Storytelling That Changes Lives – Sean Gallagher on Photojournalism

In Episode 18 of the Focused Professional Podcast, Joe interviews Sean Gallagher, an independent photographer and filmmaker based in China. A fellow of the Royal Geographic Society with a passion for environmental issues, Sean is a multi-award-winning photojournalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic and on CNN.

After studying zoology, Sean stumbled upon photography by discovering an old family camera. His growing passion led him to teach himself how to develop his own prints and inspired him to seek out an internship at Magnum Photos. His time there fuelled his interest in photojournalism and gave him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field.

Sean tells us how he came to live in China, driven by a fascination sparked by his father’s stories of the country. He shares the challenges and rewards of building a career telling stories through images. Discover how he builds key relationships with both local communities and potential buyers. This isn’t just a job for Sean – we get a real sense of passion for the stories he tells and a deep belief in the difference photojournalism can make to international issues.

Joe and Sean delve into the ethics of photojournalism, the role of awards, and the impact of storytelling through visuals. Sean offers insights into the technical and emotional aspects of his work, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment and the power of photography to cast light on global issues such as the climate crisis.

Whether you’re an aspiring photojournalist or simply interested in what goes into creating compelling storytelling images, Sean’s story is educational and inspiring.

To see more of Sean’s work, please visit his website: gallagher-photo.com. You can also follow him on Instagram. For photography tips check out his educational YouTube channel, where you can also find his podcast “The Camera Doesn’t Matter,” featuring interviews with other photojournalists.

Proudly sponsored by The Society of Photographers