Magnum Professional Practice

Originated as a response to the changing nature of the photography market, Magnum's Professional Practice events deliver impartial guidance on a wide range of imaging industries. With access to key individuals working in editorial, commercial, cultural and publishing industries, Magnum is well placed to advise the next generation of photographers.

In a series of weekend lectures, leading figures of the image industry will deliver presentations and advice on the best means in engaging with and working in these sectors. 8 speakers over the weekend will each give 1 hour presentations on their subject of expertise, with plenty of time for questions and informal opportunities to liaise with peers.

Topics under discussion will include social networking and web promotion, book publishing, editorial features, commercial photography, stock sale photographs, photographic print sales and exhibition structures. Confirmed speaker details are as follows:

Monica Allende - Picture Editor, The Sunday Times Magazine
Monica started her position at the Sunday Time Magazine in 2002 and since then the publication has received several major awards, including the 2006 Picture Editor’s award for Best Magazine, a “Best Feature in Photojournalism” award from Amnesty International, and the Best Photography prize at the Design Awards. In the past year, she has developed and edited the “Spectrum” section, devoted to photography from around the world. Recently commissioned to curate an exhibition on the Darfur conflict, Allende has a background in political science. After graduating from the University of London, she worked for various publishers before moving into newspapers, first The Independent, and then The Sunday Times. A committee member of the Royal Photographic Society, she has been a portfolio reviewer for Photo España and the Bamako Photo Festival.
www.thesundaytimes.co.uk

David Birkitt – Managing Director, DMB Media
David Birkett has managed the careers of some of the world’s leading image-makers. Working internationally he has amassed a decade of experience at the highest level of the visual industry. DMB Media offers a fresh perspective on worldwide projection and career management for individuals and companies across the creative industries, partnering both established and exciting new talent with the right creative projects.
www.dmbmedia.co.uk

David Hurn – Magnum photographer
Hurn is a self-taught photographer who began his career in 1955 as an assistant at the Reflex Agency. While a freelance photographer, he gained his reputation with his reportage of the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Hurn eventually turned away from coverage of current affairs, preferring to take a more personal approach to photography. He became an associate member of Magnum in 1965 and a full member in 1967.

He is the author of the successful educational textbook with Professor Bill Jay, “On Being a Photographer” and in 1973 he set up the famous School of Documentary Photography at the University of Wales, Newport. Hurn continues to be in demand throughout the world as an educator and workshop leader.

David Hurn has a longstanding international reputation as one of Britain's leading reportage photographers. He continues to live and work in Wales.
www.magnumphotos.com/Photographer/DavidHurn

Steve Macleod – Creative Director, Metro Imaging
Steve has worked in the photographic industry for twenty years. He is a photographer and is highly regarded as a Master B&W Printer. He works at the highest level in the imaging industry - consulting closely with many galleries, agencies and publications; as well as individual artists and photographers. He has published several books on photographic process.

He is an executive director of Foto8 Magazine and HOST Gallery in London, a life member of Frontline Club and an Associate Lecturer speaking on topics as varied as Professional Practice through to technical application of the photographic process.
www.metroimaging.co.uk

Christian Payne – Social Technologist
Christian is a social technologist, accomplished blogger and a photographer. His interests vary from social media, citizen journalism, professional photography and audio & video podcasting. He consults on social media and has worked with the United Nations, the British Council in Pakistan and Hong Kong and has alongside Reuters on groundbreaking projects with the British Government.

