My work focuses on contemporary issues such as overpopulation, poverty, human rights violations and man's often-destructive relationship with nature.

Just after I graduated with a degree in photojournalism from the Danish School of Journalism in 2007, I moved to Shanghai to document the human and social consequences of China’s historical economic rise. After two years in China, I returned to Denmark in 2009 where I worked for Berlingske/ Scanpix until recently where I signed a contract with POLITIKEN.

My image of Jon and Alex from my work on Homophobia in Russia was awarded as the World Press Photo of the year. Previously I’ve been a participant at the World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass and my work has received awards from World Press Photo, Picture of the Year among others, as well as the Danish Picture of the Year where it has received 15 prizes incl. Photographer of the Year and Photo of the Year, both twice.

I’ve published two books: My long-term personal project ‘AMAZONAS’ (2006-2013, Gyldendal) and 'The Fallen - Danes killed in the Afghan-war’ (2009-2010, Peoples Press). I am represented by Panos Pictures and by Prospekt Photographers in Italy and LAIF in Germany.

www.madsnissen.com

Homophobia in Russia

The Story:

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is becoming more and more difficult in Russia as sexual minorities are facing legal and social discrimination, harassment and even violent ‘hate crime’ attacks from religious and neo-nazi groups.