Above is my creative experiental exercise, I decided to focus my attention on Holyoke and its beautiful history. According to Holyoke's web site, "Holyoke holds the distinction of being the first planned industrial community in the Nation. In 1847, merchant investors began construction of dam and canal system along the Connecticut River. With this construction came an elaborate complex of mills and worker’s housing, which evolved into the City of today. While many of the historic mills and industries are now gone, a number of structures have been maintained through preservation and revitalization efforts." I find beauty in the history of what these buildings probably once looked like and even in destruction I still find them beautiful. When comparing this experience with my idea's of photojournalism and it's importance I noticed how important the History of these photographs was. And how these photographs I took actually tell a story in a way. Also in comparison is the appreciation of the work photojournalists do, I am not to familiar with photography, so first I had to identify something I was passionate about. I really like Holyoke Massachusetts history, I love picturing the city as it once was. Through trying to be creative and put myself in the shoes of a photographer I realized it is not an easy task, but I really enjoyed it.
Photojournalism is extremely important, I never realized how much work, and risk go along with the job. I understood that photojournalism changed lives, and shared news with the world, I didn't fully comprehend what goes on behind the scenes though. I feel my my definition of photojournalism has not changed but my fundamental understanding has been layered with more research of photojournalists and their work. Knowing the history of photojournalism is important because it makes you appreciate the stories and work people do, I still believe that photographs are proof of events that make a difference. The moment I feel a sense of enlightenment was when I researched and read about Maggie Steber, for some reason her work just stuck out to me. I loved learning about her so much I know follow her on Facebook to read her posts. Photographs do change the world, like I said before they save precious moments of time and history.
This photograph had a powerful impact on me, this is in the Central African Republic. Camille Lepage did a lot of work in this location, and unfortunately due to the dangers she faced she passed away at 26 years old. She was so young, successful, and had so much going for her. This photograph also shows a young man, who probably has more going for him than sadly being pushed around and punished, I do not know the back story behind this image but I can see the desperation in his face and this photograph is extremely powerful.
This photograph is one of the images that made me fall in love with Maggie's work. I thought the story of her and her mother was so genuine and helpful o other families going through the same thing. The way Maggie used her passion of photography and storytelling to expand the ideas of dementia and its impact was so essential to this world. I feel like I connected with Maggie's work so intensely because of previously learning about the disease in school as well as watching my father's mother go through this.
Photo by: Neil Leifer
Photo Source: http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/05/ali_liston_50th_anniversary_the_true_story_behind_neil_leifer_s_perfect.html
As Robert said, "Leifer is an acclaimed, award winning photojournalist who has covered everything from the Super Bowls to World Series, from the Olympics to Muhammed Ali." I did not know alot about sports photography, as I am not a huge sports fan, but looking through Leifer's photographs changed that. I may not like sports but his photo's make me want to watch sports, his photographs are very impactful.
Photo by Larry Colwell and Anthony Barbosa
Image Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/26/dorothea-lange-birthday-migrant-mother-photographer-118_n_3333741.html
Photo by: Neil Leifer
Photo Source: http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/05/ali_liston_50th_anniversary_the_true_story_behind_neil_leifer_s_perfect.html
As Robert said, "Leifer is an acclaimed, award winning photojournalist who has covered everything from the Super Bowls to World Series, from the Olympics to Muhammed Ali." I did not know alot about sports photography, as I am not a huge sports fan, but looking through Leifer's photographs changed that. I may not like sports but his photo's make me want to watch sports, his photographs are very impactful.
Photo by Larry Colwell and Anthony Barbosa
Image Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/26/dorothea-lange-birthday-migrant-mother-photographer-118_n_3333741.html
As Courtney Partridge stated, "Lange would photograph the people and situations they encountered while her husband wrote about them. After The Great Depression, Lange was hired to work for the War Relocation Authority where she photographed the Japanese-Americans during World War 2." I found it intriguing that her and her husband both put in the work, covering the stories during the era of The Great Depression.
Photo By: James Natchway
Photo Source: http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
I learned that hope was a huge motivational tool through reading Jason Weigel's profile on him. As Jason stated, "Hope is what gives them the desire to keep fighting". I really enjoyed this quote and I connected to it on a personal level. James was another conflict photographer but looking through his images it seems like he tries to bring the sensitive side of war and conflict out.
I learned that hope was a huge motivational tool through reading Jason Weigel's profile on him. As Jason stated, "Hope is what gives them the desire to keep fighting". I really enjoyed this quote and I connected to it on a personal level. James was another conflict photographer but looking through his images it seems like he tries to bring the sensitive side of war and conflict out.