Previously Christian was a professional newspaper photographer before embracing multimedia technology, but photography continues to be the main passion that intertwines all his digital endeavors.
www.OurManInside.com and http://Documental.ly

Chris Barwick – UK Sales Director for Licensing & Stock, Magnum Photos
Chris began working in the photo licensing business more than 13 years ago and was able to observe first hand the transformation of an industry where couriers delivering transparencies were replaced by the transmission of digital files through exciting new technologies like ISDN seemingly overnight. In this time, Chris has been involved with the licensing of Archival, Commercial and Editorial Stock, News and Sport, Portraiture and Fine Art in various roles at Getty Images, Corbis, Associated Press Television News, ITN and, most recently, Magnum Photos. Chris has worked extensively with Editorial, Corporate and Advertising customers, and has been a regular contributor to the debate and discussion surrounding the evolution of the business.
www.magnumphotos.com

Michael Mack – Publisher, Steidl/MACK
Michael Mack is a publisher and literary agent based in London. He has edited, designed, and written over 200 books. He is the co-publisher of the SteidlMACK imprint and the Managing Director of Steidl’s illustrated book list. Since 2003, SteidlMACK has published 60 books with artists including Paul Graham, Collier Schorr, Thomas Demand, James Welling, Torbjørn Rødland, Roe Ethridge, Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin, and John Warwicker.
www.michealmack.info and www.steidlville.com/aboutus/3-steidlmack.html and www.withgrace.com

Fiona Rogers – Cultural & Education Coordinator, Magnum Photos
Fiona studied Arts & Media at Surrey Institution of Art & Design, beginning her career in photography in 2004 at a populist photography gallery in central London. She moved to Magnum Photos in 2005 and in 2006 developed Magnum’s Educational activities, including the creation of university partnerships and managing an international program of workshops, portfolio reviews and masterclass events. In addition, Fiona also works alongside Magnum’s Cultural Director, co-ordinating and originating touring exhibitions and representing Magnum’s photographers in commercial print sales.
www.magnumphotos.com

Sophie Wright – Cultural Director, Magnum Photos
Sophie’s interest in photography began whilst working as a picture researcher at Penguin Books. She then went on to work in a start up photography agency and gallery after which she became Deputy Editor of PLUK magazine, co-curating exhibitions at the gallery owned by PLUK’s publisher, artandphotographs. With Magnum Photos since 2003, her role involves origination and co-ordination of touring exhibitions both individual and group by Magnum's photographers within the UK, Middle East and Australasia. She has also overseen the creation of the Magnum Print Room, putting in place a schedule of exhibitions and talks in collaboration with the Atlas Gallery. She regularly writes on photography for magazines such BJP, Foam and Foto8.
www.magnumphotos.com and www.sophie-wright.com

 
This weekend event will be held at the headquarters of Magnum’s educational collaborators, IdeasTap at the Woolyard in London Bridge. IdeasTap will be displaying an exhibition of finalist work from the IdeasTap Photographic Award 2010 (in association with Magnum Photos) and will provide information about their relevant projects and available arts funding.

Magnum’s long term education collaborators, the creative publishing and marketing platform Blurb books will be on hand to discuss self-publishing and will distribute discount vouchers to all participants. www.blurb.com

Participation in this event will be limited and successful candidates will be chosen on the basis of their photographic experience and the perceived benefit to the applicant's career. This event is not aimed at beginners and applicants should have a high level of photographic aptitude. We recommend attendees have been published or exhibited at least twice during their careers.

Cost: £350 plus VAT (includes lunch and refreshments)

To apply click here until 18:00 GMT on Sunday 17th October: Apply Now
*Please note, Magnum Photos reserves the right to cancel or amend the event program at their discretion.*

 
IdeasTap

IdeasTap was launched in December 2008 and is an online creative network set up to encourage new ideas, projects and ways of working between young people and organisations. The website provides a platform for young creative people to connect, and offers expert advice and an online portfolio to showcase work.

Membership currently stands at nearly 26,000 young creative practitioners. IdeasTap is partnered with Magnum Photos, Old Vic New Voices and the National Youth Theatre. As well as running many successful projects with these partners, IdeasTap has also worked with organsiations including BBC London, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Student Drama Festival and Open Up Now to bring unique industry opportunities to its members.

A new, improved version of the website has just been launched. This has given the website a wealth of new functionality, including private messaging, forums, improved networking functionality, unique user URLs and reworked portfolios that optimise the display of member’s work.