The Future of Photojournalism - the debate continues

Dan Chung, who made his name primarily shooting for The Guardian newspaper in the UK says he doesn't see a future for photojournalism in its current form. Check out his interview with Digital Photography Review .

What do you think of his comments?

Foto Freo 2012 - Photography Workshops

 

Documentary photographer Claire Martin and Sam Harris will run a five day workshop for up to 12 people as part of the Foto Freo Fringe Program. Claire's exhibition, Slab City, featured in my 2010 profile on the Festival - her work is extraordinary. This is a great opportunity. Check it out at Harris Martin Workshops

Foto Freo 2012 Core Programme

Foto Freo is on again. This international biennial photography festival held in the port city of Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia is definitely worth making the trip for. This year's core programme features a diverse range of photographers from around the world including Magnum Photos Martin Parr, and Australians Tim Page, Brad Rimmer, Max Pam and Jack Picone.

Check out the website for details Foto Freo Core Exhibitions 2012

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