MELODY GYGAX
photo editor/curator
What defines good photography?
For the past 30 years, I have shared my passion for photography in various positions such as picture editor for newspapers and magazines, curator and educator, observing the visual world with a critical eye.
I regularly collaborate with brands, advertising agencies, corporate publishers, photo galleries, cultural institutions and photographers - showing them a critical approach on how to transform an image into a relevant one and to tell a story from a new and engaging perspective.
In a world of growing disinformation, deep fake and AI-generated content, there has never been a greater demand for authenticity in photography. The focus of my work is to raise awareness for the «good» photograph and a critical examination of «image worlds» and «image effects». My aim is to help creators to step away from stereotypes and head towards one's own signature and to develop it further.
Jury Member and Portfolio-Reviews
I regularly participate as jury member for photography competitions, I am also a long-standing portfolio-review expert.
Lecturing
For many years I have been teaching photography classes about idea development, curation, editing and storytelling, readability and relevancy. Art history and the history of photography are new additions to my curriculum.
Clients and Projects
Together with MAGNUM PHOTOS as my most important client in Switzerland, I have launched two major projects: One in St. Moritz and one with the Federal Government in Bern.
Clients include:
Bernisches Historisches Museum
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel
Memberships
Member of Spectrum - Photography in Switzerland
Member of near.li
CV abstract
2018 – Self-Employed Photo Editor, Curator, Teacher, Lecturer
2018 – 2023 Cultural Representative MAGNUM PHOTOS
2012 – 2017 Head of Photography «Basler Zeitung», Basel Responsible for establishing and developing the operative and editorial photo concept, personnel management and responsible for financial controlling
2005 – 2012 Photo Editor «Basler Zeitung», Basel Optimization and development of the visual appearance, evaluation and selection of photo material, visualisation, implementation and composition, briefing of photographers, selection and supervision of trainees, layout consulting
2003 – 2004 Photo Editor «Infel», Corporate Publishing Agency, Zurich Construction of photo department in connection with the introduction of a modern photographic language, development of photographic concepts, construction and maintenance of a network of photographers
1999 – 2003 Photo Editor «Berner Zeitung», Bern
1999 – 2001 Workshops and Seminar Photo Editing at MAZ, Swiss School of Journalism, Lucerne
1996 – 1998 Photo Editor, Photographer and Stylist Ringier, Zurich
1992 – 1995 Apprenticeship as Photographer, Zurich
1987 – 1991 Literary High School, Matura Typus B, Baden
Photo by Newsha Tavakolian/MAGNUM PHOTOS for SESSION (livelabbern.ch)