Comments for Verve Photo- The New Breed of Documentary Photographers

Comment on Geoffrey Hiller on the Recent Violence in Myanmar by andamanonge

andamanonge — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:51:53 +0000

Nice photographs!
I understand how people in the West are confused and puzzled by many things about Burma. It is indeed a rather “messy” place, full of smoke and mirrors, even for me, someone who was born there (I lived there for over 20 years) and in fact, some of my ancestors are from Meikhtila although that was during the days of the Burmese monarchy way before the British arrived together with labourers, soldiers and other immigrants from India (there was no Pakistan or Bangladesh in those days!). Nowadays Burma is swamped by recent “greedy business immigrants” from China trying to make a quick and dirty buck. They are the ones who control not only Burma’s economy but also most of its politics on a much larger scale (mega-projects for exploiting natural resources etc. bribing and bullying the ex-generals etc.) than those “pesky dark-skinned Muslims”. That’s what some of the über-nationalistc Buddhists, including some “monks”, especially the 969′ers (not a football team lol) think of them. Somehow, as Carol Isac pointed out, no one dares to complain about the Chinese. Even Suu Kyi “endorses” the environmentally very damaging Chinese copper mine, but is “quiet” about the Rohingya problem so go figure! I always thought she is part of the problem and not of the solution in Burma. I think most Burmese are “scared to death” of the Chinese (China-Angst), so they tend to bully people who they can bully (especially if they have a darker complexion) and suck up to people who are actually “ripping them off” at a more devastating level. Anyway, that’s my take on the land of my ancestors. Quo vadis Birmania?

Comment on Geoffrey Hiller on the Recent Violence in Myanmar by Doug Cosper

Doug Cosper — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:57:11 +0000

Thanks for sending this link, Geoff. I’m glad you put this together with text. The photo of the four girls in colorful dresses was one of my favorites from your last trip, so peaceful. Recent events lend it added depth. A friend, now BBC’s chief correspondent in Myanmar, witnessed the aftermath of the riots and saw too many scorched bodies along the roadside. I don’t know what to think of this. Certainly I don’t understand it, either that or I don’t understand Buddhism like I thought I did. But if monks can carry machetes, then Myanmar may be in for some nasty business. During my time in Myanmar, I came from the naïve perception that Buddhists and Muslims got along famously to learning that Muslims were generally treated like second-class citizens, even in Yangon. But I assumed government’s slights were the problem. Now I see it was worse than that. Muslims and Hindus coexisted for centuries in India. Then during partition by the British, both groups turned ugly beyond imagination. A French book, “Freedom at Midnight,” was frighteningly vivid on this period. So I worry on two levels, that the frustrations that come with new freedoms will cause Muslims and Buddhists to turn on each other, and that the army will do nothing until things get out of control, then seize the opportunity to crack down again. Unprofessional media have traditionally played an aggravating role during these times, such as in Bosnia and Rwanda. I pray that the journalists will mitigate for understanding instead in Burma.

Comment on Portfolio Review by Sean Hawkey

Sean Hawkey — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:30:16 +0000

A photographer’s style and approach should develop, through reflection and discussion and critiques. In this process the support of a skilful guide with all the right experience is going to be valuable. Seeing what works and what doesn’t for an editor, and knowing why, is crucial. The process with Geoffrey, from formulating questions for him to choosing a portfolio, and the session itself, was challenging and has brought me to look creatively at a number of concerns.

Comment on Portfolio Review by Ted McDonnell

Ted McDonnell — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:25:03 +0000

I have spent my life in the media firstly as a journalist (and casual photojournalist) to a leading media advisor. After spending more than a 10 years away from taking photographs I have struggled to adjust in this digital era. Coming from ‘wet’ photography to digital photography (and all the software anomalies that come with it) the past 12 months has been a bum[y road. My session with Geoffrey has been invaluable. Through his experienced eye, Geoffrey immediately hit on where I am going wrong and ways to dramatically improve my processing workflow, which up unti now was ‘haphazard’ to say the best… Geoffrey has also challenged me to think more about the way I shoot. Immediately, after the session the ‘light’ came back on, everything he said made sense and for the first time I now have a clear idea about what I want to get out of my work and how to achieve it. Geoffrey’s advice is worth 10 times what he is charging. It was the best session with a ‘shrink’ I have ever had. I wholeheartedly recommend spending the time with Geoff it will give you a clear pathway to the future whether you are new to the game or a seasoned professional. I intend to re-visit him in 12 months time.

Comment on Nadia Sablin by | Nadia Sablin | Photography Blog › Verve

| Nadia Sablin | Photography Blog › Verve — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:21:35 +0000

[...] delighted to be on Verve photo today. I don’t know if I would categorize myself as a documentary photographer in the [...]

Comment on Interview with John Vink by Interview with John Vink, Magnum Photographer on his new “Quest For Land” book available on the iPad | Uber Patrol - The Definitive Cool Guide

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:23:36 +0000

[...] Verve Photo: Interview with John Vink [...]

Comment on Verve Photo Continues on September 5th by k@

k@ — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:24:59 +0000

Thanks so much for your wonderful sharing that offers us to discover so interesting & talentful works. Have a great break & wonderful time with your camera too. Thanks again*

Comment on Benjamin Drummond / Sara Steele by Aoife

Aoife — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:23:17 +0000

Thanks for featuring The First Optometrists Sara and Benj’s work has helped to raise International awareness for eyecare in Mozambique and it’s a beautiful piece of art. Aoife Phelan

Comment on Benjamin Drummond / Sara Steele by Anne Hubka

Anne Hubka — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:43:59 +0000

You guys are amazing! Great project, great video!

Comment on Benjamin Drummond / Sara Steele by Summer Publications | Blog - Benjamin Drummond / Sara Joy Steele

Summer Publications | Blog - Benjamin Drummond / Sara Joy Steele — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:39:37 +0000

[...] for a feature in the June issue of Smithsonian Magazine. More details in this post. Verve Photo Verve Photo, a blog run by Geoffrey Hiller that’s dedicated to “the new breed of documentary [...]