John Toolan

About John Toolan

I am a photo director/editor/producer/researcher with 20+ years of experience working at major brands. I have handled all aspects of photography, from production to research to conceptualizing with edit and design teams. I\'m a skilled budget manager, contract explainer and negotiator and understand the importance of deadlines. I have worked with some of the world\'s best photojournalists, photo illustrators, still life photographers, portraitists, and sports photographers. I\'ve managed photo departments, and kept my teams motivated and happy. I come to work prepared every day. My priorities: work hard, have fun, be proud of what I do. There\'s nothing better than collaborating with people who share those goals.

Experience

1. Director of Photography

   Popular Science

   Feb 2020 — Present · New York, NY, US

   I took this role on in addition to my existing responsibilities as photo director of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life. I\'m a one-person photo department, which includes conceptualizing, coordinating with editorial and design teams, budget management, research, hiring photographers, finding new talent, interacting with agencies, negotiating fees and contracts, and seeing every project through from initial discussions to final high-resolution files. I was part of the team that won a 2022 ASME award for single-topic issue.

Education

• New York University

  MA, Studio Art / Photography

  1994 — 1995

• Georgetown University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Language and Literature, General

  1987 — 1991

• Columbia University - Graduate School of Journalism

  MS, Journalism

  1995 — 1996