Concluding Chapter

 When I had first started this class at the beginning of the year, I was asked a simple question. Professor Nordell had asked us what the word photojournalism had meant to us. I responded in my very first blog by saying "When I think of photojournalism, the first thing that comes to my mind is capturing the right moment. Moments that clearly show actions speak louder than words. Photojournalism is a special way of communication that allows us to visualize what has actually occurred. It's as if a story is being told in front of us without actually having to say anything."  Still to this day, I believe this is what photojournalism is, but only partly. After going through these modules, my definition today is the action a photojournalist does in order to spread knowledge and capture the moment that causes many to think outside the box. Photojournalism can be split into two words, photo and journalism. Photo being the image the photojournalist captured and journalism being the action the photojournalist is doing to spread their knowledge or capture that moment that some require seeking.

Regarding the history of photojournalism, I believe it's always best to understand what had happen before that way history doesn't repeat itself. I found it very important learning the first instruments used to capture images. The progress of technology for photojournalist and how the impact made this profession easier for some. I found through these modules how many photojournalist had dealt with different kinds of dilemmas. Many dealt with ethical dilemmas, bias', gender issues or conflict. Learning about these photojournalist is a part of history. It's a part of history because as a photojournalist you want to know who paved the road for you. What had those photojournalist done to make being a photojournalist something you aspire to be. Typically it's the people in photojournalism who inspire others to get out there and capture images  My thoughts from the beginning of the semester to this point hasn't changed much however. I had always found it important to study the history of something. Understanding the history of photojournalism was vital in understanding the definition of photojournalism in the bigger picture. 

One of the big "ah-Ha" moments I had in this course was in the ethics of photojournalism module. This module was an "ah-Ha" moment to me because it opened my eyes to the different perspectives someone has when taking a photo. There was the photo of Aline Marie praying outside St. Rose of Lima church in Newtown, CT on the day of the school shooting.  This had an ethical issue in photojournalism because the big question was if taking the photo of Marie was wrong or not.  Marie had said "I sat there in a moment of devastation with my hands in prayer pose asking for peace and healing in the hearts of men," she recalls. "I was having such a strong moment and my heart was open, and I started to cry."  The photo raises ethical issues because when is enough. When do you give someone space. This module was my "ah-Ha" moment  because I had realized that no matter what, some may take it to that extra step. But who are we to say that it was wrong of them. Your moral compass may tell you one thing but you do another. Without these photojournalist, would we have only pictures that don't show the truth in some situations or would we just have photos that are only smiles and rainbows? 

Photos most certainly change the world. Photos create stories that some may have a difficult time telling. The phrase actions speak louder than words can be said the same for photos. A photo in front of you can tell you more than you would need to know. When thinking of the photos that impacted me the most this semester, the images by Ed Clark, the library of Congress, and Anja Niedringhaus had impacted me the most. The photo of Ed Clark had affected me because it tells the story of someone who has returned from war and is crying. The viewer can have their own interpretation of why he may be crying. He may be crying because he is so happy to finally be back or he could be crying for a peer who had lost their lives in his time with the military. The photo of cloud formed by the atomic bombing in Nagasaki has had a major impact on me since grade school. Somehow, I would find this image in my history classrooms and English classrooms. This had impacted me because it made me realize that actual destruction that occurred in World War II and why it is important to understand the history of our actions. The last photo by Anja had impacted me because it had represented a good versus evil image. This image had shown me that even though their is some evil in this world, a simple act of kindness can come from anyone. When you are young, you have this innocence to you that makes you have a big heart for everyone. Unfortunately, that big heart tends to decrease as you realize the problems of the world around us. 

Photo by : Ed Clark

Image Source : http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209

Photo by : Courtesy from the Library of Congress

Image source : http://www.american.edu/ucm/news/20150804-Kuznick-Hiroshima.cfm

Photo by : Anja Niedringhaus

Image source : http://www.apimages.com/Collection/Landing/Photographer-Anja-Niedringhaus/84a73761dfc64589b31f92f2a1e5738d

Creative Experiential Exercise :
 

Photos By : Jason Wegiel

Relating these images to that of section 3, these images have an impact in photojournalism. Even though they may only impact me, these photos have a place in photojournalism. Anyone who captures an image has a place in photojournalism. The unique thing about taking a photograph is that anyone can. I was able to take these photos with my iPhone. The camera of the iPhone is a photojournalist's dream as they are able to just take pictures on the fly. I had taken these images because they had stood out to me. The rocks were arranged in a unique way . Although you can't see it, there are two trees in the second photograph. I had taken it because one was dying and one was alive. Lastly, I had taken a picture of my dog because he's a pretty cool little guy. All he does is sleep, and I most  certainly can not wait to do that after finals. I chose black and gray for my photograph because I feel as if you get a better sense of lighting and can see the colors that contrast each other the best.

