curated theme

On Assignment

Navigating the Media Industry

For many photographers today, working on commissions and assignments within the media industry helps to build and contribute to a sustainable career. How can an artist navigate the territory between their own practice and the media industry at large? We take a look at topics such as roles and responsibilities, power and ethical dilemmas around commissions in the industry.
Archive of Public Protests © Rafal Milach / Magnum Photos.
Urmia salt lake, Iran © Newsha Tavakolian / Magnum Photos.

On Assignment: e-books now available

Covers of the two practical handbooks created for On Assignment - Navigating the Media Industry © Foam

On Assignment continues as two e-books aimed at emerging photographers in need of practical advice to advance their (commercial) career. The handbooks put together the practical tips and tricks, extracted from the talks and workshops, ready to use for your reference or inspiration into the themes.

Talk: Navigating the Media Industry - Media Perspective

Video still - navigating the media industry - media perspective
1:36:23

In this first talk, the challenges and ethical dilemmas of working on assignments - as well as broader systemic issues - are explored through two vantage points: the individual and the photo-media industry at large.

Moderation by Aaron Schuman (photographer, writer, teacher). Speakers include Laura Summerton (Photography Manager, WaterAid), David Barreda (Diversify Photo & Senior Photo Editor National Geographic), Emma Bowkett (Director of Photography Financial Times Magazine) and Alex Majoli (Magnum, Cesura).

Online exhibition:

On Social Documentary Photography

From the series Tell The Trees To Smile © Myriam Boulos.

How can documentary photography help create awareness or help us understand certain environments, communities, cultures or even the medium itself?

We take a look at projects by three artists that explore how photography can create artistic portrayels of social societies. 

What is the role of the photographer on assignment?

Video still - navigating the media industry - photographers perspective
1:30:40

In this second talk in the series, we sit down with a selection of photographers who are at different stages in their careers. They consider these ethical dilemmas in relation to the role of the photographer on assignment today, as well as the responsibilities of the individual when working on commissions.

Moderation by Aaron Schuman (photographer, writer, teacher). Speakers include Myriam Boulos (photographer, Lebanon), Bieke Depoorter (photographer, Belgium) and Rahim Fortune (photographer, United States).

In Practice: Resources for Photographers on Assignment

Who has the power to decide which photographers get particular resources and opportunities? What are the ethical dilemmas around commissions and assignments? We highlight a few industry resources that provide practical advice for photographers who are trying to navigate the territory between their own practice and the media industry at large.

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Michael, Michael at home, Portland, Oregon, USA, May, 2015 © Bieke Depoorter . Magnum Photos

De tentoonstelling is ontwikkeld in samenwerking met Magnum Photos Paris en de Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation. Het is samengesteld door curatoren Anne-Marie Beckmann, directeur van de Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, en Mirjam Kooiman, curator Foam.


Urmia salt lake, Iran © Newsha Tavakolian / Magnum Photos.jpg

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On Assignment