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Which Photojournalist Helped Design this $850 Jacket? An Examination.

“Created in partnership with a photojournalist to stand up to the changing climates and situations they often find themselves in. This jacket is ...

“Created in partnership with a photojournalist to stand up to the changing climates and situations they often find themselves in. This jacket is crafted from our Tri-Durance SS fabric to block harsh winds and rain. Reinforced shoulders and pockets add durability, while side seam zippers open up for range of motion and venting.”

Photo Twitter collectively chuckled at the announced availability of Canada Goose’s Photojournalist Jacket. With editorial day rates hovering below $300/assignment, actual photojournalists were unlikely to be purchasing such a luxury item – even if it was inexpensive by Canada Goose standards.

But who exactly is the photojournalist who partnered with Canada Goose??? Let’s speculate.

  • There’s no hard and fast definition for “photojournalist,” but it’s reasonable to assume they shoot “newsy” content.
  • The jacket only appears in the “men’s” section, so the photographer is likely male
  • Given the controversy around Canada Goose’s use of fur, they probably aren’t a conservation photographer
  • They aren’t named, so they might be avoided the harsh spotlight of internet fame
  • They’re helping to design a jacket, so they must work in cold weather climate

The candidates:

Evgenia Arbugaeva
Odds: 1000:1

Evgenia lives in Tiksi near the Laptev Sea, where the current temperature is -22°F. Her amazing work has earned her an ICP Infinity Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award. But the lightweight jacket is only rated to 23°F, and it’s only available in the men’s section. 

Paul Nicklen
Odds: 800:1

Nicklen founded the non-profit SeaLegacy and travels around the world to raise awareness about the need for global conservation, with a particular focus on sea life. Given his focus on saving wildlife, it’s improbable that he partnered with Canada Goose.

Jim Richardson
Odds: 500:1

Longtime National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson has worked extensively in Scotland in recent years – a place with an average temperature that rarely falls below freezing.

Almost perfect weather for the jacket. But while he has been observed as recently as September 2019 wearing a similarly colored red jacket, his is decidedly more worn and utilitarian. Plus, Jim would probably rather wear a vest.

Photo by Allen Murabayashi

Joey L
Odds: 10:1

Joey L’s stunning portraiture and lighting technique has garnered him accolades and a significant client roster through his agent, Bernstein and Andriulli. While one would be hard-pressed to categorize him as a “photojournalist,” he has covered a number of places and issues with a documentary style.

Photo by Joel L for Canada Goose

But the biggest clue is his work with Canada Goose on Baffin Island in Nunavut in 2018, which gave him a direct connection with the company.

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