Teach “being in your element” as a skill.
It’s where passion meets what you’re good at — and where capability grows because you care enough to keep practising, refining, and returning.

Guy Stimson

Teacher of Photography & Design (Perth Modern School) • Visual Storytelling • Semiotics-informed Design Education

Profile

I’m a design and photography teacher with a foundation in semiotics, visual communication, and documentary practice. My work sits at the intersection of image-making and meaning-making: how visual choices shape perception, emotion, and social understanding.

Before teaching, I worked internationally as a documentary photographer and visual producer, with a focus on conflict and social issues, and later moved into visual production leadership roles. In schools, I bring that same discipline—research, iteration, craft, critique, and clarity—into a learning environment where students build both technical capabilityand conceptual depth.

Education

  • 2001 — Université Paris-Sorbonne (La Sorbonne), Paris: Cours de civilisation française

  • 2002 — IULM University (Milan): Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Science (Public Relations)

  • 2003 — IULM University (Milan): Graduate degree in Communication Science

    • Semiotics thesis: analysis of photographs during the Vietnam War

  • 2003 — John Kaverdash (Milan): Diploma of Professional Photography

  • 2019 — University of Western Australia: Master of Teaching

Professional Practice

  • 2022 – Current — Perth Modern School: Teacher, Photography & Design

  • 2020 – 2021 — Beehive Montessori School: Teacher, Media

  • 2018 – 2020 — Human Factor Films: Partner

  • 2015 – 2018 — Action Against Hunger USA: Visual Production Coordinator

  • 2011 — The New York Times: Contributing photographer

  • 2010 – 2023— Agentur Focus: Represented photographer (archive)

  • 2008 – 2010 — Grazia Neri: Represented photographer

  • 2007 – 2009 — Vanity Fair Italy: Contract photographer

  • 2003 – 2008 — World Picture Network: Represented photographer

Awards and Recognitions

  • Joop Swart Masterclass — Nomination (2006, 2007, 2008)

  • NPPA — Recognition (2008)

  • POY — Recognition (2008)

  • PDN — Recognition (2010)

  • Emmy Awards — Nomination (2011)

Links

Documentary photography/byline: Guy Calaf — (www.guycalaf.com)

Contact us

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