Relating to the knowledge of history of photojournalism, I had learned plenty from my classmates through their photojournalist profiles. Understanding where theses photojournalism came from had helped me have a better understanding of the field of photojournalism they had chosen. In Brittany Burnett's photojournalist profile, I had learned that Nachtwey was a student of the 60's and that the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War had a powerful influence on him.  It's these kinds of historical moments that can really help inspire photojournalist. In Robert Ollari's profile on Neil Leifer, we had learned that his success had came from the success of Mohammed Ali.  In history and photojournalism, we learn that the success of someone may lead to the success of someone else. It's capturing the big moments that interest others. Lastly, we can find out the impact a photojournalist can have in society. In Allison Gavin's photojournalist profile, we learn that Lynsey Addario impacted women and others around the world. Her images teach society what some are going through personally, financially, or by where they may live.  In the history of photojournalism, we realize that the impact of others may have an impact on the whole. In the end, we rely on one another to inspire each other and keep bettering one another to advance the history of photojournalism. 

James Nachtwey

James Nachtwey

What Motivates Photojournalist

What may motive some may not motive others. Motivation is different for many individuals. Some tend to do certain things because of a reward, some may do it for pure joy, or some may do something because it's the last option for them. Felix Masi, a Kenyan photojournalist said what inspired him was "watching tv in a social home because we never had tv and I used to see a lot of war and a lot of news an war and I thought I could do well as a war photographer." Felix Masi's inspiration lead him to have a successful career as a war photojournalist. Felix had grew up with a war surrounding. I think this made his transition in this particular field of photojournalism easier for him because how much he was already aware of. When war comes to be a subject, I believe those involved believe they are fighting on the good side. Felix's images capture the lives of those fighting and I think his purpose for this was to show the truth of war.

The next photojournalist I had researched was Steven Coleman. He explains what draws him to photography by saying " I feel that most people search for answers in life. Some find it in religion or philosophy, some in the act of helping others. Many people find it through their careers and work, or at least try to do so. Others search yet never find and a few get lost along the way in difficult places like in alcohol and drugs.Yet many people, perhaps most people, search for something. For some reason, my search has taken me down a path of photographing landscapes, sharing what I learn and writing about the journey. We are all different."   It seems to be that what motivates Steven Coleman is the search for something. The outside world has many different perspectives. Steven Coleman found himself fortunate enough to photograph landscapes and also explains himself through writing. I think Steven said it perfectly by saying we are all different. The same could be said about motivation. Everyone is uniquely different in the sense of what motivates them. From the module 12 content, Gilles Peress asked his photojournalist students " are you willing to die for photograph." This relates to Steven Coleman because I think since he is searching for his answers, he's will to put himself in any type of situation to get his results.

The third photojournalist I had researched was Eric Kim. What Eric Kim had said was "  As with photography— I don’t think you should take photos for the sake of taking photos. You should only take photos because there is some deeper personal meaning for you. Whenever I see something that is truly important to me, I don’t need to “force” myself to take a photograph. The camera naturally floats towards my hand, and I take the photograph. There is no effort necessary— similar to the Taoist concept of “wu-wei” (action without action). I think this is what the kung-fu masters meant when the body-mind is connected as one, and you “disappear into the act.”   To Eric Kim, motivation and inspiration are intertwined. He believes that the images photographers capture should have a deeper meaning to them. It shouldn't feel as if it was forced to take. He mentions that it's as if there was no effort necessary. This must make photography less stressful for him and if these photos being capture come easy to him, it's as if they were a gift. In the module 12 content, Gordon Parks credits his success to prove people wrong over the racism he had dealt with.  These two photographers had two different styles where one can go wherever and photograph freely where the other was worried in every situation he was placed in. It's unbelievable how much has changed in photography in the matter of 100 years.

In my motivation map, the things that motivate me the most are all ahead of me. In terms of my education,  what motivates me is excelling in school to make the deans list and go to grad school.  Excelling in these areas will allow for me to have a good job and a steady income. This ultimately will lead for a happy life, a lot of traveling hopefully, and a lot of thanksgiving dinners in my belly. My motivation map relates to those of the photojournalist because it's all a bigger picture. All of what motivates us leads us to a bigger and better self in the end of it all. My motivation is similar to these photojournalist because what I want to do with my knowledge can be said to be the same as these photographers and their images.

Felix Masi

Image by : NYAKARIMA

Image Source : http://asummerbunny.com/photojournalism/

Image By : Felix Masi

Image Source : https://felixmasi.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/new-kenya/

Steven Coleman

Image By : Unknown 

Image Source : http://www.digitalcitizen.life/uncovering-artists-through-windows-7-themes-steve-coleman

Image by : Steven Coleman

Image Source : http://www.lightinframeblog.com/#sthash.zTqsYmyi.dpbs

Eric Kim

Image by : Eric Kim

Image Source : http://www.yanidel.net/2011/06/28/meeting-street-photographers-iii-eric-kim/

Image by : Eric Kim

Image Source : http://www.yanidel.net/2011/06/28/meeting-street-photographers-iii-eric-kim/

Motivation Map

Photojournalism and Bias

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

When looking at this photo by Ed Clark, I see a man who is both sad and happy. This man may be feel sad because of his experience away. He may have witness colleagues loosing their lives and he couldn't have helped. I image this man to be happy though because of his time away from his family fills himself with such joy to be reunited that he looks teary eyed. It seems to be that he may be reminiscing of his experience away. But it also looks like he is looking toward his future and all these emotions are finally hitting him. According to Professor Nordell, "Can we as individuals, be free or bias?" This particular individual is starting to free himself as he sets himself on a whole new journey.

Subject's Expression : Looking at this photo, the subject is very teary eyed . It looks as if he can't hold his emotions anymore as he is playing his instrument. The body language fits the the facial expression. It's almost as if he is trying to stand straight and proper to hold himself together from his emotions.

