Aurora contributors Scott Goldsmith, Callie Shell and Dave Shafer all have work published in Communication Arts’ 2008 Photography Annual. The magazine features work from photographers in all fields of the industry including advertising, books, editorial, for sale, institutional, cinematography, self promotion and unpublished.

Callie Shell’s image of Barack Obama appears in the Editorial section of the Photography Annual.

Scott Goldsmith’s image of Senator Hillary Clinton appears in the Editorial section of the Photography Annual and Dave Shafer’s image entitled “Devil’s Claw” appears in the Unpublished section of the Photography Annual.

To see more from these Aurora Photographers, visit Scott Goldsmith, Callie Shell and Dave Shafer.

Partnering with AboutTheImage.com, Aurora Photos selects NJ based photographer, Tom Sperduto, to be part of this week’s feature. Primarily a portrait photographer, Tom is currently working on an assignment for the Wounded Warrior Project photographing wounded veterans home from the war. To see this photo and more from Sperduto, visit www.aboutheimage.com.

The above image is an illustrative portrait about extravagance. Sperduto explains his approach to portraiture as “The ability to capture a person’s gesture in a portrait by establishing trust through honesty and a desire to capture who people really are in a photograph. I am interested in seeking the deeper meaning of people and capturing the strength, beauty, and frailty of the human spirit.”

Callie covered the Barack Obama campaign as he toured the Near East and Europe, with stops in Berlin, Jerusalem and Paris. Approximately 200,000 people gathered to hear him speak in Berlin.

Work by Aurora photographer, Jonathan Kingston, appears in the August 2008 issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. The image depicts participants of Centurion’s Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training or HEFAT course discussing an unexploded mortar round during a larger examination of artillery and land mine safety. The 1 week course is designed to teach people how to identify and correctly assess risks to safety and security while living and working in volatile areas.

“When I was given this assignment, the preconception was that the participants of the course would all be NGO workers preparing for life in an unstable country,” recalls Kingston. “The morning of the shoot, I discovered all the participants were either members of the BBC, the AP or from a US daily paper who were heading to Iraq or Afghanistan to report. I was intimidated by the thought of having to photograph people used to being on the other side of the lens. Then I realized these were the best possible subjects in the world, as they would understand exactly what I was trying to do.”

To see more from Aurora photographer, Jonathan Kingston, click HERE.

Work by Aurora Select photographer Clay McLachlan appeared in the July/August issue of Virtuoso Life Magazine. The photos, accompanying an article about the world of gourmet Parisian shops, give a view of shops such as Poilâne, Gilles Verot, and J. Leblanc et Fils.

Partnering with AboutTheImage.com, Aurora Photos selects Miami based photojournalist, Aaron Ansarov to be part of this weeks feature. See this photo and more from Ansarov at www.abouttheimage.com.

Patrol craft training at the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School in Stennis, Mississippi.

An image by Aurora photographer Michael Hanson won in the category “Scenics of the Natural World” in PDN’s Great Outdoors Contest. His winning image is in the July issue of PDN Magazine. The photo, taken right outside Kalispell, Montana, shows six deer standing with their heads above a field.

PORTLAND, Maine – July14, 2008 — Aurora Photos agency founder, Jose Azel is pleased to announce that effective immediately, Paris based, Agence VU’ will be represented in the United States by Aurora.

“Quality and passion connect VU’ and Aurora Photos,” states Azel. “It will be a privilege and honor to present such singular work to clients in the United States. The concerned photography and raw emotion of their work inspires editors and readers alike.”

Aurora Photos, firmly established as a premier independent photo agency, already represents some of the finest editorial and commercial photographers in North America. The addition of Agence VU’ to Aurora Photos photographic offer creates one of the strongest and most diverse collections of photography available. For 20 years Agence VU’ has been an independent photo agency providing compelling images to the European editorial market through a roster of 80 photographers based around the world. Now, Aurora Photos continues the tradition of these sensitive and caring photographers in the North America market.

In addition to bringing a diverse selection of imagery to Aurora Photos’ archive, Agence VU’ photographers enhance the ability of Select, Aurora’s assignment division, to provide top quality assignment photographers to Aurora clients. Aurora Select assignment director David Laidler says “I’m thrilled to be able to represent the talented and insightful Agence VU’ Photographers in the US editorial, advertising and gallery markets. I’m sure our clients will be equally impressed by their powerful humanistic work on issues affecting the world today.”

To see more from Agence VU’ click HERE.

Aurora Select photographer Corey Rich’s photograph of a trail runner appears on the cover of the August 2008 issue of Outside Magazine. In the magazine’s “Where to Live Now” issue, the editors chose Oakland, CA as one of America’s best cities based on the weather and accessibility to outdoor activities. The photo was shot on the University of California at Berkley campus just below one of the science buildings in the East Bay Hills, where there is a network of trails overlooking Marin, Oakland and the surrounding Bay area.

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On June 12-14 Aurora Photos participated in LOOK3: Festival of the Photograph in Charlottesville, Virginia with the premiere presentation of a new short film entitled, JUMP9. The 11-minute film gave the festival viewers a glimpse into the thoughts and souls of nine diversely talented photographers, highlighting their work and passion.

The nationally and internationally respected photographers showcased in the film are: James Balog, Peter Essick, Robb Kendrick, Todd Korol, John Lee, Clay McLachlan, David McLain, Corey Rich, and Holly Wilmeth.

In addition to Aurora Photos other participants at the festival included; Daylight Magazine, Lightstalkers, Magnum in Motion, MediaStorm, Metro Collective, NY Times, The Raw File, and Women Photojournalists of Washington.

The LOOK3 Festival is a not for profit celebration of photography that was created by photographers to celebrate the photograph, which includes exhibitions, workshops, interviews, outdoor screenings, and special events, attracting professional and amateur photographers from around the world.

Aurora’s founder, Jose Azel says about LOOK3 and the festival, “It’s an honor to be included in such a community. The deep seeded belief and commitment to the power of images and photography sets this group apart.”

To view Aurora’s short film, Jump9, click here