Melanie Burford
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melanieburford.bsky.social
Melanie Burford
@melanieburford.bsky.social
Storyteller, award-winning Filmmaker and Photographer, Senior Communications Advisor and Kiwi mum of two beautiful boys living in Brisbane, Australia. Co-Founder of Prime Collective.
https://www.melanieburford.com/
Instagram.com/melburford
Pinned
Of the 31 reported press freedom violations on January 6th, 2021, an alarming 90.3% targeted photojournalists (U.S. Press Freedom Tracker).

In my Master’s essay, Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies, I investigate how Trump’s rhetoric of “fake news” impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day.
Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies:
How the term ‘fake news’ impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day
medium.com
In support of NZ photojournalist Jason Oxenham’s #cancer battle: “Light+Shade isn’t just a fund raising exhibition; it’s a rally cry, a love letter to #photojournalism, and a testament to friendship. Please come along to the show and spread the word.” 5-14 Sept, Auckland, NZ.
August 10, 2025 at 9:10 AM
I fear for the free press. But there are those taking up the fight.

“The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government,” the AP said in its lawsuit.

apnews.com/article/ap-l...
AP sues 3 Trump administration officials, citing freedom of speech
The Associated Press is suing three Trump administration officials over access to presidential events.
apnews.com
February 22, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Of the 31 reported press freedom violations on January 6th, 2021, an alarming 90.3% targeted photojournalists (U.S. Press Freedom Tracker).

In my Master’s essay, Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies, I investigate how Trump’s rhetoric of “fake news” impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day.
Photographic Truth and Weaponised Lies:
How the term ‘fake news’ impacted photojournalists on Insurrection Day
medium.com
January 23, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
We needed this today. A moment to rest, to float in warm waters, explore on our paddle boards and let nature do the rest.
December 28, 2024 at 10:05 AM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
The @nppa.bsky.social filed a lawsuit alongside two of its members against the National Park service today “seeking to put an end to years of NPS policies that violate the First Amendment rights of photographers and filmmakers.” nppa.org/news/738
Advocacy: NPPA and two of its members file suit against the National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park
We're seeking to put an end to years of NPS policies that violate the First Amendment rights of photographers and filmmakers.
nppa.org
December 18, 2024 at 11:13 PM
It was an honor to be one of the curators alongside three remarkable photographers @joanjsoto.bsky.social, @alexandrejan.bsky.social, @aaasjord.bsky.social, whose stunning images bring this exhibition to life. If you're in Bergen, don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating world of jellyfish!
December 19, 2024 at 9:54 PM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
Owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong "has instituted a new policy that prohibits editorials containing criticism of the president-elect unless they are presented side-by-side with another opinion piece representing the 'opposing view.’" www.status.news/p/patrick-so... (paywall likely)
Meddling for MAGA
Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, has dismayed staffers as he curtails critical coverage of Donald Trump.
www.status.news
December 17, 2024 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
So exciting to see this project exhibited in Vilnius, Lithuania, the place where my mother was born and spent her early years. The ring my daughter Lola is wearing, who also shares the same name, belonged to my mum and was probably made there sometime in the 1950s. Thanks to @mihalenko.bsky.social
December 16, 2024 at 10:15 PM
The crazy torrential rain that kept us awake for most of the night caused quite a bit of damage. This is our local creek which has where families take their dogs for swims to escape the summer heat.
December 16, 2024 at 10:48 PM
It’s 3.38am and I’ve been awake for two hours listening to the incredible amount of rain hitting our tin roof. Flooding predicted for areas of Brisbane. This weather is insane. Hope everyone out there is safe.
December 16, 2024 at 5:53 PM
📸And this is why I love Bluesky. Gatherings of fabulous people doing fabulous things.
Check out this street #photography starter pack by @jchenphoto.bsky.social

go.bsky.app/Q9c6TLL
December 12, 2024 at 1:04 AM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
Let's make Bluesky the home of independent news.