Contrast Appropriate : I would say that the contrast in this photograph is somewhat high. There are a lot of different areas of bright and dark areas. I wouldn't say that the contrast contribute to the mood as much. I believe it is the person in the picture who makes the mood in the picture.

Keep It Simple : The composition of this photo is simple. Even though there are plenty of people in this photo, the whole concept is very simple. You are able to see everyone clearly. There is nothing in the image that causes something else to be disturbed.

Image A Truth :

Image By : Martynas Klimas

Image Source : http://www.demilked.com/neighbor-children-photography-adrian-mcdonald/

When looking at this image, I found truth because of the innocence in the little boy. The first thing that comes to my mind when thinking of truth is innocence because there is this guilt free attitude presented. The little boy seems to be pure and without flaws in this photo. This photo in particular has more truth than bias in it because the definition of bias is "A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment."  This image to me doesn't not seem as if it is leaning towards one way or the other. This image is very straight forward. According to Professor Nordell, " I more likely subscribe to the rules that I wouldn't want to photograph somebody that I myself wouldn't want to be photographed." I think this phrase is important when thinking of truth in photography because it shows the honesty and integrity the photography has when taking the photo.

Quality of Light : The light in this photograph is very engaging. I wouldn't say it is overwhelming, but the lighting helps focus on the individual and the bubble. It makes an impact in the photograph because the background is slightly duller, but when looking at the main focus it is bright.

In Or Out Of Focus : The main subject in this photograph is in focus. The image of the subject and the bubble is very sharp where you can see the outline of the body and bubble very clearly. The background is out of focus because the main subject is the boy playing with the bubble. 

Depth of Field : I believe the right amount of area is focused. The whole focus of this image is the boy and the bubble. The surrounding is not so much important. The depth of field directs your attention to the main subject because its almost as if all the attention is on him.

Image B Not Truth : 

Image By : Anella Loubser
Image Source : http://petapixel.com/2014/09/14/flipping-photographs-upside-turns-ordinary-portraits-strange-alien-faces/

This photo portrays no truth because it is misleading. This image is of a face that is actually a head turned upside and the wrinkles on the forehead are a nose and a mouth. Some photos may be to slick to trust where " A technically proficient image may trick the viewer into thinking he or she is seeing something of substance." Typically a photo that has truth in it shows it's true meaning without misleading the viewer. It doesn't need assistance in explaining itself. This image tends to be more bias becuause of its inclination to impartial judgement. According to Professor Nordell, " its vital importance to look at the possible biases of the photojournalist creating the images, as well as taking a look at what our own biases may be."  When looking at this photograph, it may be easier to not find the truth in this one opposed to the one of the little boy. My biases may differ than the photographer who took this image. But whose to say whose right when taking these photos. There are different opinions on everything. If everyone had the same opinion it would be very boring.

Texture: When looking at this photograph, you can see the wrinkles on the forehead. You are able to see the pupil and the eyeball very clearly. This individual seems to have plenty of birthmarks by his real nose area oppose to his wrinkled nose. In the wrinkles, you can also see the little wholes the skin makes.

Background Compliments : The background compliments this photo because it is all black. This is a black and gray photograph. The reason this background compliments this image so well is because it allows for the viewer to focus on the head instead of the background.

Use of Lines : In this image, there are plenty of lines because of the wrinkles. The wrinkles seem to draw the viewer's attention more vividly than the eyeballs. But being this close to the face, you are able to see plenty of lines that either curve around the eye which fit the face well when makes an upside face.

The Ethics of Photojournalism

There are many controversies with ethics and photojournalist. The article I had researched was 7 with VII : Ethics in Photojournalism. This article had asked 7 photojournalist about how they feel in certain situations and what their stance was on them. The questions that were very deep and meaningful to me had to do with boundaries. They had asked "If someone tells me I'm only allowed up to this point or I can't cross this line, should I listen?"," How do you navigate between creating the most compelling images and being sensitive and empathetic to the wants and needs of your vulnerable subjects?, " How do you negotiate consent and respect for your subjects in a moment of crisis?" and more.

The first question asked about if someone is only allowed up to a certain point or if they can't cross a line, should they listen was answered by Ron Haviv. Ron had said "Alongside all the photographic decisions, you must simultaneously be thinking about the scene, your presence and effect on it, as well as your interaction with your subjects and everyone else that is there. There are going to be times when you judge it’s one step too far to take an image, other times it might be too dangerous to take an image.There will be times when people in authority whether legitimately or not, will try to stop you from working. In all these situations you will need to understand what is the end goal. Is this photograph worth it?"  The second question was about how you navigate between creating the most compelling images and being sensitive and empathetic to the wants and needs of your vulnerable subjects. Stefano De Luigi had said " I do not lose empathy because I’m a human sincerely and intensely interested in what I’m seeing, but I know where my place is, and in this particular context, my place is to be a witness." The last question was how do you negotiate consent and respect for your subject in a moment of crisis? Ashley Gilbertson answered this by saying "I often approach people, wearing a camera, and intentionally make eye contact. In this moment, I receive permission to make a photograph or am told I am not welcome. In many cases, especially those that are more open to interpretation, I will sit and chat with the person for a while, introduce myself and explain what I’m up to. After that, the person feels a lot more empowered, and clearer, to say if they’re comfortable being photographed." The common theme in all these responses are dealt with boundaries.

