What, what..

I find it absolutely unbelievable and also a little worrying considering their important role and complete naivety. The MOD seem genuinely shocked that a "gentleman's agreement" between them and the UK trad press doesn't work in cyberspace! here:http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/feb/29/afghanistan.monarchy And here for the so called Bad Guys boo boo http://www.drudgereport.com/

Colin Pantall's blog, one of my new fav's

www.colinpantall.blogspot.com

Ric Bower

"Jan, Keyleigh & Kizzie" copyright Ric Bower

Besides being shortlisted for The National Portrait Galleries Photography prize, with "Jan Keyleigh & Kizzie" Ric also has this very interesting road trip entitled "As walked Out", at his website http://www.ricbower.com/

From the series "As Walked Out" copyright Ric Bower

I love photography about journey's and find this work a really interesting and original idea. Go see here: www.ricbower.com

Tseng Kwong Chi

Image Copyright estate of Tseng Kwong Chi

For photographs about how little The West understands The East, and further to my recent post "For Example" photography from China by Tseng Kwong Chi here: http://www.munatseng.org/tsengkwongchi.htm

Going Going Gone

From polar bears to the Bomb: historic Getty picture archive is sold for $2.4bn more here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/from-polar-bears-to-the-bomb-historic-getty-picture-archive-is-sold-for-24bn-787354.html

Life Imitates Art!

I think that Channel M http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1138237012/bclid1137745824/bctid1433965833
must have seen the work of my old mate Johnathan Gitelson http://www.thegarbagecanproject.com/ takes a moment to open but worth it!

For example

Image copyright Julian McKenny

There is a lot of good photography in The North-West, Often of a quality that could hold it's own anywhere. Intelligent work, quiet unassuming work, pictures working as a group, with narrative, which is what I'm interested in seeing. I get tied of seeing China, and other far flung places photographed by photographers who can never show me anything I've not seen before, leave that to Chinese photographer's! because after a couple of weeks in a place what have you got to say? It's far braver to make the often not photographed, "right under your noses" places your subject. This stuff gets my eyes looking, my brain ticking, It needs to be savoured, returned to, thought about.

I have already featured the work of Julian McKenny this month, later I found out about his website http://www.processional.co.uk/ which features his more recent/work in progress so again I give you Julian McKenny.

Published

I have, after much trial and error self published "Going To Town". I've done this for a few reasons. Of course I have always wanted to see my work in book form, and I always saw this project as a book. I also wanted to test out the whole self publish/print on demand, phenomena that has cropped up over the last couple of years. I also wanted to test the water for producing a photography magazine, and as I "don't have a pot to piss in" thought that this may be a good way to start it off.

That is for the future, at the moment I'm just happy having my own work in a book. Out of all of the companies offering the service I picked http://www.lulu.com/ as I had heard alright things about them, and it must be said that their live chat service was very helpful. I am now not only a struggling photographer but also a struggling author! should you wish to help me out "Going To Town" by Mark Page can be purchased here: http://www.lulu.com/content/2062628

Taryn Simon

Image copyright Taryn Simon

White Tiger (Kenny), Selective InbreedingTurpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and FoundationEureka Springs, Arkansas

"In the United States, all living white tigers are the result of selective inbreeding to artificially create the genetic conditions that lead to white fur, ice-blue eyes and a pink nose. Kenny was born to a breeder in Bentonville, Arkansas on February 3, 1999. As a result of inbreeding, Kenny is mentally retarded and has significant physical limitations. Due to his deep-set nose, he has difficulty breathing and closing his jaw, his teeth are severely malformed and he limps from abnormal bone structure in his forearms. The three other tigers in Kenny’s litter are not considered to be quality white tigers as they are yellow coated, cross-eyed, and knock-kneed."

The above statement is from Simon's website. I have included it here as the text is important in Simon's work, and is reproduced along with the image. http://www.tarynsimon.com/

Over here photie man!

Have just taken delivery of a shiny new copy of Tom Woods brilliant "Photie man", published by legendary book printers Steidl. http://www.steidlville.com/books/52-Photie-Man.html It's everything I was expecting by one of the TRUE greats of British photography. Go buy, it's a classic. And whats more is it was all shot in The North West.........

Tony Wilson remembered

So that's it? A bit of a party and a big fucking tent? http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1037295_24hour_party_for_tony

Julian McKenny

Found and spent a great time viewing the work of Manchester based photographer Julian McKenny. Lots of great work here:http://www.foliozine.co.uk/index.html

Arrived.........

When I was a student I had a list of achievements, things I wanted to do as a photographer. Having an exhibition, giving talks, seeing my work in print etc etc, The Manchester Evening News, the old City Life, a national, and The Big Issue. I always thought that The Big issue had a kind of kudos, it was a bit street, a bit raw, and I really wanted to see my work printed there. Well this week I got my wish and I don’t mind admitting I am well chuffed! “Police horses Ronaldo & cans of Tennants” the show I have on at The Social, Urbis made it into this weeks Big Issue……..

Have you seen this man?

London police are after him for punching a street photographer! In the words of Hill Street Blues "Remember lets be careful out there". Here for story: http://londonist.com/2008/02/have_you_seen_t_2.php

I'm a celebrity, cut off my head and piss in my neck........

Ok so perhaps a little harsh, but anyone who knows me knows my feelings on "stars" and photographing the famous. So I found this an interesting read : http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article3365432.ece

Tim Hetherington

Image Copyright Tim Hetherington

Liverpool born photographer Tim Hetherington has won the coveted World Press Award 2007, for his series "Battle Company, Afghanistan" Here for more details on The award a http://www.worldpressphoto.org/ and here to see more of Tim's work here http://www.timhetherington.com/

Travis Ruse

Image copyright Travis Ruse

Found this interesting article about Travis Ruse's photoblog. http://www.travisruse.com/other/ny_times_article.html Not sure it would work as well on the tram! or perhaps it would?

Wayne Lawrence

Image copyright Wayne Lawrence

Some really strong portraiture from Wayne Lawrence. Originally from St Kits now living in NY. www.simbapix.com

Sorted......

At last I have done something I've been meaning to do for a while, I've created a separate UK photographers link section.

Amber

I have been aware of Amber for a while and then forget and then find them all over again. I think top what a great idea. http://www.amber-online.com/sections/about-us/pages/introduction I love what you are doing, and one day may the North-West replicate................................