Stuart Hannagan, Getty Images Vice President (Australasia) and Director of Photography (Asia Pacific) and journalist/blogger Alison Stieven-Taylor were recent visitors to the Photojournalism class.
Stuart discussed the changing face of editorial and creative (stock) photography and gave us a glimpse behind the scenes of the new breed of global photo agencies, of which Getty is the world leader. His advice:
"If you are interested in a 9-to-5 job with an hour off for lunch, this business isn’t for you. If you want photography as a way of life, there have never been so many opportunities for young photographers, so build a good portfolio and get it in front of as many people as you can. Back yourself and keep chipping away. Never give up. Eventually you’ll be given a chance, and once you get started, don’t look back."
Alison presented an in-depth look at the constantly expanding online publishing opportunities for editorial material, including photo essays and documentary projects. Alison's advice:
Look for stories in your own back yard
Articulate your work in words and pictures
Think globally – what subjects can translate across cultures?
Be persistent, consistent and deliver what you promise
Read and look at other work all the time
Getty Images Asia Pacific Director of Photography, Stuart Hannagan (3rd from left) and journalist/author/blogger Alison Stieven-Taylor (2nd from right) with PJ students Elliot Taylor, Daniel O’Neill, Melissa Davis and Amy Paton
Text and photograph by Bill Bachman.