The photographers makes sure that they don't overstep their boundaries in each scenario. But each question was asked differently. Ron Haviv answered saying that he would make his decision on the spot. He mentioned his read of the moment would be his deciding factor. I believe that is the case for most photographers. Not every situation is the same. Stefano De Luigi mentioned in his answer that he knows his place. Sometimes, photographers may or may not realize when the overstep their boundaries. Stefano realizes that in order to empathize with his subject he needs to look at it from their point of view. The most personal of the three photographers however, was Ashley Gilbertson. Ashley would already have the camera around his neck and chat with the individual seeking approval and if they felt comfortable enough for a photo. I think when we photograph something, sometimes we forgot we are dealing with real people and that could be brought back to our moral checklist.

My ethics map points to four questions that a photojournalist may ask when photographing. The first question is whether or not if they are right to take the photo. The second question is if they do take that photo, will it hurt anyone. The third question is if the photo about to be captured is for a greater good. Lastly, my final question is whether not it was worth it. The photographers above in a way had answered each of these questions in all there responses. I believe these four questions are the most important when you're in the process of photography. It's tough sometimes to check our moral compass. But these questions I believe question the most important problems to any dilemma someone may be in. Each controversy dealt with the boundaries and whether or not it was okay to overstep them. Asking whether or not it was all worth it in the end. When checking back to our moral compass, the biggest question may be, was it worth it? , when you find yourself struggling with that answer, I think you know whether or not you made the right decision.

Ethics Map

Photo By : Ron Haviv

Image Source : http://www.worldpressphoto.org/people/ron-haviv

Photo By : Stefano De Luigi

Image Source : http://www.stefanodeluigi.com/index.php?/projects/cinema-mundi/

Women Photojournalists - Trials and Triumphs

Zahra Kaezmi was a photojournalist who had worked all her life following her passions which took her wherever need be. However, her passion for photojournalism had taken her all the way back to Iran which had ultimately been the end of her career. Zahra was born in Iran in 1948. In 1974, she would move to Paris, France to study literature and cinema at the University of Paris. After completing her studies at the University of Paris, she and her son would move to Montreal, Canada where she would gain dual citizenship. Zahra would hold Iranian and Canadian citizenship. She would find work in Africa, Latin-America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. With all this travel, her passion for photojournalism would grow as she continued to get a better insight on what was really happening in remote locations.

In 2003, Zahra would return to Iran using her Iranian passport. She had obtained a permit allowing her to pictures of the daily lives of Iranians. However, government officials had arrested her while she was taking pictures of protesters near a prison in Tehran. While she was in custody of Iranian authorities, Iranian prison authorities tortured her, breaking bones and sexually abusing her . She would eventually be taken to a hospital where it would be determined that she had internal bleeding and a brain injury. While in a coma in the hospital, Iranian officials failed to contact Canadian consular officials and refused her family to access her. After Zahra had passed away in the hospital, Iranian officials had ignored the request to have her remains return to Canada.  Zahra Kaezmi's legacy will still be remembered through her photos. She will be remembered for her dedication and passion in photojournalism. As a woman photojournalist, she had already dealt with plenty of adversities, but she looked for the positive in photojournalism, which was capturing the important moments.

Women face discrimination in many different work environments. Typically, women work as clerk typists, secretaries, and administrative assistants. Some employers believe women lack skills and qualifications necessary to perform nontraditional and higher-paid positions because of gender. Other employers hire women in supervisory roles to prevent them from earning higher level roles. In a 2003 study by the University of California Hayward, Dr. Drogin discovered 72 percent of workers from Wal-Mart are women but only 33 percent are managers.  Women deal with discrimination more often in workplaces than anywhere else. Women photojournalist deal with discrimination out in the field more often then men. According to Professor Nordell, Marion Post Walcott " had gotten a job at the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, however, the male photographers weren't welcoming, apparently, they urinated in her photography chemicals, threw spitballs at her, and extinguished cigarettes in her developing trays." Being a woman in a male dominant job is typically very difficult. Most males look at the women thinking " what are they doing in this profession?" or " do they think there cut out for something like this?". I think most males are intimidated by woman because they are worried that woman can do the job better than them. Its as if a competition is being formed between both genders, but males have started the competition. Marilyn Nance, another woman photojournalist spoke about how barriers were hard to break. Nance says, " I have never felt this inclusion in awards - even in 1991 when I was a finalist. I placed as a finalist again in 1993 and, recalling my previous feeling of alienation and exclusion, resolved to provide myself comfort."  Another woman photojournalist was told " I need to be an Asian woman to get a job," by a male photographer venting his frustration about not getting a job with a Boston newspaper.  No matter what the situation is, women tend to be looked down upon or have a feeling of guilt for doing better than their male counterparts. Being a woman in a workplace is almost a lose lose situation.

