Melanie Burford

In support of NZ photojournalist Jason Oxenham’s #cancer battle: “Light+Shade isn’t just a fund raising exhibition; it’s a rally cry, a love letter to #photojournalism, and a testament to friendship. Please come along to the show and spread the word.” 5-14 Sept, Auckland, NZ.

AP sues 3 Trump administration officials, citing freedom of speech The Associated Press is suing three Trump administration officials over access to presidential events.

I fear for the free press. But there are those taking up the fight.

“The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government,” the AP said in its lawsuit.

apnews.com/article/ap-l...

Thanks Paul! 🙏🏼

Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies: How the term ‘fake news’ impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day

Of the 31 reported press freedom violations on January 6th, 2021, an alarming 90.3% targeted photojournalists (U.S. Press Freedom Tracker).

In my Master’s essay, Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies, I investigate how Trump’s rhetoric of “fake news” impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day.

Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes More good news for those looking to exit Meta’s social app ecosystem in favor of a more open alternative: An independent developer is building a photo-sharing app for Bluesky called Flashes. The soon-to-launch app is powered by the same technology that…

Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes

Boy floating in a lake with Lilly pads behind him.

We needed this today. A moment to rest, to float in warm waters, explore on our paddle boards and let nature do the rest.

Advocacy: NPPA and two of its members file suit against the National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park We're seeking to put an end to years of NPS policies that violate the First Amendment rights of photographers and filmmakers.

The @nppa.bsky.social filed a lawsuit alongside two of its members against the National Park service today “seeking to put an end to years of NPS policies that violate the First Amendment rights of photographers and filmmakers.” nppa.org/news/738

Well done you! ❤️🔥

It was an honor to be one of the curators alongside three remarkable photographers @joanjsoto.bsky.social, @alexandrejan.bsky.social, @aaasjord.bsky.social, whose stunning images bring this exhibition to life. If you're in Bergen, don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating world of jellyfish!

Meddling for MAGA Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, has dismayed staffers as he curtails critical coverage of Donald Trump.

Owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong "has instituted a new policy that prohibits editorials containing criticism of the president-elect unless they are presented side-by-side with another opinion piece representing the 'opposing view.’" www.status.news/p/patrick-so... (paywall likely)

So exciting to see this project exhibited in Vilnius, Lithuania, the place where my mother was born and spent her early years. The ring my daughter Lola is wearing, who also shares the same name, belonged to my mum and was probably made there sometime in the 1950s. Thanks to @mihalenko.bsky.social

A flooded path leading to a pedestrian bridge covered with debris and a flooded brown river running over the bridge.

The crazy torrential rain that kept us awake for most of the night caused quite a bit of damage. This is our local creek which has where families take their dogs for swims to escape the summer heat.

It’s 3.38am and I’ve been awake for two hours listening to the incredible amount of rain hitting our tin roof. Flooding predicted for areas of Brisbane. This weather is insane. Hope everyone out there is safe.

Congrats Simon! ❤️🔥

📸And this is why I love Bluesky. Gatherings of fabulous people doing fabulous things.
Check out this street #photography starter pack by @jchenphoto.bsky.social

go.bsky.app/Q9c6TLL

Let's make Bluesky the home of independent news.

Unlike X, where algorithms crush links & push content you don't want, news flourishes here. Particularly news from independent & non-profit outlets.

If you prefer news away from MSM, here's a starter pack to share with valuable & verified accounts.

Added! Thanks Ferg! ❤️

📸❤️🇳🇿For your weekend inspiration, I’ve gathered a list of New Zealand photojournalists & photographers documenting life in Aotearoa and around the world. It’s a growing list, so please message me or comment if you’re a kiwi pro photographer who’d like to be included. Enjoy!
bsky.app/profile/did:...

We used to live in Norway and when we showed our son’s friends where NZ was on a globe, they always asked why it didn’t fall off the bottom of the world. 😅

This may explain why we’re often missing from world maps.
🇳🇿❤️ #newzealand

When I talk to ppl outside this industry they don’t believe me when I tell them there are no staff jobs. People stopped paying for local news, it has vastly collapsed and now a handful of major outlets provide the majority of staff positions and freelance work available.

📸 Stunning work Ruth. @fremson.bsky.social

📸A wonderfully inspiring list. Link in comments.

The Times They Are A-Changin’ Staffers at the Los Angeles Times described to Status a demoralized publication depleted of its spirit in which employees are "confused," "offended," and "frustrated."

Scoop: After the LA Times published a piece about Elon Musk that carried a headline owner Patrick Soon-Shiong didn't like, a new rule was implemented: Prior to publishing opinion stories, headlines must be emailed to Soon-Shiong, where he can then choose to weigh in. www.status.news/p/los-angele...

Stay vigilant!

Would love to be included! Thanks so much.

go.bsky.app/2i7Zb7c

I spent a while searching for photographers I follow on other platforms… Follow this group on #starterpacksaturday (even tho it’s Sunday) to bring some visual spice and conversation to your feed.

My thoughts in @poynterinstitute.bsky.social:

"If we don’t take the bait, if we focus on issues that matter and use the tools that journalism provides to surface information in the public interest, we can still hold powerful actors accountable and generate change."

www.poynter.org/commentary/2...

Blue sky for #bluesky