Tag: photojournalism_hub

Photojournalism Nights: Maria Tomas Rodriguez & Ollie G. Monk

Photojournalism Nights

11th December 2023 7 pm
Riverside Studios
101 Queen Caroline Street
London W6 9BN

To Join us: HERE

We’re delighted to welcome Maria Tomas Rodriguez and Ollie G. Monk to the 38th edition of the Photojournalism Nights.

Photojournalism Nights invites contemporary photojournalists and documentary photographers to share their powerful, committed photography and engage audiences to social justice and human rights. It invites interactive Q&A’s , and an opportunity for people to connect and network with photojournalists and likeminded audiences. Our guest speakers of this last edition of the year 2023 use traditional journalistic methodologies in their work documenting migration and the human stories of hope and death as well as delving on the impact corporates and their increasing power shadowing accountability.

Maria Tomas- Rodriguez is a Senior Lecturer of Control Systems Engineering and Mechatronics at The City University of London, United Kingdom. Since 2016 I have combined her academic profession with documentary photography projects mostly within the field of social inequalities and human rights. She has received photography training through courses and seminars at the Westminster College, The Photographer’s Gallery and Royal Photographic Society, United Kingdom.
She won the British Photography Award in documentary category in 2019, she also has won the second prize at the International Photography Awards in Editorial/sports category and she has also been finalist at the Travel photography of the year in 2020. Her work has been published both in UK and Spanish media.
@photomtr

Ollie G. Monk is a photojournalist using local stories to paint a bigger picture of the contemporary issues facing Britain. Using traditional journalistic methods such as investigation, interviews and (arguably obsessive) research, he builds narratives that encourage the viewer to look for nuance and significance in the smallest of stories, putting an emphasis on the local in an increasingly global media landscape. We do not need to stray far to find stories worth telling.
Based in south-west London, he is in the final stages of a postgraduate degree at the London College of Communication while also working towards teaching documentary practice, mentoring both at King’s College London and the London College of Communication. For the last year, he has been working on two major projects. Comms Failure is an investigation into the difficulty of keeping companies like Thames Water accountable to the public they serve, and was exhibited in Copeland Gallery, Peckham this year. 
Meanwhile Protest Pen, an ongoing project, is the story of a photographer’s journey into the Truth Seeker or Truther movement told over the course of five zines. Known as conspiracy theorists to some, the beliefs they share are often based on the most tenuous or tangential of evidence, relying on one’s own internal logic and anecdote — you must only cast doubt on the status quo for a theory to become worthy of discussion. Excerpts of informal interviews with Truthers build an overall narrative; however, when paired with portraits and documentary images of the group in their own space, the viewer is forced to confront them not as stereotypes and slogans, but as people, no longer hidden behind brash, choreographed online personas. Social isolation, family tragedies, and mental illness: the community is not simply a fringe political group, but a refuge for those who, like so many of us, have felt lost and scared in a broken world that seems just too complicated to fix.
@olliegmonk

To Book a place: HERE

National Demonstration Free Palestine

News, Politics

National Demonstration for Free Palestine and a Ceasefire Now in London, 25th November 2023.

At Photojournalism Hub we work for social justice and human rights through publishing, promoting and supporting the work of independent photojournalists and documentary photographers. It is our belief that no one should be killed for their faith, ethnicity, nationality. What we are witnessing every day in the past 7 weeks has hurt us immensely. It is wrong to tackle acts of terrorism by disproportionately or indiscriminately killing and injuring civilians, women and children. We hope for a Ceasefire and for Palestinians right to peace, security and to live in their own independent state, free from occupation. We stand for Peace and an end of war.

Below are some photographs from our team on pro Palestine marches in London.

