Revealing Documentary Short Delves into the World of Legendary Photojournalist Colin Jones

Great Guns director Frankie Caradonna has debuted a revealing new documentary short that explores the life and work of prolific British photojournalist Colin Jones. Entitled ‘The End of Photography’, the 11-minute short features images of Colin’s work alongside footage of the photographer in his studio, discussing his views on his life and work. 

Growing up as a fan of Colin’s work - from his perspectives on British colonialism in The Black House to the poetic exploration of dancers and coal miners in Grafters - Frankie eventually met the iconic photojournalist in person whilst at the lab of photographic printer Robin Bell. Having always been inspired by the way in which he framed the world in front of him, Frankie set out to tell the story of Jones’ life. 

A ballet dancer turned photographer, Colin transitioned from performing alongside Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Ballet to working for The Observer magazine, travelling the world as a photojournalist. Alongside capturing iconic portraits of The Who, Pete Townsend, and Mick Jagger at the start of their careers, Jones photographed such groundbreaking stories as the Alabama Race Riots, the Brazilian Gold Mines, the boy soldiers of Khmer Rouge, and the Cargo Cults of the New Hebrides who worshipped Prince Phillip. 

Frankie’s documentary short not only pays tribute to Jones’ iconic photographs, but offers a glimpse of his less known - but still incredibly relevant - work. Beyond this, revealing snippets of Jones speaking in his studio allows the audience to hear his views on a number of subjects, whether this is censorship, the role of the journalist, or moments of his career - such as a harrowing experience in the Philippines - that changed his entire perspective on life. 

Frankie comments: “It was a particular season in my life when I met Colin Jones for the first time, but things often happen for a reason. At the time, I was interrogating the meaning of the art of photography - especially on the status of photojournalism. I was also working on a long term personal project about depression and mental health, using Robin Bell’s photography lab - where I bumped into Colin. I thought I knew his work before I met him in person. I was wrong.”

According to Frankie, ‘The End of Photography’ has become the pilot for a longer documentary on the life and work of Colin Jones. 

Frankie Caradonna is represented in the UK, US, and Asia by Great Guns.