amazing trip - freezing cold, but very happy - thanks for the snap Ms. D. Am looking forward to working on the architectural shots I took and will upload a selection soon. And then there are the Russian stories to come .....

Maggie Diaz Interview Part III

On Sunday 13th November I sat down with Maggie Diaz at the State Library of Victoria, one of my favourite haunts in the city, for our third interview session. Maggie was at the Library to sit for her portrait, which is being painted for the Archibald Prize. Maggie's commercial works from The Diaz Collection, which was acquired by the Library, are on show in the Keith Murdoch Gallery until 5th February, 2012 as part of the As Modern as Tomorrow exhibition. If you are interested in taking a walk through Melbourne in the 1960s make sure you check out this fantastic collection. Entry is free. My feature on Maggie will appear in an upcoming issue of Pro Photo. Will keep you posted.

(Photography Marty Williams)