Chapter 11: Conclusion

For the last week of this class my family and I went on vacation to Jamaica. Since we would be out of the country and in a tropical and scenic area of the world, I figured it was a great opportunity to do a little photojournalism myself. As my Creative Experiential Exercise I took as many pictures as I could that described the trip through as least amount of words as possible. The result was my family vacation to Jamaica through images.
I do not believe I have a revised definition of photojournalism, but I do believe I appreciate it completely differently than when the class first started. The history of photojournalism has always been crucial in understanding the field, in my opinion. What photojournalism was in the past shaped what photojournalism is today. There is no way to look around the fact that without the foundations and first technological advances of photography and the efficiency of taking a picture, photojournalism would not even be a thing.
My "Ah-ha!" moment was essentially when we first began blogging. I thought it was so cool, the fact that we could publicly publish out thoughts about this specific topic. It was an awesome class idea and made the course really become hands on. The blogging aspect is a good transition topic into: can photographs change the world? At first, my initial thoughts were no they cannot change the world. But after seeing what photographs and photojournalists can do to people as well as events, topics, and even inspire...I do believe they can change the world, one person at a time.
The connections I made between my own Creative Experiential Exercise and my self reflection is that something as simple as a blog or a family vacation in which you document your experience through pictures can be a photojournalistic experience.
Kayla pointed out through her profile of Giles Duley that anyone, disabled or not, can be active in photojournalism. Troy points out through his profile of Steve McCurry, with such a long career as his, that it is an industry that will never die. Finally, Kevin points out in his profile of Tim Hetherington that not only Tim, but every photojournalist is out on a mission to change the world through photography any way they can.


Here are some images from my Creative Experiential Exercise, my trip to Jamaica:

Images mentioned in my Section 3 Reflection: 

 I truly did not mention any images, except for the fact that the actual task of blogging was really my "Ah-ha!" moment.

Kayla's Profile:

 Troy's Profile:

   Kevin's Profile:

Chapter 10: Photojournalist Profile

Chapter 9: What Motivates Photojournalists

My Motivation Map:

• Family
• Education
• Soccer
• Music
• Confidence
• Ambition

Mike Dooley is an active Rhode Island photographer who focuses his time and skills on taking pictures of the earth and the environment. Dooley adds, "As I stand in the dark, all of my senses are in action as the day begins. There is no other time that I feel so alive!" His motivation for capturing images of the earth seems to really make him feel whole. 

Image By & Source: http://mikedooleyphotography.com/about-mike-dooley/ 

Image By: Mike Dooley 

Image Source: http://mikedooleyphotography.com/seascape-photography/what-motivates-this-photographer-you-ask/ 

Bruce Percy is a landscape and travel photographer. His motivation came from after he got burnt out as a musician in his late 20's. He describes traveling and photographer as "one in the same," and this motivates him to see as much of the world as he can while documenting it. 

Image By & Source: http://www.lightonscotland.co.uk/pages/tutor.html 

Image By: Bruce Percy 

Image Source: http://www.brucepercy.co.uk/blog/category/switzerland/ 

Paul Indigo is a professional photographer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He describes himself as a "professional story-teller," though, rather than a photographer. He describes his motivation for photography by telling about the reactions he see's from his photographs. 

Image By & Source: http://www.quora.com/Paul-Indigo 

Image By: Paul Indigo

Image Source: http://www.indigo2photography.co.uk/images/Paul%20Indigo/People_portfolio/content/PI--10_large.html 

The motivation of professional photographers compared to mine is much different. For them, it is their life and the way they make a living. For me, photographs document my life and what I do and where I have been. My motivation is simply documenting what I have experienced, while they are motivated by a much greater power. 

 

Chapter 8: Photojournalism and Bias

Image By: Ed Clark
image Source: http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209

This image captures so much emotion, just at the right time. Notice the tears coming down the cheek of the man in focus as he plays his instrument. The woman directly to his left, our right, is also effected by this. But also pay attention to the body language of the other women in the picture. They are all looking at him in disgust. It would be interesting to know exactly what they were thinking at that moment in time.

