THE PICTURES

Open Call for News Photographers Across Eastern Europe

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:05:19 GMT

VX Media in London, alongside its affiliated news, editorial, and event photography wire service, is actively seeking talented news photographers from across Eastern Europe to join our team — at the VX Pictures.

We are looking for individuals with a strong commitment to visual storytelling and a keen understanding of the cultural, political, and social landscapes of their home countries. If you are passionate about capturing compelling moments and delivering impactful stories through images, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications:

Fluency in spoken and written English.
Proficiency in FTP, metadata, and the captioning process for images.
A deep understanding of the social, political, and cultural environment in your home country.

Training Opportunities:

Photographers with an impressive portfolio will be offered training to further enhance their skills. Our training program covers:

Composition
Storytelling through images
Portrait photography
Image editing
Metadata and captioning best practices
Tracking and covering news events

Revenue Share Models:

Non-Exclusive Content:
- 65% of sales revenue to the photographer.
- VX Media retains 35% of sales revenue.
Exclusive Content:
- 70% of sales revenue to the photographer.
- VX Media retains 30% of sales revenue.

Assignment Rates:

Daily Retainer Assignments:
- 80% of the day rate allocated to the photographer.
- VX Media retains 20%, but after six (6) consecutive days of work, photographers will receive 100% of the daily rate for additional days.
Event Photography Assignments:
- Standard day rates determined by location and client requirements.

Additional Opportunities:

We also offer assignment opportunities for photographers to contribute to British, American, and European newspapers that partner with VX Media.

Application Deadline:

All applications must be submitted by January 25, 2025.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, click the 'APPLY' button below to fill in the application. Share your portfolio and a brief introduction outlining your experience and qualifications.

Together, let’s create impactful visual stories that resonate globally.

This is not a staff job but rather an opportunity to showcase your work on a global stage and sell your images to our clients worldwide. It also offers the potential to transition into a staff position with VX Media in the future, based on your performance and the needs of the organization.

Please note, you will be responsible for managing your own taxes and revenues in accordance with the laws of your home country.

APPLY

Clashes Erupt at Albanian PM’s London Rally

Vudi Xhymshiti — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 21:48:28 GMT

LONDON — Tensions ran high at a rally held by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, as dissenting activists clashed with the Prime Minister’s personnel in a series of violent altercations.

The rally, initially intended to be a celebratory gathering for Rama’s supporters, turned chaotic when activists opposing his leadership staged protests. Security personnel responded with force, leading to a brutal scene where several activists were beaten, leaving some injured and unidentifiable in the commotion. [VX Pictures]

The Quiet Casualties: How War's Shadow Claims Lives in Ukraine

Vudi Xhymshiti — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:37:56 GMT

As I sit here, far from the turbulent grounds of Ukraine, the text message from Tatiana flashed on my phone screen this morning, piercing the quietude of my surroundings. It was September 4, 2024, and the message carried the kind of news that no one is ever ready to receive:

When Music Stops: A Violinist's Journey to the Frontline

Vudi Xhymshiti — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:54:32 GMT

When I arrived in Kharkiv at the beginning of August, the tension was almost tangible. It clung to the city like the dust that settled in the cracks of its war-torn buildings, and in the faces of the people who had lived through too much. Despite this, there was a quiet strength that ran through the city—a determination that refused to be snuffed out. It was in this landscape of resilience and despair that I met Brian Dooley, a senior advisor to Human Rights First, a U.S.-based human rights organisation. His presence in Kharkiv was a reminder of the global effort to uphold human dignity amidst the devastation of war.

Alla (in red) and her family, including her husband (not pictured) and their two children (R), are forced to flee their home again due to Russian airstrikes. "We had everything—work, a home. Now there's nothing left. It's hard to stay positive, but we try," she says. In the middle of the scene, Brian Dooley, wearing a bulletproof vest, stands facing Alla, while the Rose in Hand volunteer group helps with the evacuation. Alla's children, aged 15 and 12, were hospitalised after the February bombings. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Brian was a man who had seen the worst of humanity but still spoke with an unwavering belief in its capacity for good. As we walked through the city, he shared stories of the people who had chosen to stay in the frontline zones, those who had refused to abandon the homes and lives they had built, despite the danger.

