Introduce yourselves!

[OPEN-i]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to create this forum for us all to introduce ourselves to each other, share why we are here on this network, and what we hope to get out of it.

Let's start!

We are the Open Photojournalism Education Network. OPEN-i is supported by the London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, and the World Press Photo Foundation and is funded by JISC. Initial partners include VII, Noor, Panos, foto8, Getty Images, Tisch NYU, Drik, Visa pour L’Image, ICP, University of Bolton, University of Westminster, and the University of Berkeley...

We want this space to be a network for discussing contemporary and critical issues relevant to the photojournalism industry. Importantly, we want these discussions to be global and inclusive.

Looking forward to all the debates!

[marcia chandra]

hmm, I guess I'll start...

Im Marcia, currently doing an MA Doc Photography at LCC, right now in Slovenia and the Balkans until October looking at doing a project on turbofolk. I'm interested in issues related to migration and identity, contemporary culture, urban space, and social change. Still have a lot to learn as a photographer, but loving every minute of it. Im also a big fan of open collaboration & technology, and im working with the OPEN-i team to help get this site going...

What I'd like to see here on OPEN-i? Critical reflection and discussion on issues with a global group of peers interested in the implications of photojournalism. Not so interested in seeing this space become another lightstalkers or portfolio site, lets not duplicate what's out there and rather make this a place dedicated to discussion and reflection.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

[Davin Ellicson]

I did the LCC program in 2006, am American and am now based out of Bucharest, Romania after traveling hear since the year 2000 to photograph the last vestiges of traditional European rural life. I am close to finishing up my book project on one village in the north of the country. I am also now doing assignments for The International Herald Tribune, The New York Times, Bloomberg News and Courrier Japon among other publications from here and beginning a new major project a bit further to the east.

I agree with Marcia about using OPEN-i as a place for critical discussion and reflection and not letting it become another online forum where somewhat crazy, negative dialog takes place like on Burn as of late.

[martin nangle]

Hi Open i,

The redefining of roles within journalism/photojournalism is one of the most important debates in the current history of newsgathering and presentation of news to the public.

As the professional spearhead of the cit journ movement, we photojournalists are asking whether traditional neutral credibility is challenged by the desire of a growing number of practitioners to politicise their ethics and transfer that approach to their work.

The inevitable globalisation of free news for all must be policed with ethics, standards and commitment to the truth. This is what people have fought and died for to enjoy the protection of a free and respected media.

I admit this is far from the reality of contemporary practice, governments, terror groups, liberation fighters, political parties, marginalised groups etc within all societies wish to control images and actions to their advantage. This is human nature. Our nature is to build a global institution that rises above squabble and to be seen as a global bastion for the defense of the truth. Get the debates started. but importantly lets get it right, the stakes are high if we don’t.

with best regards

martin nangle, photojournalist & documentary photographer.

[Andrew Stewart]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Andy Stewart based up in the North East (home: Durham, work: Newcastle). My background initially is in Multimedia Development from which I've somehow progressed through project management, into information management. I'm actually part of the team responsible for funding this initiative.

Our emphasis is on using technology to promote knowledge exchange (and other activities) between further/higher education and business/community organisations. So glad to see this site developing so quickly with a clear focus.

Other than that just plain jealous of your skills :)

Cheers

Andy

[Cecile Maalaki]

Well, hello , i'm Cecile (also known as .Cecile-Maalaki) , a 27 years old young woman based in Paris, France, working in freelance in street-journalism and portraits . And co-founder/director of an artistic and social ngo called Pisces' Potion
i've been introduced to this community by some friends of mine from Weyo (weyo.org)

what i like in here ? a brand new media , quite in-between youtube/vimeo/and facebook , which is a good compromise to me
critical discussions , a better view and knowledge , a place to digg and digg and create

[Frazer Waller]

Hello, my name is Frazer and I'm based just north of London in Buckinghamshire. I have been working as a freelance photographer for about eight years now but started off working for the local newspaper and did so for 5 or so years. My freelance work varies from press and pr images, and features for sport and music magazines.

I was recently invited to join Open-i as I am taking part in the Magnum workshop in Barcelona in November and it is being used to get to know fellow participants before we meet.

I have recently been looking into the MA in Documentary Photography at LCC as I would like to move my career away from what I have been doing and direct it more towards photojournalism and documentary feature work and felt the course would give the right guidance. This introduction to open-i is a perfect start to my first steps into this new direction and looking forward to the insights it holds.

Thanks,

Frazer