Principle #1: Subject's Expression- the expression on the face of the subject should say it all in this picture, but also those expressions around him as well. Something more than a death of a president happened here.
Principle #2: Background compliments from composition- the background helps this picture become what it is, as siting the emotion in the picture.
Principle #3: Was the image in black and white or color?- the image being in black and white sort of portrays a racial edge towards this picture.

Image By & Source: http://www.panamericanworld.com/en/article/unsuspected-star-steals-attention-david-luiz

Professor Nordell asked us to find a picture of what we find the truth. Here is an example of what I find to be the truth. Pictured is David Luiz, a professional soccer player for Paris Saint Germain (a french soccer club) and Brazilian international. In the past weeks Brazil have been preparing for their world cup campaign, and a disabled boy who's dream it was to meet David Luiz finally got the chance to do so. He hoped out of his wheelchair to juggle a ball for Luiz, as well as read a letter to the whole squad. It brought some players to tears. As a soccer player, this is the truth. This image isn't altered, or edited. It is showing someone with everything, giving back and making someone less fortunate happy. This picture warms my heart, as I deal with disabled children through the day camp I work for. Everyone deserves to obtain one goal they have in this. This is the truth, to me.

Principle #1: What feelings does the image create?- the image creates a feeling of hope, for me at least. The fact that this disabled child finally got his wish is so satisfying to me.
Principle #2 What in the image helped create that feeling?- the way Luiz is looking at the child, and how skinny and malnourished the child looks, and also the wheelchair behind him creates these feelings. But then also the ball popping out of his hand creates a feeling of happiness, like everything is solved through the ball.
Principle #3: Does the image remind you of any work you have seen?- No it does not, which makes it so unique to me.

Image By: Alex Garcia
Image Source: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/assignment-chicago/2013/09/6-ways-to-sunday-that-photos-can-lie.html

What do you see when you look at this picture? At first, it looks as if it is a mourning family member crying over the loss of a loved one in the military. But, after a quick read through, the picture at hand is actually actors from a street theater group called Students for Social Justice located in Chicago. This picture can lie, if not explained properly. No one would have ever guessed these were actors if it had not been explained. To me, this is falsehood and everything thats wrong with it. Especially in journalism.

Principle #1: In or out of focus- the subject of the image is in focus, but you can also see an out of focus group of policemen in the background thus furthering the falsehood of this image.
Principle #2: Abstraction- this picture can mean so much if not properly explained. If you do not know the whole story, an abstract idea could come of this.
Principle #3: Use of shadows- no real shadows are used here, but I kind of like the shadow/silhouette of the woman's hair and face under her red bail.

Chapter 7- The Ethics of Photojournalism

My ethics map summed up in one picture:

The controversy I am describing here is an ongoing one for photojournalism. When exactly to take a photograph? The ethics and privacy of taking a photograph of a person in grief or tragedy, and when to step in to help or to comfort a person. Al Diaz is a 30 year veteran of the Miami Herald, and he discusses in an "Issues & Ideas" column the ethics of what happened to him one afternoon while driving.
Diaz witnessed a woman step out of her SUV on a busy Miami highway, screaming and holding her 5-month-old nephew who was not breathing and turning blue. Diaz got out of his car to help, but once four police officers were on the scene to help, he stepped back and started taking pictures. "I did not want her seeing me taking pictures, but I know that history demonstrates that compelling images can produce unforeseen and often beneficial results," added Diaz.
Diaz argues, though, that a picture can change history, affect policy, raise awareness and cause leaders to act. In this case, inspiring people to go out and get CPR certified. Diaz captured the "Breath of Life," after the five-month-old baby failed the breath for a second time. His photograph raised awareness. In the words of Al Diaz: "Respond as a human being first, a photojournalist second."
Personally, I believe what Al Diaz did was the right thing. How could you argue that helping a woman in need, and then documenting the experience, with the effect that it had is unethical?  

