What is Lightstalkers?

[furcafe]

Exactly, although I don't know if it's really that exclusive (can't be if they let me in 😉 ) just focused on the practical aspects of photojournalism (which, as you point out, is often practiced by photographers who don't do it full-time).

They have had some interesting threads on body armor . . . and @ least a couple on the M8 & M9.

It is an exclusive-ish community oif people who work fulltime as photographers/journalists etc, its invite only because a lot of picture desks and editors will look to LS when their regulars can't take a job, its a forum for advice on things that don't happen in the rest of the world, the gear talk is more likely to be 'what vest will protect best againt a 9mm shot' than what lens to use.

Yes there are some ego's on the site, and a lot of cynics but its a great resurce to discuss the issues that are well outside the scope of the 'real world' such as BP vests, embedding procedures, how not to get shot at Israeli checkpoints etc.

 

[JayGannon]

Exactly, although I don't know if it's really that exclusive (can't be if they let me in 😉 ) just focused on the practical aspects of photojournalism (which, as you point out, is often practiced by photographers who don't do it full-time).

They have had some interesting threads on body armor . . . and @ least a couple on the M8 & M9.

Thats why I said 'ish' since its gone invitation only essentially (I've never seen anyone get in via the application process lately) but its still got a good variety of people.

Yeah its not a forum for everyone, but invaluable in certain situations, and there is a real community feel, lots of people bringing cakes and music to journalists stuck in Iraq and Afghan =)

 

[pachuco]

I've been a member for years now and it has proved valuable when traveling to dangerous places or places I've never been before. A good source for fixers as well.

FYI - Don't mention Leica on Lightstalkers unless you have a good sense of humor!

 

[leicashot]

Just a thought that has little to do with the topic at hand but you might want to consider getting rid of the music on your site or at least turn it off by default.

Thanks for the suggestion. I probably have more positive responses to the music than negative. Besides, it's not a website designed to get me more work. It's really just my online gallery to show my work. I certainly won't be changing it to increase my chances of joining some internet forum.

 

[Schlapp]

What sort of 50mm f1.2 would I have to buy to be able to join?? 🙂

 

[Jamie123]

But I thought there were almost no working photojournalists left? At least in the grand Magnum/Life tradition.

I mean I know a lot of people claim to be photojournalists but they don't make a living from the journalistic aspect of their photography...

I think that's a bit exaggerated. I'm sure there are quite a few photojournalists making a living but it's probably not a good one.

The old school journalism where photographers just get paid to go somewhere and take pictures is definitely dwindling but smart photojournalists/documentary photographers are thinking ahead and covering stories on their own. Then maybe half way through they present it to some publication for further funding and completion.

 

[rlouzan]

Frank,

Most of the best photo essays I've seen have been long term, self-funded projects. Unfortunately many projects go unpublished, nothing to do with quality or making a living out of it. Eugene Smith died with $18 in the bank ... What has this moronic world we live in come to? :bang:

Take a look at madeleine de Sinety's amazing work:
http://www.madeleinedesinety.com/


Regards,
Robert

But I thought there were almost no working photojournalists left? At least in the grand Magnum/Life tradition.

I mean I know a lot of people claim to be photojournalists but they don't make a living from the journalistic aspect of their photography...

 

[emraphoto]

Lots of the long term documentary work/in depth photojournalism is funded. The revenue streams and support aspect have certainly become a multi tier affair but it's there.

2011's grant/award crunch is right now.

 

[emraphoto]

Panos is currently accepting portfolio's if anyone is interested.

 

[emraphoto]

I think that's a bit exaggerated. I'm sure there are quite a few photojournalists making a living but it's probably not a good one.

The old school journalism where photographers just get paid to go somewhere and take pictures is definitely dwindling but smart photojournalists/documentary photographers are thinking ahead and covering stories on their own. Then maybe half way through they present it to some publication for further funding and completion.

Bang on. There are other fundig sources but this is the way it rolls these days.

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

Sorry to resurect a 7 year old thread...but I was curious if anyone knew the statis of the site. I was a member for years, but the site says itmis on hiatus...but has said so for 5 years or so.

Anyone got info?

 

[PKR]

Sorry to resurect a 7 year old thread...but I was curious if anyone knew the statis of the site. I was a member for years, but the site says itmis on hiatus...but has said so for 5 years or so.

Anyone got info?

I think they closed up shop. I don't know the reason but, gave up on them a few months after the initial vacation. It might have been something legal?

It was great while functioning. But, like most things.. it was temporary.