Originally launched in 2008, the pioneering initiative brings together some of the world’s best photographers and videographers from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to collaborate with Canon and share its passion for visual storytelling.
In 2020, Canon EMEA expands its world-renowned Ambassador Programme with 59 new professionals joining the ranks.
The first of its kind, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme was created to represent and support current and future generations of photographers and filmmakers by sharing their passion and technical know-how with fellow professionals, as well as enthusiastic amateurs who want to develop their skills.
With the largest ever intake, now featuring a total of 115 Ambassadors across EMEA, this is Canon’s most exciting and diverse programme to date.
Among them are 17 incredible young photographers including Ksenia Kuleshova and Michele Spatari, alumni of the Canon Student Programme and Young Photographer Award winners.
In the most competitive selection process yet, an esteemed panel of 13 judges reviewed nominations for more than 450 photographers and evaluated over 20,000 images – covering news, documentary, wildlife, weddings, portraits, sports and more. Celebrating visual storytelling, and stories that resonate, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme brings together the best of the best within the imaging industry.
Susie Donaldson, ITCG European Marketing Director for Canon EMEA said: “The Ambassador Programme is our opportunity to work with an amazing group of bold and inspirational individuals in the photo, video and print industry in EMEA. With this refresh we are enabling and empowering photographers and filmmakers with unique perspectives from across the region, supporting them with the tools to tell those stories that matter.
“We’re always evolving the Programme to seek out and welcome photographers and filmmakers from a multitude of genres and all backgrounds across age, gender and race. This year we’ve significantly increased the number of Ambassadors under the age of 30 from two to 17, which shows the remarkable range of talent within the industry and our commitment to nurturing creatives through our student programmes as their career progresses. With this latest intake we hope to pave the way for the next generation of visual storytellers, with a fresh new perspective to the Programme.”
Joining the Programme in 2020 from South Africa:
Chris Fallows – Born in South Africa, Chris is a fine art wildlife photographer with more than 25 years’ experience. He is best known for his iconic great white shark images and intimate wildlife photographs shot in all three realms – ocean, air and earth. His approach and techniques bring drama and emotion to both his underwater and terrestrial imagery.
Gulshan Kahn – South African photojournalist Gulshan’s work focuses on social justice, human rights, identity and culture. She is a National Geographic Explorer and contributor to Everyday Africa.
Phil Magakoe – A South African township-born photojournalist, Phil began his career in 2007 and is now a freelancer for the international news agency Agence France-Presse. He has covered a wide range of events including the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, national elections, the aftermath of natural disasters and international sporting tournaments.
For more information and the full list of Canon EMEA Ambassadors, please visit the Ambassador Programme Hub here: https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/ambassadors/
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