Paolo Pellegrin – Great Performers

Posted on February 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

Paolo Pellegrin has a great set of portraits of actors who have been nominated for the Oscars, shot for the New York Times Magazine. They are kind of reminiscent of the old Magnum photos by Eve Arnold or Robert Capa of Hollywood actors just being chilled out and human, and not the managed and fake entities that they have become now days as they are managed by agents and PRs.

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Posted in Uncategorized

One In Eight Million

Posted on February 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

The New York Times has a superb collection of multimedia stories called One in Eight Million by photographer Todd Heisler. 

The subjects of the stories are the unique and interesting characters of New York; its a weekly feature and one story is added every week.
Its very nicely done and well worth a look.

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Posted in Photography, Pictures

Focus On Imaging – Birmingham NEC

Posted on February 20, 2009 | Leave a comment

Well folks, its that time of year when Focus comes to town. For those who haven’t been before, its a photography exhibition which is more orientated towards gear. Most of the major manufacturers and distributors have stands there, along with some of the smaller companies which often have some very interesting stuff to look at. The show runs from February 22 to 25, 2009.

This year, I’ll be there on Tuesday and Wednesday, on the Snapper Stuff stand (C-41). Do pop by and have a chat. Those looking for the perfect photography bags will be able to see the ThinkTank Photo bags on the stand. I’m a big fan of these bags and can show you why I like them so much. Hope to see you there!

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Posted in Camera Equipment, News

Police Powers Allows Them To Stop You Photographing Them

Posted on February 17, 2009 | Leave a comment

New “anti-terrorism” measures came in to force yesterday. Alas, the wording is so loose, that it will allow Police to stop you taking pictures of them. This is a huge issue and completely tramples on the freedom of press. Two main issues come forth with this; firstly, if you are covering a demonstration or a riot, the Police can object to you photographing them and you can get arrested. This will put a stop to reporting a situation honestly and properly, and aesthetically will result in pictures of demonstrators with nothing to balance things out with. Secondly, if you’re in a situation where you see a Police officer doing something wrong, you won’t be allowed to photograph them. Its an outrage. Basically, the Police will be able to arrest all photographers in a given situation, ending up in no visual record of what happens.

The big problem is how loosely the wording is on the new measures; its up to individual officers to use their judgement on the scene. In my 20 years on the streets as a news photographer I’ve across many descent, honest and mature Police officers. Sadly I have also come across a fair number of idiots who do not have the mental ability to handle the power, responsibility and importance the job of a Police officer entails.
If we’re at the mercy of the latter kind, which sadly seems to increase by number as years go by, then many news assignments just cannot be covered properly any more.
I urge you to write to your MPs and to the papers objecting these ridiculous new powers. Its ridiculous that a press photographer with a press card can be considered a terrorist. One would assume that a terrorist would probably use a discreet camera phone or a hidden camera and not a couple of pro DSLRs and lenses.

Further Reading:




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Posted in News, Photography, viewpoint

Combat Outpost, Afghanistan

Posted on February 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

John D McHugh’s latest video, Combat Outpost, is now on the Guardian web site.


McHugh goes on to say “This is without doubt the most difficult and dangerous place I have worked so far, but I think the film gives a good insight into the futility of the current strategy in Afghanistan, and the pointless dangers the soldiers are facing every day”. It definitely is a good insight; do check it out.

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Posted in Video

"Nil By Mouth"

Posted on February 15, 2009 | Leave a comment

That was the sign hung by my bedside in hospital. I had to go to hospital by ambulance following severe abdominal pains, and spent most of last week there. I’ve now been discharged and recuperating.

I just wanted to say a word of thanks to those close to me who have popped by, phoned and written.
I also want to apologise for not keeping the blog up to date. There have been a few interesting things, so a couple of things to read up on:
I would strongly urge all photographers to attend the above event, and also to write to their MPs.
I shall try and get up to speed with things and get posting properly soon, but in the meantime, please be patient. Thank you.

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Posted in News