“It’s not just about surviving,” Brian said, his voice tinged with a sadness that comes from understanding, “it’s about losing everything that makes you who you are. The places, the routines, the people—they all form your identity, and when that’s ripped away, what’s left?”

One story that Brian shared with me stuck in my mind—a story of a violinist who had traded the elegant movements of a bow for the harsh, hurried actions of an ambulance driver. The shift in her life was so stark, so jarring, that I felt a deep need to meet this person. Brian, understanding the urgency in my request, connected me with Natalia, the former violinist. We arranged a photoshoot first, capturing her in moments that spoke of the life she once had and the one she lives now. After that, we planned a longer conversation, one where she could tell me her story in her own words.

With her back to the camera, Natalia walks through the ruins, rifle slung over her shoulder. The desolate surroundings amplify the gravity of her new reality, far removed from her past life as a violinist. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Cutting Through Chaos: Kharkiv’s Barbers Hold the Line

Vudi Xhymshiti — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:55:54 GMT

Kharkiv, Ukraine — Roman is not your ordinary barber. As the owner of three barbershops in Kharkiv, he represents a unique fusion of resilience, ingenuity, and adaptability, having weathered both the storm of war and the challenges of a global pandemic. Roman's journey, however, extends beyond the confines of Ukraine. With his daughter living in the United States and a personal connection to Los Angeles, his experience is a testament to the interconnectedness of our world, even in times of conflict.

Roman poses for a picture inside the barbershop premises on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in an undisclosed location in Kharkiv, Ukraine. As the resilient owner of multiple barbershops, Roman has become a symbol of strength and perseverance amidst the chaos of war. (VX Photo/Vudi Xhymshiti)

A Fashion Designer’s War: The Story of Natalia Poniatovska

Vudi Xhymshiti — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 21:25:19 GMT

When I arrived in Kharkiv on the 5th of August, little did I know that I would encounter so many intriguing stories, so many fascinating individuals who felt like home. I met an artist who was sketching on paper, capturing the vivid circumstances and situations in the trenches of the frontline. There was someone playing during air raids, another gentleman who was once a teacher, and a lady who, also a teacher, had joined the army. Then, there was the scientist striving to ensure that the European Centre for Nuclear Research, CERN in Geneva, would understand the grave danger of allowing Russians access to scientific findings on the latest technology—findings that could be used to bolster Russia's military power and perpetuate their war. But what truly surprised me was meeting a fashion designer, a woman nearly my mother's age, yet she looked as young as my sister. Our brief introduction came courtesy of the Kharkiv Media Hub.

A Ukrainian armoured convoy moves along a deserted road, flanked by dense forests and distant fields, advancing through eastern Ukraine in August 2024. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

At first, I was skeptical. Fashion? I thought. What could a fashion designer possibly offer that would pique my interest? I had never written about fashion, nor did I understand it. Throughout my life, I’ve worn trousers until they were practically falling apart and needed replacing, sticking to the same shirts and shoes as long as they kept me dry and warm. But then they explained—this fashion designer had an extraordinary story to tell. Her business, like many others, had been affected by the war. Yet, instead of closing shop, as so many others had done, she transformed her business into something meaningful, something vital for Ukraine’s survival under these dire circumstances. She didn’t just survive; she thrived, becoming part of Ukraine’s ongoing story, helping her country in its time of need.

The Art of War: Bridging Battlefields and Home

Vudi Xhymshiti — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 12:13:45 GMT

In this humorous yet poignant image, Ruslan depicts me as a war correspondent, navigating the chaos with my camera amidst the crossfire, asking soldiers to "please not look into the lens... and do not shoot." This scene resonates deeply with anyone familiar with the realities of reporting from conflict zones, where the line between documenting and surviving can be razor-thin. (© Ruslan Pikhota)

I feel incredibly privileged to share this piece of art sent to me by Ruslan, a Ukrainian soldier and talented artist, who brilliantly captured a moment of my own experience in the field. — Vudi Xhymshiti.

