The Argus is a digital portal to photojournalism, founded by Griffith University staff and students in 2008. The magazine is updated monthly with photographic essays, series and singles with text and video, forging the new wave of Australian photojournalism. As a Queensland College of Art initiative, editorial and publication roles are met by an annual flux of new students. With a photographic focus from contributors and editors alike, the team works alongside renowned photojournalists, Heather Faulkner, Jack Picone and Margaret Waller to ensure a rich visual insight to global affairs. This year, the Argus has featured the rare and compelling work of guest photojournalists for each issue.
In ancient Greek mythology, Argus was a watchman with one hundred eyes, even as he slept, his eyes stayed alert to the world around him.
ARGUS TEAM 2011
BRIDGET FERGUSON
With my graduation on the horizon I am fervent to realise my career ambitions, with the near future finding me in the search for mans most intimate stories. So far, my journalistic and photographic studies have allowed me to document social issues such as Aged Care, Euthanasia of Animals and Victims of Multiple Sclerosis. As the new dawn approaches I wish to continue researching the social sphere through philanthropy and documentary practice and higher education.
GRANT SCOTT
I have been a photographer for just over two years. My original love for photography started years ago while using an old Pentax K1000 SLR. When I bought my first Canon digital SLR in 2008 I gained work as a nightclub photographer which gained me invaluable experience as a freelance photographer.
Since then I have shot things such as weddings, motor sport, private functions as well as studio portraits for a variety of people. I use my camera on a daily basis and savor spending time with like minded people who share the same passion.
SHUO HUANG
Originally from China, I am currently studying a bachelor of Communications at Griffith University in Australia. I am interested in all areas of multimedia, audio, video, photography and music. My passion for music has developed over eight years, during which I have acquired specialised audio editing techniques. Likewise, my passion for photography has grown over the years, as I focus on composing compelling photographs. I wish to travel the world recording music and taking photos of nature. I also wish to explore my new skills in video, InDesign and WordPress, after successful experiments with them in my university courses.
JUNE KARLSEN
Traveling has always been my great passion, and my curiosity for new places and interesting people has been my driving force.
Originally from Norway, I moved to Australia in 2009 where I started my bachelor of communication at Griffith University. My dream of becoming a photographer was put in motion.
Now in my final year of study, working with The Argus will bring me closer to my ultimate goal; to travel the corners of the world, camera in hand, giving voice to those you normally would not hear, raising questions and challenge injustices.
KATIE FERGUS
Every aspect of photography is extremely fascinating to me, but my favourite part is the postproduction in film and digital.
Currently I have been working for a wedding photographer in Brisbane’s Northside, assisting in the postproduction of her photography. Here, I have been given first hand experience and learnt a great deal about the commercial photography world.
Eventually, I hope to use photography as a medium to explore and experience the world.
ZIYU LIU
This year marks my second year in Australia. I completed one-year study in Communication in my hometown at the University of China before I came to Australia. While I was studying in China I became very interested in digital media, particularly photography and web design. During that time I realised I wanted to be a professional photographer and picture editor, however the opportunities were limited. It was when I came to Australia that I was first started working as a photographer and picture editor for LITA’S studio at the Gold Coast as well as experimenting with fashion photography.
I am currently in my last semester of a Bachelor of communication at Griffith University and after I graduate I would love to explore fashion photography further as I love the atmosphere when I am shooting, but I particularly enjoy the postproduction and being able to make the images look magical.
MARIANNE MCDADE
I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Communication and I am specializing in Journalism and News Photography. After traveling for a few years I discovered I had a passion for telling stories of people, events and culture. This degree is a chance to fine tune my existing skills and communicate such experiences to others. I am particularly interested in investigative journalism, and reportage photography.
In midyear 2011, I will be off to Spain and then Colombia to work on a newspaper in Bogota.
SOPHIE BAKER
Although my heart has always been firmly set the in arts, I wasn’t familiar with a ‘real’ camera until I graduated high school in 2007. My academic interest for photography burgeoned when I realised my passion for documenting events and people, with my point-and-shoot. My belief in sharing something innovative, breath taking and important drives my documentary photography. I have photographed across three continents and for organisations such as the Make A Wish Foundation and JC Epidemic, currently I am working for freelance journalist, Erica Bartle. In 2010 I was awarded first prize for The GPT Group’s FIGuration competition.
YANG LIU
As I am due to complete my undergraduate studies at Griffith University this semester, 2011 will see the commencement of my Masters in Communications. I have been involved in photography for the past several years, majoring in Media Studies and News and Magazine Photography. My interests are primarily in social documentary and sports photography, however also extend into realms of design and publishing. During my degree I have designed several tabloid and broadsheet newspapers and photographic websites, with my skills in the Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro. I am also currently involved with The Argus magazine, as the Director of Photography.
My photo blog: http://3825qcape.com/s2720879/
VICTOR WU
Four years ago when I first looked at the work of James Natchway, I was wondering what he was trying to say. Now I aspire to tell stories as profoundly as he did.
I am currently two years into a bachelor of Communications at Griffith University, majoring in Media Studies and Photojournalism. I am interested in cultural phenomenology, photographic theories and practices. In my time at Griffith I have covered local news events, features and assisted with QCA documentaries. During a trip to Cambodia, I had the opportunity to document local orphans whilst in a workshop with renowned photojournalists, Jack Picone and Stephen Dunpond.
It has always been my dream to work for the worlds leading news agencies like AP, AFP and Reuters and to tell stories with my own visual language. With a powerful reflection of the truth I believe news and documentary photography can change the world.