John Ogden is a respected writer, publisher, educator, cinematographer and photographer. John’s career began as a photojournalist in Southeast Asia during the early seventies. In 1978 he graduated from the WAIT (now Curtin University) having studied literature, anthropology and filmmaking – majoring in film & television and photography. During this time he was the West Coast correspondent for Tracks magazine.

FILMMAKING: John is an accredited member of the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and has received many awards for his cinematography. Over the last five decades he has worked as a Director of Photography over a broad range of genres, including: long-form drama, short films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials. 

PUBLISHING: In 1999 Ogden established Cyclops Press as a vehicle to publish books that promote the work of Australian authors and photographers. Cyclops Press has also collaborated with other independent publishers and authors to help realise their projects.

EDUCATION: John has a Cert 4 and current WWC certificates. He has taught cinematography at AFTRS, NYFA, and the Sydney Film School. He also worked as a mentor for the Gamarada Aboriginal Mens Healing Group 2006-2016.  

John is the author of 10 books and has given author talks at various art galleries, municipal libraries and schools, including: Manly Selective School and Cheltenham Girls High School.

John has mentored many youth with work experience and advised young filmmakers on their films.