Head On Festival: Talks and Workshops

Human rights, travel, `light-painting' and iPhone photography are some of the subjects in a series of expert talks and workshops as part of the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney.
Leading Australian and international photographers will discuss and share their experiences with photography enthusiasts of all levels as well as offering technical advice, expert appraisals and insights into their skills and achievements.

Travel Photography with Simon Lister
Creative director Simon Lister will discuss photography, filmmaking and exploration. He will share his sense of adventure that has taken him and his camera off-road biking in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, canoeing around the islands of Papua New Guinea and making friends in Indian slums. This free event will be held at the Apple Store, 367-373 George Street, Sydney on Wednesday, 14 May at 6pm.

Artist Talk: Sudarios with Erika Diettes
Colombia's bloody armed conflict provided the inspiration for Erika Diettes' poignant series of  portraits depicting witnesses to massacres committed in the South American country. Printed on silk, these portraits tell the stories of 20 grief-stricken victims who, as part of their ordeal, were forced to watch the torture of thieir loved ones. This event will be held at the National Art School, Forbes St, Darlinghurst, on Wednesday 14 May, 1pm to 2pm, and Sunday, 18 May, 12pm to 2pm. It is a free event but please register.

Putting the Passion Back Into Photography
An expert panel will discuss whether there is a place in modern media for photography with  passion in the wake of the major changes in the professional environment. They will discuss the  influence of corporate ownership and self-promotion and share images they feel passionate about. This event will be held at Berkelouw Books, 19 Oxford Street, Sydney on Sunday, 18 May at 3pm. It is free to attend, but please register.

iPhone Photography with Benjamin Lowy
Celebrated US photojournalist Benjamin Lowy is a pioneer of iPhone photography, whose work has graced the cover of TIME magazine. He will discuss some of his most powerful images including work taken in Iraq, Haiti and Afghanisatan and how he uses his iPhone to take them. This free event will be held at the Apple Store, 367-373 George Street, Sydney, on Monday, 19 May at 6pm.

Artist Screening: A Piece of Work
Invited guests will screen a series of images that hold technical significance to them. Australian photographers Jon Lewis, Steve Marshall and Fiona Wolf join international speakers such as Pierre Dalpe and Johan Wilner.The free event will be held at the Arthouse Hotel, 275 Pitt Street, Sydney on Tuesday, 20 May, 7.30pm to 10.30pm.


Image by Pierre Dalpe.

Portfolio Review
Gain valuable feedback on your work and learn tips on how to make your mark in a specialist area of photography. Experts providing advice incude gallery directors, curators, photojournalists and editors. The event will be held at the Arthouse Hotel, 275 Pitt Street, Sydney, 10am to 4pm. Cost: $145, members $125.

The Language of Photography with Alec Dawson
Head On exhibiter Alec Dawson will examine the importance of emotional language used by  photographers. The free event will be held at the Arthouse Hotel, 275 Pitt Street, Sydney on  Thursday, 22 May, 7.30pm to 9pm.


Image by Alec Dawson.

People on The Edge with Chris Rainier
Leading documentary photographer Chris Rainier will discuss his work aiming to empower indigenous peoples and preserve their ancient cultures through photography and social media. The free event  will be held at Redfern Community College, 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern, on Saturday, 24 May, 10am to 1pm.

MCA Photobook Day
Australia's leading photobook publishers and editors will join indie and street photobook producers in a day of book signings, launches and a free seminar. The free event will be held at The Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks on Sunday, 25 May, 11am to 4pm.

Working with Light Workshop
`Light-painting' expert Peter Solness has created striking images using a torchlight and ambient moonlight. He will share some tricks of the trade by shooting trees, gardens and sculptures in Centennial Park. The event will be at the Superintendents Residence, just inside Paddington gates on Friday, 30 May, 7pm to 10.30pm. Cost: $135 per person ($110 for two or more on same booking).