Iraqi Children Play School

Weekly Image Review #9

Iraqi Children Pretend to go to School

This touching image speaks to the reality and the consequences of war.  Here we see Iraqi children hidden behind a wall and seated on bricks in a makeshift classroom. They are about the same age, fairly well dressed, attentive--and yet the enthusiasm of youth has not been diminished. The boy in front  is dutifully working on a math problem.

One might ask, “What happened to their school?  Was it bombed?“  In spite of the devastation and fear that they must live with regularly, this bit of structure helps retain a few shreds of normalcy.

Presidential Visits to China

Weekly Image Review #8

Obama in China

Our BBC image shows President Obama at a news conference during his recent visit to China. We see young reporters leaning toward Obama animated and full of smiles. This is not the impression that the average American has of the ‘oppressed Chinese.’ Obama is clearly engaged and as enthusiastic as the press that is swarming toward him.

President and Barbara Bush in China (extra credit)

Here are two additional photos that were part of the BBC China visit collection. We have 2 separate images of the Bushes during their visits to China-- both show Chairman Mao visibly behind them. I especially like the first of the Bushes and their bicycles with the military clearly distinguishable, off to the left. It was clearly a sign of the times. In a later color image the Bushes look happy and older; behind them the crowd doesn’t look so happy, more suspicious, subdued, and distant.

Photographer Review

I selected national food photographer, Renee Comet, for my class presentation because of her strong, clean graphic images. Comet uses minimal props and prefers to allow the food to dominate her images, but she also mixes it up with sensual lighting and surprising backgrounds.

Renee Comet image                        

Comet has caught the attention of a wide range of clients including the US Postal Service, Wine Spectator, Smithsonian, and the Washington Post, where she is a regular contributor. She has over 30 cookbooks to her credit.

Tribute to Renee Comet

As part of our class presentation we also provided our own image in the style ofthe photographer. My interepretation is slightly softer than a typical Comet image, but I have endeavored to maintain her simple and uncomplicated look.

Narrative Photos and Critique

Photo Assignment 4:  Narrative

Our assignment was to present two images that tell a story.  The images should include details that help  make the story believable and provide realism.  I selected the 'creative process' as the subject of my narrative assignment. Since I am considering a similar topic for my final class project this seemed like a fine opportunity for a little pre-investigation work.  

A Satchel on my Mind is a quick study of the creative process used in designing and sewing my one-of-a-kind purse. Without making the scene messy, I wanted to illustrate the necessity of plenty of choices in materials and finishing touches, since some would work, and some would not.

Immersion

The first image, Immersion, is a scene of materials and tools useful in the satchel design and sewing process. There were plenty of props: assorted fabrics and notions, design book, scissors, tape measure, sewing basket and machine, plus an antique sewing table with its original 4’ measuring image painted on the top.  I used the tape measure to draw the eye to the pattern book for free-styling handmade bags.  I also wanted to convey the passage of time—this was not a problem since the set-up took far longer than I anticipated.

Inspiration

The second image came together much quicker. After toying with potential props, I elected to keep it simple and remain with the original setting. The completed satchel is presented amidst incorporated fabrics and tools. The lighting and color matching was trickier than I had anticipated and I continued to tinker with it until the last minute.

The class feedback was helpful, even though some of the guys did not relate to a sewing project. I didn’t relate to a football narrative either, but I appreciated the effort. Others felt the composition was good, that I managed to show time passing, and that the details provided were helpful to the narrative.

Nations Around the World Honor War Dead

Weekly Image Review #7

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
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We learn via text and from other images in this series that the honoring of war’s fallen was played out across the world on Veteran’s Day. As simply a human interest story, I found this particular image quite captivating.

We see the two elderly British monarchs performing their royal duties during Armistice Day ceremonies at Westminster Abbey in London. This image provides us with great close-ups of the spritely Queen and her aging Duke of Edinburgh.

The British love their hats, and the Queen’s hat is always a subject of considerable discussion. She is sporting a bright purple full-brimmed selection that is far more complimentary than many others she has worn! We can barely make out the red poppy tucked into the lapel of her matching coat; there is also one evident on Prince Philip’s uniform. The Queen, in spite of her years, looks astute and fully engaged… the Prince, not so much.

Veteran’s Day at London’s Westminster Abbey (extra credit)
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The stateliness of this image really grabbed me. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (in the US we have now dropped the designation “Soldier”) is captured here in Westminster Abbey with the British Flag being lowered over it.

It is a beautiful setting, with the cathedral's breathtaking arched ceilings adding to the overall royal splendor. The stunning bright red poppies that are displayed on the tomb are a tradition in England. The eye is drawn into the height and breadth of the space, which further amplies the magnificence of the structure.

The singular British flag being lowered over the solitary tomb is beautifully symbolic of the importance of remembering the individual, instead of the incredible numbers who have died for war.

Why Photojournalism Matters

Article # 7 Review
Kenneth Irby’s editorial regarding the value of photojournalism began much like a good photo: he gives the reader a primary focus--which in this article is the shared opinions of a cab driver whom he spent time with while in Minneapolis.

 

The cabbie, Amir, expresses his own appreciation for photojournalists--and the service they perform in visually presenting and interpreting the news. Along with this, Irby shares the opposite side of the appreciation spectrum, and points out frustrations held by many photographers—that they are not valued in the workplace.

 

Irby sums up his comments regarding newsroom politics by listing five priorities of equal importance to both photojournalists and their co-workers in the newsroom:

 

1. Acknowledge that photojournalists are an integral part of the team.

2. Content is key in photojournalism, and it should have primary importance over aesthetic issues.

3. Ethics remains the quantifier in establishing the essential benchmarks of an image.

4. Underscore the importance of staying on the leading edge of photojournalism technology.

5. Understand the importance of diversity in photojournalism and the avoidance of stereotyping.

 

Global Narratives

Weekly Image Review #6

Panama City Parade

The expression on this little soldier’s face is enigmatic. Is he parroting role models, perhaps a father? We know that he is participating in a parade in Panama City. Beyond that, we can only hope that he is not a child soldier.

Shoe Cleaner in Kabul

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The image is reminiscent of a life-size picture box with this little fellow and his business all scrunched in about him. In spite of the diminutive space, he appears comfortable and content with his lot. He is surrounded by the tools of his trade and he is still able to exhibit pride in his profession as a shoe cleaner. He seems to have all his needs met: a warm blanket, a good book, perhaps a bit of food and drink next to him, and the companionship of customers and friends.