Through my lens: Mags King

Every curator has a unique view of the world — but it is rare that we get to hear the reasons behind the way they approach their work.

Through my lens is a series of talks by some of Australia’s most widely acclaimed photographers and curators, illuminating the stories behind the stills. You’ll hear about what first influenced them to explore photography, where their passions lie, and how their work has evolved over the years, all while viewing their work on screen.

Following the talk, head up with Mags to see her curation in , an annual exhibition held at the Library providing an intimate look at key events and moments captured through the lens of Sydney Morning Herald photographers. While you're at the Library, make sure to visit our Photography Gallery for , its first exhibition, showcasing 400 photographs, from 200 photographers, across three centuries.

Mags King has been a photographic editor for over 25 years. She lives in Sydney and was the managing photo editor at The Sydney Morning Herald for 12 years, leading the award-winning photographic department including some of the country’s most respected photojournalists.

A curator, creative producer and mentor, Mags has judged for numerous high-profile photographic awards including World Press, the Walkley Awards, Photo Collective, Head On Photo Festival, Australian Life for the City of Sydney, Amnesty International, Indian Photographic Festival and the Kennedy Awards.

She has been on the advisory board of the Walkley Foundation, and in 2022, received a Walkley award as part of a team for producing an interactive visual journey through Ukraine featuring work by Kate Geraghty.

For the past 11 years, she has curated the annual photographic exhibition Sydney Morning Herald Photos1440 at the State Library of NSW. She produced and edited the photographic book Sydney Lives for the publication’s 190th birthday, highlighting the Herald’s rich visual archives.

Host or Publisher State Library of New South Wales