©Cinzia D’Ambrosi

©Cinzia D’Ambrosi

@Cinzia D’Ambrosi

©Cinzia D’Ambrosi

©Safeena Chaudhry

©Sienna Sunna

Cinzia D’Ambrosi @cinziadambrosi
Safeena Chaudhry  @photographerdreamertraveller
Sienna Sunna

Free Palestine Rally in London

Politics & Activism

Thousands rallied in London’s Trafalgar Square to advocate for a Free Palestine and to call for an immediate Ceasefire. Among the crowds, were Londoners, families with their children, and representatives from various organisations, all uniting in in central London Trafalgar Square to demand an end to the violent conflict. The vast majority of demonstrators conveyed their message peacefully, holding up placards, and posters with messages emphasising the urgency of a ceasefire, on a day marked by numerous protests across the capital.

A young girl holds up a Freedom for Palestine poster, London Trafalgar Square. @Cinzia D’Ambrosi

©Safeena Chaudhry

Demonstrators and peaceful groups waved flags and banners around Trafalgar Square. @Cinzia D’Ambrosi

Photos from above: ©Safeena Chaudhry (first left),
(second, third, fourth) @Cinzia D’Ambrosi

Safeena Chaudhry
Insta: @photographerdreamertraveller
Cinzia D’Ambrosi
Insta: @cinziadambrosi

www.photojournalismhub.org

Photojournalism Nights: Acacia Diana & Chelsea Pineda

Photojournalism Nights

15th November 2023 7pm
Riverside Studios
101 Queen Caroline Street
London W6 9BN

To Join us HERE

We’re delighted to welcome Acacia Diana and Chelsea Pineda to the 37th edition of the Photojournalism Nights.

Acacia Diana is a visual artist whose work explores culture, identity, travel and the built environment. An enthusiastic advocate of exploring the world, she has worked with numerous global brands to create and curate images, as well as developed a portfolio of photographs on international humanitarian missions. She is a 2023 Canon EOS Master and was listed in 2022 by Tatler Asia as an inspiring female photographer making a social impact. Her works have been displayed in Amsterdam, London and Kuala lumpur. 
Travelling around the world to capture culture and community, Acacia will be presenting a curation of  photographs, themed ‘Colours of Community’, that focuses on the Muslim celebration of Ramadan in London and Eid in Tanzania, in between touching on a selected humanitarian work images in Syria and Turkey. 
In this theme, Acacia delves into the tapestry of Muslim life in London during the sacred month of Ramadan in 2023. She followed the Ramadan Tent Project, a community non-profit, as they orchestrated the Open Iftar event across the city’s revered landmarks. Muslims and non-Muslims from diverse backgrounds converged to break their fast together, harmoniously bridging divides. At every meal, the ethereal call to prayer, the Azan, resounded through the cityscape, leading the faithful to publicly commune in prayer. In 2022, Acacia was with a mission team to donate meat to the muslim community in Tanga, Tanzania with Impactive Malaysia, for the celebration of Eid. The vibrant festivities are an annual hallmark, as most in the community live below the poverty line and are not able to afford meat.
Insta: acaciadiana
acaciadiana.com

Chelsea Pineda is a Filipina-American artist whose work encompasses photography, writing and performance. Her practice explores the intimacies of cultural identity, familial relationships and memory. She is based between London and New York City, and graduated from London College of Communication with an MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography in 2023. Previously, she was a supervising producer at Insider (formerly Business Insider) overseeing production and post-production for the video team. With a background in journalism and art, she centers narrative and identity in her approach to photography, film and writing as it spans across fine art, editorial and commercial spaces.
In the Photojournalism Nights, Chelsea will share “Barako”, which explores themes of masculinity and paternal relationships through the exploration of her father’s experiences street fighting in the 1960s and 1970s Philippines. Growing up at a time when the “tough guy” archetype was idolized, her father was engrossed in his boxing training. Having never backed down from a fight, he utilized these skills to protect himself from other men throughout his youth, but also fought as a way to cope with his anger towards his father, who physically disciplined him at home.
“Barako” moves through various fights throughout Chelsea’s father’s youth, including his first fight at five years old over a game of marbles and a spontaneous street fight with a professional boxer in college — all the while exploring other memories significant to his boyhood. His final fight took place when he was 24 years old — a brawl with 10 men outside his father’s funeral viewing. Weeks later, her father moved to America to find work and support his family back home. He never fought again.
The importance of this project lies in its aim not to reproduce or glorify images of violence, but to evoke a viscerality that exists when coming of age in a container of hegemonic masculinity and its intergenerational effects as they were passed down from Chelsea’s grandfather to her father to herself. Through “Barako,” I examine an intimate legacy that allows me to reflect on my own relationship with masculinity, intergenerational trauma, and my father.
Insta: @chelspineda
chelseapineda.com

