About Sean

“Raising awareness about environmental issues and understanding of China, through photography, video and multimedia.”

Sean Gallagher is a British photographer and videographer, based in China for the past 6 years.

Graduating in Zoology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England, his background in science has led to his desire to communicate important global ecological issues through visual storytelling. His work on environmental issues in China was acknowledged as “some of the most striking images on display at [the] Copenhagen climate change conference,” by the BBC World Service .

To date he has lived and worked across the world, spending extended periods of time in locations as diverse as Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, China, the United Arab Emirates and various European nations. His most recent work has specialised on environmental issues in Asia, with specific emphasis on China. He is one of the few photographers to have photographed in the reclusive state of North Korea, working undercover on-assignment.

His notable photographic achievements include:

Five-time recipient of travel grant from The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting (2009-2012). Photocrati Fund Honourable Mention (2012). First Place for Multimedia in the Press Photographer’s Year (2011). Shortlisted at the Lumix Festival for Young Photojournalists in Multimedia Category (2010). Honourable mention at the Earth Journalism Awards at COP15 (2009). First recipient of the David Alan Harvey Fund for Emerging Photographers (2008). Regional Nominee (UK) for World Press Joop Swart Masterclass (2007+2010). Sponsorship recipient from FujiFilmUK to continue documentary work in China (2006). Selected to undertake a 1-year paid internship at the prestigious photojournalism agency Magnum Photos (2004-2005). Shortlisted as part of the Ian Parry Scholarship for Young Photojournalists (2003).

His work has been published internationally, appearing in print with publications including;

Newsweek Magazine, TIME Magazine, The International Herald Tribune, The Guardian, National Geographic China, The Independent, Marie Claire, Die Zeit, The Globe & Mail, Der Spiegel and The British Journal of Photography.

His notable online publications include work with;

CNN, The New York Times, National Geographic, The Atlantic, BBC News Online, openDemocracy.net, FOTO8, The Asia Society and China Dialogue.net

He has had work exhibited as part of group exhibitions at ;

HOST Gallery (London), The Paramount Theatre (Virginia, USA), Proud Gallery (London), The Tom Blau Gallery (London), Villa Braida in Mogliano Veneto (Italy)

He has given public speaking engagements with institutions such as;

The Shanghai World Expo, The Climate Institute, American University, Georgetown University, Kent State University and with the BBC World Service.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Testimonials

“…an exceptionally talented photographer.” Jon Sawyer | Director of Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

“Sean embodies a rare combination of a scientist’s mind and an artist’s eye.” Miki Johnson | Editor | liveBooks

“[on Gallagher's work]…stylistically powerful and journalistically relevant.” David Alan Harvey | Magnum Photos

“[on Gallagher's work]…Some of the most striking images on display at December’s Copenhagen climate change conference” | BBC World Service

“Sean has shown how it is possible to find ways to cover stories you are passionate about.” Phil Coomes | BBC News Online

———————————————————————————————————————–

Features

Sean’s work focuses on highlighting environmental issues in Asia, by working with some of the world’s leading news outlets to bring light to some of the continent’s most pressing crises. Explore his work via the links below to selected feature articles on him and his work.

2012

Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau – CNN

The Smog That Ate Beijing – FOREIGN POLICY MAGAZINE

China Photographer Sean Gallagher Discusses Threats to Pandas – THE ASIA SOCIETY

China’s Fragile Forests – BURN MAGAZINE

Meltdown: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on the Tibetan Plateau – PULITZER CENTER ON CRISIS REPORTING

2011

China Struggles to Protect Dwindling Panda Population – THE ATLANTIC

Interview: Sean Gallagher on Documenting China’s Wetland Crisis – THE ASIA SOCIETY

China’s Wetlands Revolution – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

China’s Threatened Wetlands – THE ASIA SOCIETY

China’s Shrinking Salt Lake – THE GUARDIAN