However, being a woman in a workplace shouldn't be a lose lose situation. Being a woman in a workplace should almost feel empowering that they are equal to us males in a working environment. Everyone should be able to feel equal to one another. Especially when working in the same field as each other. In one of my personal experiences, I have witnessed the jealousy and frustration of some men who are angry that a woman had a managerial role and they didn't. The males would talk between each other and look for all of the flaws that the woman was doing in her role. Saying how she wasn't capable of handling that role and etc. That woman boss however, exceeded everyone's expectations and impressed everyone else that were higher in the ladder than her. She continue to work hard and continues to be the bigger person in the workplace. Everyone has their own perspective about their co workers in their environment, however, if everyone works hard and puts in constant effort, shouldn't their be less hostility in a work environment

Photo By : Zahra Kaezmi
Image Source : http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/mp-seeks-law-change-in-wake-of-supreme-courts-zahra-kazemi-ruling
Year Created : Unknown
Subject's Expression : Zahra had taken this photo of herself. Her facial expression looks as if it were mysterious. Her facial expression also makes you question what she was thinking. Zahra looks as if she posed for this picture before she finally took it. I wouldn't say that it is overposed, but I would agree with saying she was prepared for it.
Quality of Light: This photo looks as if it were faded. In terms of light, I would say it is flat or uninteresting. Perhaps this is because the photo looks as if it were taken a while ago. These photos do interest me though because the more faded a photo looks, more in the past it is which makes history unique.  
Keep It Simple: This photo overall is very clean. The photo isn't cluttered, and you are able to tell what the purpose of this picture it. It is very clear that it is a photo of herself. You can see the face, hands, camera, and background very clearly.
Why I chose this image : I chose this photo because this was the clearest image of Zahra I could find. Also, what a better person to take the picture of Zahra than herself. This photo was very clear and straight to the point. It was important to pick a picture of Zahra that was clear. It was unique to get a picture that was somewhat faded because it represents herself in a point in time that will never change.

Photo By : Anja Niedringhaus

Image Source : http://www.apimages.com/Collection/Landing/Photographer-Anja-Niedringhaus/84a73761dfc64589b31f92f2a1e5738d

Year Created : 2012

Rule of Thirds : When it comes to the main subject, I believe it is the soldier on the right hand side of the photo. Your eye just seems to be drawn to the soldier right away. The soldier is placed on the outer third in the rule of thirds. But if someone were to say that the child in the photo was the main subject, she was placed on the first of thirds in the rule of thirds in this photo. 

Is this image in color : This photo by Anja is indeed in color. The photographer at this time was given a choice whether she wanted this photo in black and white or in color. Overall, everything about this photo is dark, until you see the child who is in a pink dress which in my opinion resembles good or innocence.

Feelings The Image Creates : When looking at this photo, you vibe off the dark colors which means it is depressing. Typically, a soldier in all black in my opinion resembles evil or death. But the little girl in the pink dress can resembles innocence and good. It is as if there is this tug of war between good and evil in this photo.  

Why I Chose This Photo : I chose this photo because I wanted an image by a strong woman photojournalist. This image in particular, represents the sides of good versus evil. But also, this image represents the two different lives these individuals had. This photo was chosen because everyone can have an opinion on what the meaning of this photo is. Photos that can be expressed through many opinions are photos well taken. 

Photo by :Yunghi Kim 

Image Source : http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/photographers-can-protect-work

Year Created : 1999

Background Compliments:  The smoke from the fire I believe is the main subject in this picture.  This smoke is in focus and although it doesn't compete for attention, attention is brought to it. I think attention is brought to the smoke because the way the boy's hands are positioned. But what really brings attention to the smoke is the amount of black in the black and white photo.

Texture  : In this picture, you can almost feel the texture in the boy's hair, the dirt road, the grass, and the smoke. We have all felt all of the following thing listed. The smoke appears to be very dense and that's how I picture it when I feel it. The dirt road appears to be grainy and the grass seems to be drying out. I feel as if you're able to see and feel a lot in this picture because how clear it was taken.

Shadows: The smoke and clouds in this picture really portrays a shadow in this picture. At the bottom of the smoke, you are able to see this very black cloud, but as you go up it seems to lighten up but the dirt road darkens when the lighter smoke passes by. The clouds in the sky also help portray the shadows of the smoke because when the clouds pass, you can compare the cloud to the smoke. 

Why I Chose This Photo :  I chose this photo because there were many qualities to this photo that could be spoken off. Another reason I chose this photo was because it was done by another powerful woman photojournalist. This image has texture, shadows, and many other principles that could be talked about. But the qualities of this photo that stood out was the background, the texture, and the shadows. It's a clear contrast between dark and light.

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Technology Timeline

Technology Timeline

Working In The Digital Age

Blogging has become sort of this norm in society today. The first recognized blog was by Justin Hall, while at Swarthmore College in 1994. A blog could be associated with " traditional news media, topic based blogs related to one's work or hobbies, or blogs for purely entertainment." Blogging was a chance for anyone to have a voice on the topic of their choice. It was unique because anyone could do it and more or less say what they wanted without consequence. As of 1999, Jesse James Garrett made a list of 23 blogs through out the internet. By 2006, according to the Technorati's State of the Blogosphere, a reported 50 million blogs were on on the internet. The continued growth of blogging really had a positive impact of photojournalism as a whole because how often someones work was being read.