Photos above: ©Chelsea Pineda ©Acacia Diana

To book a place HERE

FREE PALESTINE! CEASEFIRE NOW!

News, Politics

Demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine have seen thousands around the world march and voice their grief and anger at Israel’s deliberate killing of civilians, predominantly women and children, despite facing opposition, and even arrests.
The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel began on the 7th of October 2023, when Hamas breached the Gaza-Israel barrier and killed communities and attacked Israel Défense Forces. Over 200 civilians have been taken as hostages.
Weeks after Israel cut water, electricity, fuel, and aid into the Gaza Strip, whilst continuing attacking with an enormous amount of indiscriminate strikes on residential areas, schools and hospitals and killing over 7,000 civilians, largely innocent children and women. the humanitarian crisis is only deepening.   Ceasefire and a stop to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Delhi, India

Police detain people at a protest organised by different student left-wing organisations in support of Palestinians in Gaza , as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues , near the Embassy of Israel , in New Delhi India , October 23, 2023

All photos ©Deep Nair

Deep Nair
Photographer
www.deepnair.com
Insta: deeeeppixx
Twitter: @deep_nair16

Bogota, Colombia

Pro-Palestine demonstrations in Bogotá, Colombia.

All photos ©Yhaira Rincon

Yhaira Rincon
Photographer
Insta: @yhaira__

London, UK

On the 21st October, thousands marched in central London from Marble Arch to Whitehall chanting “Free, free Palestine” to demand the end of the siege and immediate ceasefire. The killings must end. The occupation must end.

Thousands descended in central London in support for Palestinians and to demand end to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Rally began at Marble Arch and marched to Whitehall.

All photos ©Cinzia D’Ambrosi
www.cinziadambrosi.com
Insta: @cinziadambrosi

BECOME A PJH MEMBER
Consider becoming a member of the Photojournalism Hub and receive the benefits of free access to events, Photojournalism Hub resources, premier editorial content, portfolio reviews, photography exhibitions, discounts on our courses and training, whilst you will be supporting our work advocating, advancing social justice and human rights. Thank you. JOIN US  HERE

Photojournalism Nights: Aidan Brooks and Andrew Blowers

IN FOCUS, Photojournalism Nights

We’re delighted to welcome Aidan Brooks and Andrew Blowers to the 36th edition of the Photojournalism Nights.

Both photographers use the tool of photography as a means to connect with others in an authentic, raw and meaningful way whether through exploring encounters with strangers or documenting the street around them.

Photojournalism Nights is an event that invites photojournalists and documentary photographers to share their powerful, committed photography dedicated to social justice and human rights causes. Photojournalism Nights event is an opportunity for the public to ask questions, found out how to be involved and learn insights behind the powerful photos stories that are helping advance social justice and human rights around the world. After the presentations, the audience and the guest photographers can continue conversations and socialising in Riverside Studios bar and coffee lounge area.

Aidan Brooks
I am a community photographer and visual storyteller, with the goal of capturing individuals in an authentic and meaningful way. I use my camera to initiate conversations and discover how people feel in the moment. My passion for photography began during my childhood as a shy boy growing up in Wirral, Merseyside. Instead of asking direct questions, I found comfort behind the camera, which gave me confidence and security when interacting with people. This experience has taught me to challenge my judgments, approach things with courage and curiosity, and be a good listener. I believe in the power of being present for people and providing a safe and empathetic environment where they can express themselves freely. Aidan will be presenting selected images/stories to talk about why “talking to strangers is important for us all.”
www.aidanbrooks.co.uk
@aidan_brooks