Unlike X, where algorithms crush links & push content you don't want, news flourishes here. Particularly news from independent & non-profit outlets.

If you prefer news away from MSM, here's a starter pack to share with valuable & verified accounts.
December 10, 2024 at 11:27 AM
📸❤️🇳🇿For your weekend inspiration, I’ve gathered a list of New Zealand photojournalists & photographers documenting life in Aotearoa and around the world. It’s a growing list, so please message me or comment if you’re a kiwi pro photographer who’d like to be included. Enjoy!
bsky.app/profile/did:...
December 8, 2024 at 2:40 AM
This may explain why we’re often missing from world maps.
🇳🇿❤️ #newzealand
It’s interesting that the emojis show the earth from three angles 🌎 🌍 🌏 but not the fourth.

Though 🔵 is a fair approximation of what it would look like.

People underestimate the Pacific.
December 6, 2024 at 9:54 PM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
When I talk to ppl outside this industry they don’t believe me when I tell them there are no staff jobs. People stopped paying for local news, it has vastly collapsed and now a handful of major outlets provide the majority of staff positions and freelance work available.
I’m sorry, almost *1 in 10 U.S. journalists work at the NYTimes?* Not because of its size, but because so many other newspapers have died?

That is…wild. www.niemanlab.org/2024/12/the-...
December 6, 2024 at 5:39 PM
📸 Stunning work Ruth. @fremson.bsky.social
December 6, 2024 at 11:42 AM
📸A wonderfully inspiring list. Link in comments.
I plan to curate a list of #photo people — Not a starter pack, a list. This way, you can pin the list to your feed and follow #photographers in a custom feed on Bluesky. It should be a nice way to find new people when you log on. Drop me a line if you want me to add you. Please RT. Thank you!
December 6, 2024 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
Scoop: After the LA Times published a piece about Elon Musk that carried a headline owner Patrick Soon-Shiong didn't like, a new rule was implemented: Prior to publishing opinion stories, headlines must be emailed to Soon-Shiong, where he can then choose to weigh in. www.status.news/p/los-angele...
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Staffers at the Los Angeles Times described to Status a demoralized publication depleted of its spirit in which employees are "confused," "offended," and "frustrated."
www.status.news
December 5, 2024 at 4:38 AM
Stay vigilant!
Dear Blueskyers! Image theft is a problem on #Bluesky. Below are some of my stolen images. I made a moderation list of the accounts involved: bsky.app/profile/did:...

Please subscribe to the list so that you block them and they can't steal your images! I will continue to add. #photography
December 5, 2024 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
go.bsky.app/2i7Zb7c

I spent a while searching for photographers I follow on other platforms… Follow this group on #starterpacksaturday (even tho it’s Sunday) to bring some visual spice and conversation to your feed.
December 1, 2024 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by Melanie Burford
My thoughts in @poynterinstitute.bsky.social:

"If we don’t take the bait, if we focus on issues that matter and use the tools that journalism provides to surface information in the public interest, we can still hold powerful actors accountable and generate change."

www.poynter.org/commentary/2...
November 21, 2024 at 4:05 PM
Blue sky for #bluesky
November 20, 2024 at 4:09 AM
Santiago Lyon @slyon66.bsky.social has been one of the leading advocates fighting mis/disinformation through the Content Authenticity Initiative, dedicated to "fostering trust online through content provenance and transparency." Take a look and consider getting involved.
The Content Authenticity Initiative now has 4k members across the globe working to implement a global open standard for digital content provenance! A digital nutrition label to help us better assess what we are looking at! Here I write about our work.
contentauthenticity.org/blog/celebra...
4,000 members — a major milestone in the effort to foster online transparency and trust
Celebrating 4,000 members. The CAI now spans five continents and multiple industries — including creators, media organizations, technology companies, camera and smartphone manufacturers, academics, NG...
contentauthenticity.org
November 20, 2024 at 12:14 AM