Even as a young wannabe picture-taker, National Geographic always seemed to be the pinnacle of published photographers. As a kid, it was the only magazine I ever stopped to gloss over at the library, enchanted by the beautiful photographs of cultures and animals – whole worlds, really – that I had no idea existed. As a photographer now, it still holds that certain place of prestige, albeit next to other platforms. So naturally, I’ll jump to have the opportunity to listen to talks from not one, but two photographers who have been published in National Geographic, among an impressive pile of other tearsheets.

William Albert Allard – Paris: Eye of the Flâneur

William Albert Allard, a journalist with an impressive 50-year career at Geographic and an accomplished street photography portfolio, will kick off the evening as he delves into his latest book, Paris: Eye of the Flâneur. In his street photography, Allard embodies a flâneur – a saunterer, content to wander everywhere for everything, without agenda for anything in particular. This latest book is a collection of 30 years of such wanderings. With his entire career in colour photography, his photos are vibrant, engaging, and capture a wonderful view of the City of Light.

Vincent J Musi – Animal Kingdom

Vincent J Musi’s animal portraits are incredibly humanizing. His abundance of patience and inner Dr. Doolittle allow him to capture everything from creatures of the sea to big cats – in a remarkable way, with eye contact and in the instant when the personality of his subject actually comes through. His images study our relationship with the animal world – the process of domestication, the study of cognition, and our fascination with exotic pets.

It is an extraordinary opportunity to see both of these photographers in the same night. We are very honoured to host them, and from a personal standpoint, I am incredibly excited for what will be a truly inspiring evening.

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