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/02/3968980/photojournalist-confronts-ethical.html

Image Sources: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/02/3968980/photojournalist-confronts-ethical.html 

Chapter 6: Women Photojournalists

Image By & Source: Library of Congress- http://www.loc.gov/wiseguide/jan10/images/Brooks_A.jpg

Principal #1: Black/White or color- the photo is appropriately in black and white because a majority of Brooks' work was done this way.
Principal #2: Texture- the texture of the photo shows that she is outside somewhere, creating an environment.
Principal #3: Subject's Expression- Brooks' expression is happy, she is being captured in her element.

Charlotte Brooks was a photojournalist who worked for “Look” magazine from 1951-1971, but she was originally a sociologist. Brooks enjoyed documenting changes in American life, for example: politics, racial conflicts, urban/suburban issues, education, and families. But what makes her special is how she defied the odds as a female photojournalist because of her gender, religious background, and sexual preference. Brooks’ talent took her to where no other female photojournalist within “Look” magazine was even assigned to. Eventually becoming “one of the guys,” and not just assigned to softer news topics like the other women.
 In my personal experiences, I have seen women discriminated against in the workplace. I work at a day camp over the summer and really take pride in what I do. So do my other staff members, but I have seen throughout my summers at the camp that certain women who work there will be thought of a less important. I work with the slightly older group of kids at work, and it is a stereotype throughout camp that the girls in the staff could not handle the older kids as well as they can handle the younger kids. Personally, I have seen a few girls attempt and exceed expectations to say the least. So I encourage women who I work with to come and try being a counselor with the older kids. It can be a very rewarding experience.
 Women offer a different, yet equally as valuable angle to photojournalism as men do. I feel as if women can connect to an audience just as well, if not better than any one else in the field. Not giving someone a job, or respecting them as much solely because of their gender is just immature and society should, at this point, frown upon this behavior. Every piece of work presented in Module 9 has gone on to show that no matter who you are, you can present photojournalism in a way that can connect to an audience if you are passionate about what you do.

Image By & Source: Forbes- http://blogs-images.forbes.com/glennllopis/files/2011/08/menversuswomen.jpg

Principal #1: In or Out of focus- Both subjects are in focus in the picture because it should be known that this picture is about equality between genders.
Principal #2: Abstraction- The object of the photo isn't actually abstract but you need to think abstractly to know the background meaning of this photo.
Principal #3: Keep it simple- The photo is very simple, as it is supposed to show a man and a woman essentially battling it out in the work place.

Image By & Source: The Guardian- http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/artanddesign/gallery/2008/nov/17/photography-women-war/GD9492089@Jenny-Matthews,-for-s-1832.jpg

Principal #1: What Feelings does the image create?- the image creates a feeling of curiosity. What are they looking at? What will they take a picture of next?
Principal #2: What in the image helped to create that feeling?- Definitely the massive gun in front of the two women caught my curiosity, but also what exactly the woman in front is looking at through her binoculars.
Principal #3: Quality of light- the open sky and sun creates a light that makes it seem like they are in a tropical place.


I chose the image of Brooks because she seems in her element and happy to be there. The photo really catches this moment. I chose the image of the man and woman arm wrestling because in the article by Forbes, it gives great points as to why women can actually be more successful in the workplace. Every one is equal in the workplace, with all one goal to accomplish. Finally, I chose the image of the women photojournalists looking out to see because it made my imagination run wild. It made me think of what exactly was going on, and if they would document it through photographs.

Technology Timeline

Photojournalism mid term from gregsmedberg

Chapter 4: Working in the Digital Age

Image By: Leigh Diprose 

Image Source: http://petapixel.com/2013/01/07/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-how-35mm-film-is-developed-and-printed-at-a-lab/  

35 mm film is the most common and widely used film gauge in motion pictures and chemical still photography. The film uses a standard negative to develop its images. The first discovery of 35 mm film can be traced back to 1889, which is remarkable considering that people still use it in 2014. It is not the first option since mostly everything has become digital, but it is not technically obsolete. You still have to develop the film, which takes time.

