Book launch, conversation and celebratory drinks

Join Merryn Gates in conversation with Magda Keaney and Samuel Hodge at a special Canberra book launch of Keaney’s new publication ‘Fashion Photography Next’.

Fashion Photography Next provides a platform for a new generation of image-makers who work with fashion. The book contains work by thirty five photographers from fourteen countries including Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

It begins with the premise that fashion photographs are first and foremost photographers. Thus, while fashion photography has unique values and characteristics, it should be understood as inseparable from larger ideas and debates within broader contemporary photographic practice.

It asks questions such as - What distinguishes a particular photographer working with fashion today as notable? When seen collectively, what are the re-occurring issues, approaches or concerns in their work? Is there a generational shift from current established practitioners? What is the impact of digital and web based technologies? And, are traditional genre definitions still relevant?

Though characterised as ‘new generation’, these photographers are not specifically linked by age, but by an already distinct vision and a fierce creative momentum. They are a group who are not widely known outside industry experts or insiders but should be.

The book is the basis of the exhibition ‘Don’t Stop Now: Fashion Photography Next’ at Foam photomuseum, Amsterdam until 7 September then travelling to the Fashion Space Gallery at London College of Fashion, January 2015. The title is intended as an optimistic statement regarding the work, starting from current practices and preoccupations and focused on an exciting future.