Ruslan’s work not only showcases his artistic skill but also his remarkable ability to find humour in the most intense situations. It’s an honour to be part of his creative expression, and I'm excited to have been given the privilege of telling his story.

Don't forget to subscribe to Breakthrough the Wall to support my work in telling the human stories of war. Also, follow Ruslan on his Instagram to see more of his art: Ruslan's Instagram.

Wounded but Unbroken: Olga Kovalova's War Story

Vudi Xhymshiti — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:51:16 GMT

On the 1st of August 2024, Kharkiv stood firm yet somber under the weight of ongoing conflict. The air was thick with uncertainty, a palpable tension that seemed to echo the determined footsteps of those who refused to bow to the storm. I had arrived in this war-scarred city to meet Olga Kovalova, a photojournalist whose courage and dedication had led h…

A Ukrainian Physicist's Crusade: Ending Russian Influence at CERN

Vudi Xhymshiti — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:25:22 GMT

On a serene Sunday morning, I engaged in an enlightening conversation with Professor Borys Grynyov, a distinguished Ukrainian physicist and a vehement advocate for the expulsion of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) from the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Our discussion delved into the intricate and contentious relations…

Borys Grynyov

Vudi Xhymshiti — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:51:08 GMT

The interview with Professor Borys Grynyov delved into his passionate campaign to sever ties between the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) and the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Grynyov's deep commitment to ensuring scientific research serves peaceful purposes was palpable.

Professor Borys Grynyov is a distinguished Ukrainian physicist with decades of experience in nuclear physics. He has served as Ukraine's representative at various international scientific councils and held significant governmental positions, including Deputy Minister of Science. Grynyov is a fervent advocate for the expulsion of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) from CERN, highlighting concerns over the misuse of scientific research for military purposes.

During a conversation with me on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Professor Grynyov expressed his concerns about the misuse of advanced research for military applications.

"Continuing collaboration of CERN with the JINR during the ongoing war allows the institutions of the Russian Federation, which partake in military programmes, to benefit from continued access to the latest technological developments," he emphasised.

Grynyov also highlighted the dual-use nature of scientific advancements, stating, "First of all, directly from these experiments, the knowledge can be used in medicine, custom control, and various industrial applications. However, these same advancements can be repurposed for military technology."

His resolve to safeguard the integrity of scientific research amidst the geopolitical tensions was unwavering. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

Click here for the gallery of his portraits. More portraits of Professor Grynyov working in his institute will be available this week. A detailed story is available upon request as the interview is already completed, and I have submitted questions to JINR and CERN for comments.

Surviving the War: Dima's Journey of Resilience and Hope in Ukraine

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:49:06 GMT

The early hours of a July Wednesday brought with them a stirring sense of restlessness. Kyiv, though brimming with its own peculiar charm, felt suffocating under the weight of memories and the relentless cycle of conflict reportage. The call to venture beyond its borders to Brodyanka and Andriivka was more than an escape; it was a pilgrimage to a past s…

Resilience Amid Ruins: Nadiia Vorobei's Struggle and Hope in Ukraine

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:31:54 GMT

It is a bright Wednesday morning in Kyiv, where the routine air raid sirens have become as familiar as the daily brush of teeth. Yet, the city remains eerily calm, a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants. The threat of Russian drones and missiles looms large, but the people of Kyiv have adapted to this new normal. As I awoke to the fresh, sunny…

Sali Berisha

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:33:47 GMT

Photographed in an exclusive interview with The Frontliner Magazine, Sali Berisha discusses the intricate geopolitics of the Balkans, the controversial role of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the influence of international actors such as George Soros.