Looking at the digital age, online newspapers come as a fairly new way of reaching an audience. An online newspaper is different than an app on your phone as a news source, online newspapers are generally their own source and sometimes just an online version of a printed paper as well. The Republican is the Springfield area’s printed newspaper, but it has also gone online as “masslive.com.”

Essentially, going online creates more opportunities for news outlets. It competes with broadcast journalism in presenting the news in a more-timely manner, rather than hearing about it the next day through print, you are hearing it as it happens through updates online. The ability to do this has also cut down production costs as a lot of news outlets are beginning to focus their efforts on their online division of themselves, or even going completely digital. 

Below is a good example of a sort of "time lapse" image where it shows how newspapers have evolved over the past years. Essentially, working in the digital age.   

Image By: Kit Eaton

Image Source: http://www.fastcompany.com/1515457/pay-walls-will-fail-nobody-wants-pay-online-newspapers 

Article Sources: http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/35mm_film 

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/goodbye-the-age-newspapers-hello-new-era-corruption 

Chapter 3: The Art of Photojournalism

Photo by: Ben Wittck
Image Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/these-old-selfies-dating-back-to-the-1800s-will-blow-your-mind/story-e6frfro0-1226741497253
Year Created: 1887

Principle 1: Subjects Expression- Geronimo (Indian pictured) has a very grim look on his face. This look creates a tone that portrays how serious he is as an Indian chief, the holding of the gun also helps this.
Principle 2: Backgrounds- the background shows he is outside and in the wilderness, the cactus gives us an idea of the atmosphere around where the picture was taken.
Principle 3: Black/white or color- The picture is in black and white. This helps create a sense of history in the picture, this happened a while ago and will be drawn in history forever.

Photo by: US Department of Navy
Image Source: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/08/hiroshima_64_years_ago.html
Year Created: 1945

Principle 1: What feelings does the image create?- The image creates a feeling of being lost, imagining yourself as the man in the picture just trying to grasp in your mind what has just happened.
Principle 2: What in the image helped to create that feeling?- The background and the destroyed building make you really see how destroyed Hiroshima was, and the man in the middle of the debris helps you really connect with the picture because you attempt to feel what he feels.
Principle 3: Texture- the texture of this photo seems rough. The debris cements this texture, everything is out of place and destroyed.

Photo By: Brendan Smialowski
Image Source: http://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/2013/11/recreating-photos-from-the-jfk-assassination/#1
Year Created: 2013

Principle 1: Obvious man subject- The main subject is clearly the original picture that they lined up correctly to look like it was happening present day.
Principle 2: In or out of focus- The original picture is in focus, with the background out of focus. But you can clearly see it is lined up correctly to show the recreation.
Principle 3: Use of lines- The photographer uses lines in the background and in the picture to line up and recreate the original image by essentially enlarging it by backing up.


I chose the picture of Geronimo, the indian chief, because of how serious he looked. You can tell he meant business, and he wanted people to know in this picture. The native american lifestyle all seems to be about survival of the fittest, and he wanted to make his claim. The picture of the man in Hiroshima really spoke to me in the perspective of the man in the picture. Just imagine feeling what he felt looking at his home in absolute ruins after the dust settled. That is why I chose that image. The picture of the recreation of the JFK assassination was just so creative to me. Who would ever think of to go back to the perch where Lee Harvey Oswald set up to shoot JFK? And then take the time to line up a picture to make it seem like it where happening right at that moment.

Chapter 2: Pre-Digital Photography Technology

Image By: Tim Takahashi
Source: http://photo.net/equipment/large-format/speed-graphic

Speed graphic cameras, specifically the Graflex speed graphic, was the industry standard from the 1930s until around the 1950s. The term “speed graphic” was used to distinguish any “press” style camera. The Speed Graphic was produced by Graflex, who was out of Rochester, New York.

