Dawton & McFarlane was set up in 2013 by two international photographers, Anthony Dawton and Jim McFarlane to underline the continuing importance of socially responsible photography in areas of need and deprivation.

In sharp contrast to the demand for instant news, Dawton and McFarlane’s work is underpinned by the understanding that taking time to win the respect and confidence of the people being photographed brings integrity and depth to their work. It is an approach that produces richly textured images of the individual’s condition, their sense of injustice, their view on life and their hopes for the future. Often black and white, usually printed large and always photographed and printed to the highest standards, Mindseye's images are visually stunning and deeply thought provoking.

Anthony Dawton & Jim McFarlane believe that even in the age of mass camera ownership and Photoshop, photography can make a difference. Arriving at that point is a function of the photographer’s relationship with the environment, as alluded to above, with the understanding of the historical roots of photojournalism, its integrity and belief in social justice.

Images by both Dawton and McFarlane from the UNICEF/Al Madad project in Niger were selected to show at the 2009 Sony World Photographic Awards, in Cannes. Mindseye photographs taken in Gaza in 2010, with contributions from the artist Dia Azzawi, formed the highly successful Children of Gaza exhibition that toured in the Middle East and Europe in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Following eight days in the Zaatari Refugee camp on the Jordanian/Syrian border in 2013, Dawton and McFarlane are currently working on a multimedia project: Hotel Zaatari. Hotel Zaatari will include large photographic artworks and a film that will tour major international cities in 2015.

Both Dawton and McFarlane lecture and give workshops on the history of photography and its relevance to our world today.

Mindseye acknowledges the inspiration of the artist Richard Kamler’s statement that has become its de facto mission statement:
“Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favours no race, and it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transforms. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible. It creates a dialogue between individuals and communications between communities. It allows us to see and to listen to each other.”

 
Anthony Dawton is a multi award-winning photographer. He was one of six photographers to have been featured in the Centre for Contemporary Photography (Australia) exhibition that toured South East Asia for twelve months in 2010.

Dawton lectures in London and overseas on photography and counts Lewis Hine, Eugene Smith, Duane Michaels and Jim Goldberg as important influences on his work.
www.dawton.com

Jim McFarlane is an Australian based photographer who has worked commercially for over 25 years. His work is included in the collection of the Australian National Library. McFarlane lists his formative influences as: Lee Freidlander, Eugene Smith, Irving Penn, Pep Bonet and Bill Brandt.
www.jimmcfarlanephotographer.com