All images and text copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Howard Lewis

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:29:59 GMT

The interview with Howard Lewis explored the origins and philosophy behind Offline. Howard's passion for fostering connections and embracing diversity was evident. During a conversation with me on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Howard shared how Offline began as casual dinners where he shared articles, leading to a unique format for gatherings. The emphasis was on genuine interactions and intellectual growth. Howard's vision of a world where curiosity and compassion connect people left a lasting impression. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Sascha Klamp

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:25:57 GMT

During my meeting with Sascha Klamp on April 25, 2023, at his apartment in northeast London, we discussed the details of his recent project, "The Art of Seeing, The Art of Remembering." Sascha is a British/German documentary filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on highlighting social impact and social justice affairs. His experience as an investor and entrepreneur has taken him to frontier and emerging markets across the globe, which informs his photography practice. The project is a collaboration with the community of Khachik in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Alban Hyseni

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:22:46 GMT

Alban Hyseni, the mayor of Gjilan, was photographed by VX Pictures during his official duties on Friday, March 10, 2023. Prior to his current role, Hyseni served as a member of the parliament, actively participating in various committees such as the Parliamentary Committee for Legislation, Mandate, Immunities, Regulations of the Assembly, and Supervision of the Anti-Corruption Agency. Hyseni ran for the position of mayor in the recent local elections in Kosovo and emerged as the winner. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Shkendije Himaj

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:19:59 GMT

This is a portrait of Shkendije Himaj, captured in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Shkendije Himaj, a 40-year-old economist, was born and raised in Decan, Dukagjini Plains of Western Kosovo. She pursued her studies in economics at the University of Prishtina. During the war in 1997-1999, she and her husband sought refuge in Canada, where they continued their education and careers in economics. In February 2004, they returned to Kosovo, driven by a strong commitment to contribute their expertise to their home country.

Shkendije applied for a position at the Central Bank of Kosovo in 2004 and successfully went through a selection process involving representatives from the IMF and USAID. Her talent and hard work led to her advancement within the institution, securing promotions through openly announced positions. However, her tenure at the Central Bank ended unexpectedly in May 2022 when she was informed of the termination of her contract by the current governor, Fehmi Mehmeti.

Despite this setback, Shkendije remains dedicated to her vision of ensuring equal access to banking products and services for all Kosovars. She firmly believes that financial inclusion plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty. Shkendije's expertise and commitment have earned her recognition as a highly qualified candidate for the position of governor at the Central Bank of Kosovo. A British company hired to ensure merit-based hiring processes for high-level government public servants has ranked her as the top candidate.

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Hajrulla Çeku

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:17:01 GMT

This is a photograph of Hajrulla Çeku, taken in Prishtina, Kosovo, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Hajrulla Çeku has actively engaged in civil society for 15 years, focusing on areas such as cultural heritage, tourism, urban planning, and the environment. In 2017, he was granted Albanian citizenship and recognised as a person of culture. He subsequently served as Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment in the Albanian Government. Following his return to Kosovo, he was elected as a member of parliament and later appointed as the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in March 2021.

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Zana Hoxha

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:13:10 GMT

Zana Hoxha, a 42-year-old Kosovo Albanian feminist artist and activist, was captured in front of a wall displaying pictures of shows she has directed at her office in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, during a conversation with VX Pictures on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Following the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999, Zana pursued studies in theatre direction at the University of Prishtina from 2000 to 2006. However, her aspiration was to become a film director. Due to her pregnancy with her first child in 2003, it took her six years to complete her studies. Just before her graduation, she welcomed her second daughter. During her academic journey, she was also involved in three independent projects. Notably, Zana is the founder of Art Polis and the FEMART Festival in Kosovo, which will celebrate its second decade of productive activities on February 24, 2024.

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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Alexei Tulbure

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:08:38 GMT

This is a portrait of Alexei Tulbure shot in the Capital, Chisinau, Moldova, on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Alexei Tulbure served as the ambassador of Moldova to the Council of Europe in 2002 and as Moldovan ambassador to the UN from 2006 to 2008.

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

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