A Huge Loss to Photojournalism...

British-born and Oscar-nominated Tim Hetherington [1970-2011] and US-based Chris Hondros [1970-2011] were killed in Libya whilst reporting on the conflict in the country. This is such a loss to photojournalism, as both were fantastically talented individuals who lived on the front lines, pursuing the world's most critical events and stories.

Tim Hetherington [1970-2011]

Chris Hondos [1970-2011]

For more information, as well as a chance to see their work, visit their websites:

http://www.timhetherington.com/

http://www.chrishondros.com/

This is what Euronews had to say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtgfRZZJ9QE&feature=player_embedded

-PM

Go somewhere you haven't

Another week, another challenge...

In response to the 28th week of the Street Photography Challenge, set by Paul Russell, I ventured in new directions throughout Belfast. The brief stated: "Go somewhere you haven't been before - a dog show, a polo match, a monster truck rally - and remember, the interesting things often happen at the fringes away from the main 'action'". Initially I look this more literally, like a few others undertaking the challenge, and deviated from my regular walking routes to find fresh scenes. Russell, posting later on Flickr, clarified that it was the events or occasions that should be attended - not just anywhere new.

My entry for this week was found at a fashion fair. I found a man who had had his fill with the event and was seeking refuge on a bench. When researching what to photograph this week I found that Belfast's next dog show is not on until the 28th, which I may go along to with this brief in mind. I'm sure it will be full of characters, some of whom I could coerce into taking part in the '100 Portraits' project.

Whilst exploring the city, before the brief was expanded, I did find some fantastic sights. I think I will return to those areas with the intention of looking for moments, in true Paul Graham style. The atmosphere is never different when you leave the well worn paths, and venture closer to Black Mountain where graffiti becomes very mixed [see above] and murals appear at every turn. From this walk through less populated areas I was able to find a fantastic subject to include in my 100 Portraits project - Sister Marie.

-PM

Ongoing projects, and other things.

Things are trundling along: the 100 Portraits project is almost a month old; the Street Photography Now challenge is half over; and I am still holding out for information on what my next step in life will be [off to Japan as a JET, further study or Irish island life on Rathlin].

Day 25 of 100: Betty, and her dog Bambi. Betty was a lovely and obliging subject to photograph. Her hands were dry, and her nails were long. She has lived in Belfast all her life, and walks the Lisburn road daily. Her dog, Bambi, had been abused as a pup and is now wary of men.

Week 27 of the SPN challenge:

"Bend the rules and play tricks with the mind; make documents of moments that have never existed." - Peter Funch

Again, I was not a huge fan of the week's challenge. However, I do enjoy weaving worlds together with reflections so it wasn't all bad. It allowed me to set up this scene in which the mannequin was voyeurising a couple. It was his 'gaze', which seems so severe, that forced me to frame it as such.

Outside of my photography I continue to keep busy. For example, Ireland will soon have it's first camera obscura and I am functioning as the online media facilitator, by maintaining the blog and digital archive. Construction is due to start soon, and that will mean plenty more updates. Until then I will be creating and uploading information sheets on the Camera Obscura, borders, surveillance, optics and more.

Visit: http://gulliverscamera.wordpress.com/

Also, I had to submit a portrait and bio for the website of Mute. For more information on the film, as well as my very stern Director of Photography portrait, please see the Mute film website.

-PM

Week 26... fail.

I cannot believe that I missed the upload deadline! Oh the shame of it.

"If you're not sure it's a picture, shoot it anyway" - Carolyn Drake

This is the twenty-sixth Instruction for the Street Photography Now Project, written to inspire fresh ways of looking at and documenting the world we all live in.

To be honest, I was not the biggest fan of this brief. Roll on next week!

-PM