            Speed Graphics have ceased production ever since 1973, but many regard this camera as America’s first and last great camera. The Speed Graphic was produced for general-purpose commercial photography. It forever changed the efficiency of taking photographs. The Speed Graphic may look complicated, but it is one of the most simple and flexible cameras ever made. Graflex introduced the concept of having two shutters on the Speed Graphic, thus providing versatility.

            The Speed Graphic effected photojournalism by creating an industry standard camera that was efficient and versatile enough to let almost anyone become a photographer, to being an important part of a press journalists career.

            Taking a digital photograph on my phone was an extremely simple process. I opened up my camera app, focused the camera by touching the screen, and took the photograph by touching the screen again. It took maybe ten seconds of my time. Comparing this to a Speed Graphic or any type of photography where you must develop a picture, the convenience and efficiency is unparalleled. With the Speed Graphic you would need the camera, reflector and background lighting, and a darkroom. The process of taking the actual photograph was much longer, and developing the photograph added more time onto the process. Yet the speed graphics innovation for the times was considered extremely efficient with all the features it offered.

            In the end, every way of taking a photograph all reaches the same goal, which is to share your photograph to the world. No matter how you take it, its goal is to connect to somebody.

Below is the picture I took for this assignment: A soccer goal at the local park near my house, where I grew up learning how to play the game I love. This picture has a lot of meaning to me and I hope you all observe and feel the connection too.

Article Source: http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/ 

Chapter 1- Can Photography Change The World?

Can photographs change the world? Essentially, no they cannot. But if you think about the small time effects a photograph has on a community, society, or group of people it could change the world you live in. The point I am trying to make is that one image does not affect everyone in the world the same way, so I feel that it is impossible for one image to change the whole world.

Censorship, as well as resources has a part to play with this as well. People in a third world country who do not have the resources to even see such photojournalism obviously will not be effected by a photograph. A country that censors their citizens from seeing certain news could also be a factor in a photograph not being able to reach everyone, much less create an emotion from it.

To be clear, I think certain pictures in history have affected the world I personally live in. The best example I can think of is the photograph of the firefighters raising the American flag in the smoke and rubble of the twin towers after the planes hit on 9/11. Iconic images like that would definitely affect an American citizen, but it would not mean as much to a citizen of North Korea, for example, if they were even permitted to see such an image. Below is the photograph I have mentioned:

Image By: Thomas E. Franklin

Source: http://www.albany.edu/news/16124.php 

An Introduction

Photo By: Gordon Parks
Image Source: http://96hourssf.tumblr.com/image/44795400987

Photojournalism: (noun)- the art or practicing of communicating news by photographs especially in magazines.

            Essentially, this is a proper definition. But there is much more to photojournalism than just conveying the news through a picture. Photojournalism should not only get the news across, but it should take you on a journey with the image. The image should draw thoughts from your brain about what is actually happening or being portrayed in the picture. It should highlight an underlying meaning to the picture, and tell a story without even a word being explained about it. Even furthermore, you should maybe even feel the struggle it took to capture such a moment. Feel what it was like to actually be there, that is effective photojournalism.

            The history aspect of photojournalism is also important. To understand what photojournalism is now, you need to understand its past. How it has changed through the years with the development of society as well as technology. How photojournalists would present their photographs to the world through newspaper and magazine back then, to the now digital world of news online and at our fingertips.

            Because of the resources available to us now, everything has changed. But for the better, in my opinion. We are exposed to so much more when we look into photojournalism. We can do a little bit of research and come up with so many options to choose from, its quite interesting if you take the time to actually look into it and see the progression from when newspapers and magazines first started printing photojournalism to the present time where a photojournalist could be half way around the world, take a picture, email it to an editor, and it would be online within a few hours.

Photo By: Malcolm Browne  

Image Source: http://www.annedarlingphotography.com/history-of-photojournalism.html