Andrew Blowers
Having first picked up a camera after growing tired of taking phone snapshots, Andrew spent £50 on a film SLR in 2017, and was hooked. Alongside photography, Andrew is also an accomplished semi-professional bass player and during the COVID pandemic and lockdown of 2020 he found himself without a creative outlet and his enjoyment of street photography turned into documenting the world around him. 
Exclusively shooting black and white, he greatly favours the use the old ways of film and the darkroom, only utilising digital when needs must. His style is honest and open, empathetic and devoid of visual trickery. 
He is a member of documentary collective New Exit Group @newexitgroup where copies of collaborative debut zine Bardo are available. The project based on blues in Soho is being sequenced and designed, available soon. Darkroom prints from projects are available on request.
@andyblowers
@newexitgroup

To book a place HERE

Capturing Crisis

Magazines & ZInes, PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUTHS, Youth Magazine

I am incredibly pleased to present the fifth edition of Capturing Crisis photography and reporting magazine produced by the group of youths of the ‘Stories, Reporting Mag, Photography Course’ project.
Responding to the cost of living crisis, the young photographers have produced photo stories and photographs covering topics that expose social justice issues as well as current social and environmental changes.
In this issue, you will find photo stories documenting a community led urban space called ‘Meanwhile’ and street photography that in a candid manner seek to document the impact of the economic crisis.
I am very proud for the commitment, talent and drive demonstrated by the young participants.

In Focus: Zula Rabikowska and Giorgia Tobiolo

IN FOCUS, Photojournalism Nights

To join us register HERE

Photojournalism Hub presents Zula Rabikowska and Giorgia Tobiolo, two photographers whose powerful and committed work engages with social justice and human rights. This event offers audiences an opportunity to hear directly from the photographers about the stories behind their work, ask questions, and discover how photography can contribute to greater understanding and social change. The conversation will explore the experiences, approaches and motivations behind the photographs, as well as the issues and communities at their heart. Following the presentations, audiences and guest photographers are invited to continue the conversation and socialise in the bar and coffee lounge area at Riverside Studios.

Zula Rabilowska is a Polish queer photographer and visual artist based in London. Zula was born in Poland, grew up in the UK and her experience of migration influences her photography practice. Zula’s projects explore migration, gender and LGBTQI+ communities with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe and her work unpicks the binary understanding associated with the “West” and the “East”. Zula works with multimedia, film, and photography, and incorporates archival images and documents to challenge conventional visual story-telling norms. Zula holds an MRes in French Postcolonial Literature from the University of Warwick and an MA in Documentary Photography from the University of the Arts London. Zula exhibited as a solo artist in London (England) and Belfast (Northern Ireland), and her group shows include Format Festival (UK), Brighton Photo Fringe (UK), Lahti Fringe Festival (Finland), Gothenburg Fringe Festival (Sweden) Urban Banks Berlin (Germany) and Enjoy Museum of Art Beijing (China). Zula’s work has been published internationally including Dazed and Confused, the British Journal of Photography, the BCC, The Times. Guardian, The Calvert Journal. Zula works as a photographer in Europe, and a photography lecturer at Kingston University London, she is also a co-founder of the Red Zenith Collective, an online platform for non-binary and female artists from Central and Eastern Europe. Zula will be presenting 2 projects, “Nothing but a Curtain” and “Scared to Love.” Her photographs from “Nothing but a Curtain” will be exhibited a the Four Corners in October with the Private View on Thursday 12th October. All are welcome, please register here: https://www.fourcornersfilm.co.uk/whats-on/nothing-but-a-curtain IG: @zula.ra and zulara.co.uk