Blogging has affected not only photojournalism but also photojournalist. According to Professor Nordell, "an iPhone 5 has 8 megapixels...if the light is okay, you are getting a file that is much larger than when it came out is considered unbelievable." I mention the use of the iPhone here because it's easy access to the internet and camera allows the photojournalist to post their works either via blog or anywhere else. Having an iPhone or any cellular device really that is capable of accessing the internet or a camera is an incredible feat in the digital age. Referring to the digital age mindset, according to Professor Nordell, "it's all about the web and what you can show on the web." So referring back to blogging, the web play's the biggest role. It is easy for the blogger to go out in the field and find what they are looking for and post it immediately. I believe because of this, bigger news source outlets are teaming up with bloggers because of how easy they are to access and how often blogs are being read in this day of age. According to this article, " Mainstream media sources are also teaming up with existing blogs and bloggers, rather than just setting out on their own. Take, for example, the regular posts on CNN.com from Mashable editors and writers. Another good example is the purchase of TechCrunch and associated blogs by AOL, which, while not a traditional media source, is one of the oldest internet companies still in existence. With blogging, it's importance in photojournalism is because of its easy access and the strong connection with mainstream media sources.

Comparing blogging to a Leica camera, the difference between the two technologies in photojournalism is clear. According to Professor Nordell, " the Leica camera was made in Germany...used very small 35 mm film, so with one roll of film you could take 24 or 36 pictures." Comparing this way of photojournalism to technology, blogging is more of the journalism approach where this camera is more of a photo approach. According to Professor Nordell," you could take pictures in the coat, like if it were to be hidden." Although these two are a different form of photojournalism they relate in a way. Blogs are capable of having photos within. That is why blogging is a combination of photojournalism. However, this camera could also be a combination of photojournalism as it takes the photo, the photojournalist could publish it in a newspaper and relate to the news.

Blogging is a new waive of photojournalism that is still popular in today's society. Although it is newer than the Leica camera, they both relate to photojournalism because of how they are used in it. It's important to remember that the root of photojournalism is photo and journalism. They are many different styles of photojournalism, however, most of them will relate to one another in some way. If it takes a Venn diagram to find out, you'll see the connection at some point. 

Photo By : Ernst Leitz II

Image Source : http://us.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/100-Years-of-Leica-Photography/Leica-100-years/Iconic-photos

Photo By : Oskar Barnack

Image Source : http://us.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/100-Years-of-Leica-Photography/Leica-100-years/Iconic-photos

The Art of Photojournalism

Photo By : Timothy O'Sullivan

Image Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149899/The-American-West-youve-seen-Amazing-19th-century-pictures-landscape-chartered-time.html

Year Created : 1874

Rule of Thirds

I believe Timothy O'Sullivan avoided placing the main subject of this photo not in the center because it captures your attention with the flow of the water. You first find the beginning of the water source and realize it goes in a downward motion. The water source is spread out going in different directions making this a very busy photo. If I were to say where it was specifically, it would be the last two thirds of the photo.

Is the image black & white or color?

This image is a black and white photograph because of the time it was taken. It is important to also mention that it was very well executed even though photography wasn't as advanced as it is today back then. Black and white photography is very unique as it shows different colors in the subjects due to light and we could clearly see that with the water being practically white in this photo and the scenery being black.

Keeping it Simple

In my opinion, I believe this photo is simple. The image has nothing really blocking it besides maybe the mist in the lower left hand side due to the falls. But the image is clearly shown well. We realize that it is a waterfall in a mountain like scenery. All the images are seen clearly, making this photo simple and unique for this time frame.

Why'd I choose this Photo?

I chose this photo because I found it to be very interesting for a photo before the 1900's. The caption below the photo while looking at it compared the waterfall to being the Niagara Fall's of the west. What also really interested me was the motion of the water and how well it was captured really making it the main subject of the photo. The shape of the waterfall as well goes in a curve like shape, making it an interesting point of view.

Photo By : Peter Sekaer

Image Source : http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/2002386-times-square-throughout-the-20th-century/?utm_expid=21082672-12.InTAp1P_QWuf9wSnIRJAqg.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Year Created : 1937

Texture

The texture in this photo is shiny, and smooth because of the metals making the sign. This was a photo of Time Square in it's early stages. The signs in this picture are very smooth and shiny, but the overall feeling could be considered rough because of the unfinished look in sign in the background but also the buildings being brick. Brick has this rough texture to them, making them seem gritty in a way. It's as if it was still a work in process.

Quality of Light

It looks as if this photo had sufficient amount of light but it also looks like this photo was taken on a cloudy day.  The light to me in this photo is bland or flat. But that may be because of the clouds in the background making this a gloomy day. Nothing really looks bold or pops out to me but it was clearly all visible.

Main Subject

The main subjects is the big tower with the Peanuts sign, Coca Cola sign, a large statue in the middle. All of the main images are in the center of the photo. We don't really focus on the brick buildings to the side. But if I were to decide what really stands out the must, it would be the Peanuts sign because it captures your eye, even from afar.

Why did you choose this photo?

I had chosen this photo because it was one of many photos showing the progression of Time Square. I like the rough feeling of this photo showing how it was still in the works of being something great. All those signs also showed me that there was some sort of city life even back then with entertainment and food.

Photo By : Andrew Harrer - Pool

Image Source : http://www.billboard.com/articles/videos/6745316/obama-thriller-michael-jackson

Year Created : 2014

Subject's Expression

The subject in this particular photo is Barack Obama. Barack is pictured smiling wide and his eyes are squinting. It looks as if Barack is very happy at this point in his presidency. His body language fits the facial expression he has. This photo looks as if it was taken during his laugh and seems to be a genuine reaction from Barack.

