How to Save the Newspapers

In the Op-Ed section of today's New York Times, David Swensen and Michael Schmidt propose a way to save newspapers. Their solution is to convert newspapers in to endowed institutions like universities.

This isn't the first time I have heard this type of proposed solution. Pepe Baeza, the photo editor of the Magazine of La Vanguardia in Barcelona, Spain has also often talked of a government funded model, much like the BBC.

This current solution is an interesting one in that it would provide funding for news retrieval and an independence from the powers that want to influence the media, including the government.

The problem is that I can only see it working in the U.S. where there is more of a tradition of endowed institutions. It's worth some thought but how would they transition a corporation like the New York Times in to just such an entity and what would shareholders have to say about it?

I don't even want to know.

You can find the article here.

Qufoto.com Interview

I'm pleased to share with you an interview that qufoto.com did with me. You can find the interview here.

Hard to believe... TPOTY again!

Last December I got a call from Chris Coe, who runs the Travel Photographer of the Year photo competition in the UK. When he called, I really couldn't believe that I had won the New Talent category. This year, I entered again submitting two stories and imagine my surprise when Karen Coe called me this December informing that I had won the Life category. Considering the fact that entries were received from photographers in 61 countries, I still can't believe the odds. The award includes some great prizes, but I have to admit that getting a funded trip to Cuba just has me thrilled. You can find the full gallery of winners here.

First Place in the SOS Racism Photo Competition

It's with great pleasure I get to announce that I recently won first place in the SOS Racism Photo Competition. SOS Racism is a French and Spanish NGO that defends human rights by fighting racism. Two of my favorite Spanish photojournalists, Txema Salvans and Manel Clemente were on the jury, which to me adds special sentimental value to the award.

As you probably can tell, I was in the water up to about my arm pits. It was a bit nerve racking as I had to constantly look over my left shoulder to make sure no oncoming waves were approaching. The winning photo is above.