Press Review
Paul Melcher:
Websites, part 22
Not much of our world is really defined until we take close attention to it. Photography is the tool we use the most to bring a focus to was before unknown or misunderstood. Like a microscope, it explains the bigger picture by concentrating on a detail.
1. National Press Photographers Association
The National Press Photographers Association is a US based organization founded in 1946 which aims to promote photojournalism. Among the privileges that its prestigious members receive – This includes those who work or freelance in photography, multimedia, audio, video, design, editing, producing, teaching, writing, reporting, or visual journalism on the Web – are a periodical print magazine . They also get access to a job bank, listed in a searchable directory, can become a mentor and get valuable business insight about their trade. However, every year, they also judge the best photojournalism images of the past year and it is always of exceptional quality. Imagine : photojournalist judging other photojournalist : This year is no exception.
2. Vanessa Winship
Vanessa Winship just won the Henri Cartier Bresson award and thus it is a good time to visit or revisit her work. Once on her site, one will see why she has receive this prestigious awards and many more. Although less candid and more related to news event, her black and white photograph recall the work of HCB with a strong personal touch. It is not copycat work, like we can see so many times, but the obvious result of inspiration and appropriation. Winship uses her well mastered craft to make very strong statement about the human condition.
3. Minden Pictures
Sometimes it is worth going to the source. If you love National Geographic for its amazing animal picture and cannot get enough, then you should go visit one of its main supplier to see more. Minden Pictures is a boutique photo agency specialized in high end nature photography and nothing else. It thrives on the superb talent and quality of its photographers.
4. Aurora
Aurora is all about talent and great photography. Also known to supply a lot of great images to the National Geographic magazine, they are not, however, specialized in animals only. They are more focused on nature, sociology, environment and just plain great photography. One of the last and probably the most photographer friendly photo agency, it has in consequence, some of the best images. Even if you are not in the business of licensing images, it is highly recommended you sign up for their monthly newsletter.
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