What feelings does the image create?

When looking at this photo, right away you smile. Barack Obama's smile here is contagious and creates a feeling of happiness. What I believe really makes you believe this smile is genuine is his eyes glaring to the other direction, most likely at someone else. It's as if you can image someone telling a joke to the President and he just can't contain his laughter.

In Or Out Of Focus

Barack Obama's smile here was taken in focus. Barack's smile is shown very clearly, which really is what creates the overall feeling of the photo. The image of Barack is very sharp and clear while his background isn't as focused. This photo of Barack is so in focus you can see the smallest details in the President's face. You are able to see his dimples and the wrinkles underneath his eyes.

Why Did I Choose This Image?

I had chosen this image because the reaction Barack Obama has here. Barack Obama is smiling in this photo and that is how I want to think of him in is final term as President. This photo was also so clear and sharp that the meaning behind it was very clear. The photographer here captured Barack really enjoying himself which I am sure must be rare with the stress he has to deal with.

Pre-Digital Photographic Technology

The rotogravure was part of a pre-digital photographic technology era that really made printing what it is today. The rotogravure can be said to be an example of intaglio printing. Intaglio means gravure in Italian or engraved in other words. A rotogravure is" a printing system using a rotary press with intaglio cylinders, typically running at high speed and used for long prints, magazines, and stamps " according to Google. The first patent printing system dates all the way back to 1860 in France where a web fed printing on both sides - a process called rotogravure - whereas the first sheet fed machine was built in 1913 in Germany by Schnellpresenfabrik Frankenthal Albert & Cie. This was the start of something very important in photojournalism.

The rotogravure had affected photojournalism in a positive way with it's high speeds used for long prints, magazines, and stamps. One of the most positive things for a photojournalist at this time was that this printing system allowed for the photojournalists photos to be published in massive amounts. That means more people would be able to see the photographs being published by these photojournalist. Sparking more conversations between people and a discussion of what is going on around them. This was typically good for photojournalism because it had allowed more photographs to be printed creating a business for magazines, newspapers, and stamps. Professor Nordell had said " Sundays were a special edition with photographs and they were the most read pages of the newspaper,  or the most looked at pages in the newspaper, and for companies that advertised in that newspaper in those pages where there were photographs those ads sold much more. " It's more enjoyable to view a picture instead of reading words. That is why I think photographs are so important to these newspapers and magazine companies because photos are what make them successful ultimately. Professor Nordell said " facebook if by land and tweet if by sea." This quote, similar to Paul Revere's, makes us realize how easy it is to post our photographs to social media. Easy access to photographs is important to photojournalism because then interest sparks. Photojournalism had changed for the better with the rotogravure because was so talked about, you couldn't escape from it.

Pre-digital photographic technology was much harder to take a photo unlike the photo I had taken today. My smart phone allows for me to take as many photos as I want. Photos back in the day made it harder for the photographer to take a photo because there was so much that went into a perfect shot. According to Professor Nordell, " a Like a camera, made in Germany, came out around 1925, they use very small rolls of 35 mm film, so with one roll you could take 24 to 36 pictures." Which is incredible for that time period, but today we would think that was a joke. Some people take that many photos in a matter of a minute. Those cameras would take a little bit longer as they take the photo and restart the process. But also, sometimes you would just get blanks while taking those photos. With smartphones today, you could press the button on the camera as fast as you''d like and it would take the photo.

According to Weegee, " the subject as news photography is the most wonder experience of any man and or woman to go through, it's like, ... you push the button and it gives you what you want.  News photography teaches you how to become fast . " Weegee realizes the importance of news photography because just by the press of a button you get what you want. He realized you have to think fast and to always be on your feet or you won't get what you want. It amazes me that through all the difficulties that were presented at that time, that they realized how important photographs actually are in telling the worlds its story.

Photo by : Jason Wegiel

Photo by : Maurice Guibert

Image Source : http://twistedsifter.com/2012/09/photo-manipulations-before-digital-age-photoshop/

Can Photographs Change the World

A common question with those who study photojournalism in depth is whether or not photographs have the power to change the world. In my personal opinion, I believe photographs have the ability to change the world. An example of a photograph changing the world would be during Russia's 1996 presidential election when Alexander Zemlianichenko took a photo of Boris Yeltsin dancing at a rock concert which led the Russian's to believe Boris Yeltsin was healthy for another term and essentially helped him win the election. The photo Alexander had published to the world changed the history of Russia because without Boris Yeltsin being reelected, there would have been another president and most importantly, we would never know if Russia would be on the same page as it is today.

There is more power to a photo then most people are capable of understanding. Professor Nordell had an interesting idea on photojournalism, stating " What is reality?, What are our senses? How do we perceive the world? Now lets apply this idea to our study of photojournalism, if a tree falls down in the woods to take a picture of it did the event happen? " Without photojournalist taking photos, how would we possibly know if the event actually happened unless you were actually there, but then again, how would we know it's the truth. Photos unveil this sort of truth. It's as if it were a document without words. But we have to keep in mind, that this document might be altered. The media can be perceived in many ways. Keeping that in mind, that's why the media can be dangerous. According to Business Insider,  "six media giants control 90% of what we read, watch listen to." Whose to say that they are actually telling us the truth? Whose to say that they aren't feeding us what they want us to think? We as the viewers have to realize not everything is as it is. How about when Antonio French according to the guardian said "he and the two professional journalist who were briefly taken into custody after police demanded they stop recording were targeted because they were documenting law enforcement actions." relating to the Ferguson incident. Those police officers that took those photojournalist into custody had realized that those photos taken had so much power and could cause an uprising against the police system.

