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David Osborn, born London, England 1961. Upon leaving school and after a
one-year Foundation in art and design at Hornsey College of Art, London, I
entered the Graphic Design degree program at the Camberwell School of Art,
one of London’s oldest and respected colleges for graphic design, painting,
book -making and restoration. During my studies at Camberwell, I discovered
that photography was more suited to my personality. Since sitting at a desk
held little attraction for me, I took control of my own education and, under the
guidance of a tutor, organised my own photographic program. Even though I
graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Camb. in graphic design, I emerged
from Camberwell a self taught photographer with no real employable work
experience.
After a year of freelance work and employment in the photography
department at Shell Oil, I joined Reuter News Pictures in Fleet Street, one of
the world's largest and oldest news agencies, where I began intensive, on-
the-job training as a photojournalist. Though inexperienced, Mr Denis Paquin,
then of Reuter News Pictures recognized my enthusiasm and dedication and
quickly sent me on diverse assignments from photographing royalty to
disasters. I learned that in the world of photojournalism, there are no
specialists. A training worth it’s weight in gold. I learnt fast.
During that time, I photographed Presidents Regan, Gorbachev and Butto, the
Presidents of Turkey, Portugal, Germany, and ex-President Jimmy Carter. I
photographed the Kings of Norway, Spain, King Hussein and ex-King
Constantine. I also photographed Margaret Thatcher on numerous occasions
and the Royal Family over 50 times.
The events I covered were equally as diverse. I was on location for the
Angolan Peace Talks, the Piper Alpha North Seas oil-rig disaster, the London's
Kings Cross underground fire disaster, the marriage of Prince Andrew to
Sarah Ferguson, the Brixton and Tottenham race riots, the final concert of
Wham, Michael Jackson in concert, and Band-Aid. I also covered hundreds of
assignments for national and foreign newspapers and magazines shooting
portraits, features and hard news.
in 1987, I used this diverse experience to work for nine months in the
Philippines to broaden my photographic experience. Working as a freelance
for Gamma Picture Agency, I developed story ideas, made the necessary
contacts, researched, photographed, and even supplied copy. |
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During this short but intense visit, I spent months living in the jungle covering
the MNLF Muslim rebels' fight for independence of the southern islands of
Mindanao, Basilan and Jolo. Also the Christian vigilantes and Tad Tad groups'
fight against communist rebels.
Back in London, sensing a need to continue to develop my photographic skills,
I began producing commercial work for electronics companies, banks, public
relations firms, and advertising agencies, such as Ogilby & Mather and Vallin
Pollin.
In 1989, I emigrated to Australia to be closer to Asia and to continue working
commercially. From 1993 to 1999 I ran my own studio, Graphica Photography,
in the heart of Sydney, creating annual reports and advertising photography
for companies such as Zurich Insurance, Alcatel, ICI Chemicals, Nortel
Communications and James Hardie. It was my interest in commercial
photography and 10 years darkroom experience that led me to the new
digital technology, particularly translating traditional darkroom techniques
to digital printing. My commercial photography is now a digital process from
start to finish.
In 2000, I returned to London and started work for BAA plc completing
a round the world assignment shooting their airports and began shooting
the British landscape in my own time. From 2004 amoungst other work,
I began documenting the construction of Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5
building, the work enclosed.
In 2007, I continue some Terminal 5 work, but mainly shoot corporate work
with companies and designers and work on annual reports.
Quality is very important and satisfying to me and I continue to look for
clients
with similar beliefs and challenging projects, where I can apply my
photographic and project management experience to mutual benefit. |
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