Life on the Line - a kickstarter project by Cristian Barnett

Member Christian Barnett's new project 'Life on the Line' focuses on places either side of the Arctic circle to seek the interesting and the ordinary. The line connects nomadic herders, hunters and fisherman but also musicians, mechanics, housewives and librarians. He launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed to print the book and is nearly there. He just needs a little more support, so take a look at the Kickstarter page and back this remarkable project!

Talking Statues of London - A new book by member Julian Nieman

Last week a little birdie dropped off this delightful book of London statues. Each statue has a voice in this quirky read, but it doesn't stop there! As well as bringing many laughs to all of us here in the office, it also gives insight in to all that is beautiful, historic, fascinating and just strange about all the London statues and their creators. Personally its going to be a good ol' stocking filler for my family, bound to bring many more laughs.

You can buy it on amazon here.

London Shindig!

Last night saw the gathering of members at the Proud Archivist, thanks to our kind sponsors File FX, Direct Photographic and Holborn Studios for supporting our christmas celebrations! It was great to see everyone that made it, and we hope that all enjoyed the evening. We can't wait to do another. 

Starr Hart 20th August 1957 – 20th June 2013

Starr Hart was born in Arizona and became a civilian photographer contracted to the USAF. Starr developed her skills in the military PR, promoting the new F-15 fighter jet and photographed the first all female F-15 pilot squadron. The military took her to Brazil and Kenya where she lived for eight years. During her time there, Starr organized the Pope’s papal visit and photographed the official portrait of H.E. Arap Moi.The portrait of him still hangs in many official buildings and shops throughout Kenya. Starr fell in love with the people and the African continent.

Starr was a London photographer’s agent from the mid 1980’s until the mid 1990’s, she actively developed new ways of promoting the photographic profession and was a forerunner in diminishing the heavy portfolios carted around at that time. We now take for granted web sites and DVD’s but, during that period, VHS cassette tapes were cutting edge. Many folios of photographers, artists, model makers etc were transferred to the new format of folio display through 'foto.call', a booking agency designed and formed by Starr and Ian Butcher to allow access to photographers and suppliers.

With her love for Africa, in her later years Starr created a trading platform for Africa. Sadly, still in its final stages of development this has passed away with her.

Starr’s husband, photographer Barry Meekums continues to mourn the death of his wife of 25 years.

The 30th AOP Photographers Awards Winners

During a fantastic evening, last Thursday 17th, all the winners of he 30th anniversary of The AOP Photographers Awards were announced!  The full gallery is now live and can be viewed here. The winner of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, in association with JWT, was also announced as Don McCullin, Don, was unable to collect his award as he was in India, so his agent Mark George picked it up for him on the night. Some of Don's work can be viewed on Mark George's website here

Congratulations to all those who went home with an award, it was a brilliant night and a great celebration of fine image making. Watch this space for images of the awards evening...

The AOP Open Awards

The AOP Open Awards presentation, party and exhibition will take place tonight at The Loading Bay and B3, Truman Brewery.

Doors open at 18:30 and the Presentation will take place at 20:00.  

Please note the guest list has now closed, if you have signed up your name will be on the door.

All are welcome, however there is a limited capacity at the venue so priority will be given to those who have RSVP.

The venue: The Loading Bay & B3, Truman Brewery, Dray Walk, E1 6NJ.  Please refer to the map for directions to the venue.

The 30th AOP Photographers Awards Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets for The 30th AOP Photographers Awards Presentation and Party are now on sale!

This year's tickets are an extremely reasonable £10 per head and include a glass of bubbly on arrival, thanks to Holborn Studios.

Date- Thursday 17 October 2013
Doors Open-18:30
Awards Presentation-19:15
Awards Party-20:00-23:00 
Address-The Loading Bay & B3, 4 & 5 Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick lane, E1 6QR

Tickets- £10 
Click here to buy your Ticket(s) 

The AOP Lifetime Achievement Award Vote

A shortlist has now been created for The AOP Lifetime Achievement Award, based on the highest ranked nominations, and the AOP membership are now able to cast their vote for the photographer they believe should receive the award. The nominees are:

John Claridge

Don McCullin

Nadav Kander