Photographs can change the world for better or for worse. Jonathon Klein of Getty Images said " the images of Guantanamo had a profound impact, the publication of those images as opposed to the images themselves often caused a government to change it's policy, some would argue that those images that did more to fuel the insurgency of Iraq than virtually any other single act."   It's as if a spark ignited and not only the government, but also everyone who viewed the image had a say. Photographs change the world because it sparks a fuel in people that create action. Those actions can change everything going on and alter everything. With different reactions from everyone, creating their own opinions, photos can change the world because of their response and or action to the photo. If that photo weren't published, then that response or action would have never happened.

One photograph that has affected me personally was the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This picture stands out to me the most because I remember seeing this photo in my History and my English class and just thinking to myself how destructive it actually was. It was mind boggling to me that the War between the US and Japan was as bad as it was. But more importantly, what really stands out to me besides the explosion in the picture, were all the lives lost after the bombing. Just thinking to myself, how unfortunate that all those lives were lost for something some may not have believed in. That photo is so iconic;I don't think even generations further down the road will ever forget.

Photo by : Courtesy of Library of Congress
Image Source : http://www.american.edu/ucm/news/20150804-Kuznick-Hiros

Photo By : Alexander Zemlianchenko
Image Source : http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/24/world/europe/24yeltsin.html

Book Introduction Blog Post

When it come to defining photojournalism, we can break the two words up into photo and journalism. With that being said, we could say it is communicating news through photos and visual works. Photojournalism is an important news source as it is an outlet to the world. Those who don't speak the same language can still perceive a picture the same way. Pictures don't typically have words but show clear action. Photojournalism is unique because the photos that are presented display emotions that can range anywhere from being sad to happy. It is important to realize how powerful a photo is to those who look at them and what kind of impact it has to the world.

We study the history of photojournalism because as Garvey had once said " a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” To me, this quote is important when trying to understand history because history contains the word story in it, and to really get why it is important goes back to its story. Journalism is essentially a story being written. But the question is, why is it being written. We also have to realize the importance of how far photojournalism has actually come along to where it is today. Studying the history of photojournalism is important because without knowing where it had started we would never be able to tell where it would be going.

According to Professor Nordell, it had all started " with Mathew Brady's photographs of the Civil War considered by many to be the beginning of photojournalism, that there was just exhibits of photos and people would just stand in line to see the photos." The Civil War was one of the most controversial wars as it essentially had split the United States into two. So those photos that Mathew Brady had photographed had people who were divided deciding whether or not those photos were on the same side they stood for. But if you really think about it like that, isn't it amazing to think that those photos could spark so much interest and discussion without actually having words. What Mathew Brady did with those photos sparked all of photojournalism to what it is today.

Today, we have different kinds of photojournalism. We have photojournalist who work for local newspapers, magazines, or even as far as a war photographer.  However, there are challenges that apply to all photojournalist but in their own way. According to Jason Henske who runs a local newspaper, says his challenge is " with a small paper and a small market you got to do it all in order to be successful. " Jason Henske has to find stories throughout the day that will allow him to run a successful newspaper whether his topic is crosswalk safety or a car accident, it all depends on him to where he takes his newspaper. But for war photographer James Nachtwey, he often tells people he " experiences pre-traumatic stress disorder, there is a lot of things that can happen in a war zone that you can't expect. " A war photographer has to risk their lives to capture the moment they are searching for in war. War photography is dangerous because not only do they not get enough credit for what they are actually putting themselves through, but it isn't always a promise you will get something in return. Overall, understanding the history of photojournalism is important because not only had it branched out to different areas but it also lets the viewers realize how much of an impact there really is with a photo.

Photo By : Mathew Brady
Image Source : http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/the-all-seeing-eye/

Photo By : Horst Faas

Image Source : http://www.ap.org/Content/Press-Release/2012/Exhibit-to-remember-AP-photojournalist-Horst-Faas

History of Photojournalism

When I think of photojournalism, the first thing that comes to my mind is capturing the right moment. Moments that clearly show actions speak louder than words. Photojournalism is a special way of communication that allows us to visualize what has actually occurred. It's as if a story is being told in front of us without actually having to say anything. Growing up, whenever the Sunday paper would come to my house, the first section I would go to is the sports section. At the time it wasn't really the statistics that interested me but the images of icons such as David Ortiz hitting a big home run, Zdeno Chara from the Boston Bruins lifting the Stanley Cup, or even a picture of the bench of my favorite professional teams. It was something about those pictures in particular that just by looking at that photo you could tell the mood and the emotions running in it. Photojournalism has a special impact on the world as it allows the world to capture those important moments that will be remembered forever.

Photo by Harry How / Getty Images

Image Source http://boston.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/06/16/bruins-with-the-stanley-cup/boston-bruins-v-vancouver-canucks-game-seven-18/