Multimedia group
This is a space for people to work on issues around multimedia - what forms, narratives, techniques, technologies etc etc will it take?
Open Photojournalism Education Network
Oliver Thompson's Page
Profile Information
- Current position and base (organization, company, etc.)
- Out-Projects Photographer
- Biography
- I was born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1975, and grew up in Fairlie, Mackenzie country, I was fortunate enough to be play with cameras and paint since growing up from place to place. My Mother, is an artist and also a documentary film maker. My Father lived in the North Island and has been a painter and musician all his life. My great, great grandmother was an avid photographer and traveller and now I look back and see how the world has changed from her footage. The only thing my grandfather gave me in his will was a Polaroid camera which I still enjoy today and have a strong passion for the Polaroid film medium.
My first serious photography assignment was given to me by Paul Spain in 2003. While traveling in Europe, he wanted to keep connected to his friends and professional contacts. Thus, www.worlddj.com was born. His idea, a website where people can contribute photos, stories and stay connected. It was before facebook kicked in and was cutting edge at the time. My role was to contribute photographs and articles under an alias about the New Zealand music scene - interviewing artists and photographing many nightclub events and the Big Day Outs.
In 2006 I set up a successful studio in Auckland at Artizanz studios, Karaka Street where my main clientele included Roccabella Diamond Bar, Auckland Museum and live band events. Personal projects included "The Guzzlers", "Rock 'n' Rollers" and the Loli Pop Girls”. I was also involved with the hardened artists at 4 Cross Street Studio's, a haven for late night creating! Group exhibitions with throwback 1980s portraits continued the evolution of my style and focus. Hanging out the side of the Guzzlers hot rod with my camera capturing the feeling, oh what a rush looking back on the footage.
I moved to Lindeman Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia after my van blew up on a photographic summer “road trip of love”! I was employed as photographer of Lindeman Island which in turn lead to me managing and developing Hamilton Island photography. At Hamilton Island key clients included L’Oreal Paris product shoots on the Whitsunday Islands, Pfizer, IGA, Nikon and Audi.
My most recent professional appointment has been with Paul Arnold Bush Photos www.paularnold.com.au as the Business Development Manager, building his brand and promoting his photographic work. Whilst in Darwin I was privileged to document personal projects with Dutch Indigenous Architect Rene’-Paul Van Leeuwen at the Daly River Merrepen Arts Festival - http://www.rparchitects.nl/Media_and_Architecture/Startpage.html an indigenous cultural celebration and a real eye opener. I have also travelled to South-East Asia to document the” Komodo Dragons” and “Stick Fighting” on two occasions last year.
- Specialities & interests
- I have professional experience in the high end markets of photography to the dirty streets of real life, to give me a point of difference to my style. I like shooting in a narrative way to be candid not so posed.
Fashion, street and humanitarian subjects are my favourite genes.
I love to travel and meet new people discover stories and connect with my subjects for bodies of work to "just happen"
I supplement my income, time to time doing photography one on one lessons and enjoy passing on the knowledge.The next project after FotoFero is going to be amazing Mayaga based in the NT remoteness.The Madayin creates the state of Magaya, which is a state of peace, freedom from hostilities and true justice for all.
- Current geographic base:
- South Asia
- Category(ies) that best describe(s) me:
- freelance photographer, educator
- Contact details (email, phone, IM, etc.)
- +61423686014
Quick Links
Latest Activity
Glynis Shaw joined Pete Brook's group
Race & Diversity in Photojournalism
Group for all members interested in contributing to the Race, Diversity, Photography: Online Symposium in June, 2010. It is used to share activities, writings and angles on the issue.
TONY MANIATY posted a status"Looking forward to meeting everyone on the Magnum course tomorrow - should be a terrific week..."
Claudia McKay posted a status"Hi fellow Magnum Sydney Workshoppers! Looking forward to meeting you all next week."
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Comment Wall (3 comments)
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Hello dear,I am Amelia by name,this is important,
please email me back at[amelia.herbert23@hotmail.com].
I will be waiting to hear from you soon.
Look forward to hearing about your ideas, often it's the heart and not the mind that brings them to you. We will connect in freo habibi.
Hi Ollie. Yes, I'll be in Trent Parke's group. Looking forward to meeting everyone and making some pictures!