Giorgia Tobiolo Giorgia is an Italian documentary photographer and educator, based in London. Raising internal questions stimulates Giorgia to examine the external environment. In this two-way relationship, she is keen to reveal the humanity, diversity, and vulnerability of labelled or stereotyped subjects, often objects of prejudice. Ultimately with her practice, she aims to break down the indifference towards certain topics and give a voice to people that need recognition, support, or inclusion. Besides her MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at the University of Westminster, she has completed an Internship with Magnum Photos. Giorgia has, and continues to, collaborate with schools, festivals, charities, associations, private clients, magazines and institutions such as UAL, The British Academy of Photography, Urban Photo Fest, Photography Oxford Festival, the Calthorpe Project, Caritas Foundation, Migrants Resource Centre, the Prison of Pescara, Reuters Institute, CNN, AlJazeera, Source Magazine and more. IG: @giorgiatobiolo and giorgiatobiolo.com

To join us register HERE

In Focus: Nathaniel White-Steele and Marcin Kornacki

IN FOCUS, Photojournalism Nights

We are delighted to welcome Marcin Kornacki and Nathaniel White-Steele to the Photojournalism Nights on the 31st July at the Riverside Studios, 7pm. To join us HERE.

Photojournalism Nights invites contemporary photojournalists and documentary photographers to share their powerful, committed photography and engage audiences in social justice and human rights causes. Photojournalism Nights feature Q&A’s from guest speakers and an opportunity to connect with photojournalists who are helping advance social justice and human rights around the world.

About the Photographers

Nathaniel White-Steele is a documentary artist from Bristol, UK. He is interested in the visual register of authority, how power inscribes itself on landscapes and how ‘territory’ is made. He has worked with satellite images, GIS mapping technology, audio, archive, wet plate collodion tintypes and other methods to unpick how we attempt to control the landscape in order to govern people and the moments when the landscape and the people resist. Nathaniel is currently based in London and has exhibited both nationally and internationally, most recently showing alongside anthropologist Jason de Leon’s work Hostile Terrain 94 in Den Haag, The Netherlands.

Marcin Kornacki is a London-based photographer currently completing his MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at LCC London. His photography focuses on the often untold human stories behind the headlines of communities affected by both chronic and acute distress. His most recent project on Jaywick, the most deprived area in the UK, was recognised by the British Journal of Photography as a winner of the 2022 Portrait of Britain. He is currently working on a project with Haitians displaced by gang violence in the country’s capital city Port-au-Prince.

BECOME A PJH MEMBER
Consider becoming a member of the Photojournalism Hub and receive the benefits of free access to events, Photojournalism Hub resources, premier editorial content, portfolio reviews, photography exhibitions, discounts on our courses and training, whilst you will be supporting our work advocating, advancing social justice and human rights. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Support the Photojournalism Hub from as little as £1 every month. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you. JOIN US HERE

Vudi Xhymshiti: Empowering Ukrainian Scholars Through Photojournalism Education

Interview, Read

Inspiring Voices Amidst Ukraine’s Struggle for Justice

Date: June 10, 2023

Renowned photojournalist Vudi Xhymshiti empowers Ukrainian scholars through his groundbreaking education program, emphasising metadata mastery and ethical principles. Inspiring voices amidst Ukraine’s struggle for justice.

Renowned Kosovar-British photojournalist and educator, Vudi Xhymshiti, embarks on the third week of his journey, dedicated to educating fifteen Ukrainian scholars who have been awarded scholarships in his groundbreaking photojournalism educational program. Over the course of this Thursday and Friday, the scholars engaged in enlightening discussions on the paramount importance of mastering metadata and adhering to the ethical principles of photojournalism.

Following an extensive year of reporting in Ukraine throughout 2022, Xhymshiti recognized the dire need to extend support to the Ukrainian people. Moved by the plight of voiceless men, women, and children, who have suffered the harrowing atrocities inflicted by the Russian military aggression since the full-scale invasion launched by Russian President Putin on February 24, 2022, Xhymshiti made it his mission to share his wealth of knowledge in photojournalism. By doing so, he aimed to equip the scholars with the necessary skills to become the unwavering voice of Ukraine.

In today’s digital age, photojournalists face a myriad of challenges when it comes to showcasing and monetizing their work. One aspect often overlooked, yet crucial, is the meticulous handling of metadata and captioning. This vital information not only assists photographers in organising their collections but also plays a pivotal role in capturing the attention of editors and potential clients. 

