Most Recent

Personal work is not this

If you watched the presentation last week with Billy Plummer you’ll have heard him talk about the difference between tests and personal work. (If not, you can still catch the replay here.) It’s well understood that tests are when you photograph to try out new gear, lighting and technique. But when you photograph with an

Read more

Hope has Wings

To many photographers, being at the top of their game doesn’t just mean making beautiful work for clients, but also being seen and acknowledged by the art world or organisations like Magnum. Maybe that’s you, too. For British photographer Nancy MacDonald, this was something she dreamed of but didn’t believe was possible until she made

Read more

How to make personal work which will get you paid

Have you ever wished you could get inside the brain of a creative director? One that has hired countless photographers for high end brand campaigns? I’m thrilled to share that in exactly one week from now I have a real treat for you. Join myself and Billy Plummer for an inspirational online presentation, “It’s all

Read more

The Kiss of Death

This weekend’s inspiration is a flashback to this time 4 years ago, when borders closed and we all found ourselves facing lockdown. Very strange times indeed. As an antidote to this, ex-advertising creative and top ad photographer Billy Plummer and I created an online workshop, taking 20 photographers from around the world through the process

Read more

Are they copying you?

You know that sinking feeling when you look at your Instagram feed and spot an image exactly like one of yours…but it’s been made by someone else? Or that sickening punch in the gut when someone shares an idea you’ve spent months or even years working on (and sharing)? It’s even worse when it’s someone

Read more

The Unknown Swimmer

Personal work can take you on some pretty interesting journeys. Apart from the process itself, the final work can end up in editorial stories, photo books, exhibitions, and being used in ad campaigns. In Melbourne photographer Jason Reekie’s case, one of his personal projects has become a chamber opera. At a Christmas party way back

Read more

What would happen if it all worked out?

There are probably lots of things you want. Beautiful, challenging, meaningful briefs that align with the work you love making. An income which allows you to support those who need you, and which gives you the freedom to say no to the jobs which don’t float your boat. And space to create work for yourself

Read more