During an exclusive conversation with Photojournalism HUB in London, Vudi Xhymshiti expressed his unwavering dedication to promoting high-quality journalism worldwide. He shared insights into his education programs, which are specifically designed to elevate the skills of emerging professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Through the provision of scholarships and access to valuable resources, Xhymshiti aims to empower individuals, enabling them to become leaders in their respective fields and share their unique perspectives with the global audience.

In discussing his educational initiatives, Xhymshiti emphasised his role in guiding fellow professionals away from ignorance. Recognizing that traditional forms of education can often perpetuate narrow viewpoints, he is committed to offering programs that foster critical thinking, creativity, and diverse thought. His ultimate vision is to contribute to the advancement of journalism and the democratisation of public narrative, inspiring the next generation of journalists to strive for excellence and create a better world through their impactful work.

Furthermore, Xhymshiti’s conversation highlighted the paramount importance of mastering metadata in the field of photojournalism. With his expertise and experience as an esteemed instructor, he shed light on the profound influence that metadata mastery can have on the career prospects of aspiring photojournalists. By stressing the significance of this aspect, Xhymshiti aims to equip his students with the necessary skills to thrive in their professional journeys.

Xhymshiti, with his unrivalled expertise, highlights the indispensable connection between accurate metadata and professional success. He asserts, “Without proper metadata, no news editor, whether in London, New York, Paris, or elsewhere, will consider your photographs. The absence of this crucial information hampers editors’ ability to comprehend the contextual significance of an image.“

According to Xhymshiti, countless talented photographers miss out on lucrative assignments simply because they neglect to master the art of metadata and captioning. He explains, “Editors are unwilling to take the risk of hiring someone who lacks these essential skills. The absence of metadata and captions can lead to confusion and disrupt the seamless progress of a project. Editors would rather replace you with someone who understands the significance of these vital details.“

Furthermore, Xhymshiti unveils a startling truth about the scarcity of formal education concerning metadata in photography programs. He notes, “Unfortunately, universities rarely impart these critical skills to aspiring photographers. Furthermore, some professional photographers who offer courses intentionally withhold this information due to their own self-doubts and fears of competition.“

Xhymshiti’s comprehensive course aims to bridge this knowledge gap and equip students with the indispensable skills required to excel in the industry. He emphasises the importance of regularly practising metadata mastery and captioning, asserting that these tasks should become as routine as brushing one’s teeth in the morning. By instilling these practices early on, students can confidently collaborate with editors and significantly increase their chances of securing coveted assignments.

One of the intriguing topics raised during the course revolves around the use of watermarks on photographs. Xhymshiti clarifies that watermarks play a vital role in protecting copyrighted work when selling images on certain platforms. However, he advises against using watermarks on websites or portfolios intended to attract potential clients. By allowing clients to view high-quality, unmarked images, photographers heighten their chances of securing paid work.

To illustrate his points effectively, Xhymshiti showcases his own websites, featuring both watermarked and unmarked images. He emphasises the importance of presenting pristine, high-quality images to potential clients, enabling them to accurately assess a photographer’s skills and capabilities.

Throughout the course, students actively engage in discussions, sharing their personal experiences and challenges. Xhymshiti fosters an environment of open dialogue, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of growth.

By shedding light on the profound significance of metadata mastery and ethical considerations in photojournalism, this exclusive course offers aspiring photojournalists invaluable knowledge. It equips them with the skills necessary to navigate the fiercely competitive industry, ensuring they are prepared to meet the demands of professional assignments. Xhymshiti’s unwavering dedication to empowering his students and safeguarding them from exploitation shines through, making this course an extraordinary and priceless opportunity within the realm of photography education.

Join us on June 21, 2023, for an upcoming online edition of Photojournalism Nights, where we are thrilled to have Vudi Xhymishiti as our guest speaker. Discover the incredible work of this renowned photojournalist and educator by joining us via our ticketing system. HERE.