Concluding Chapter

For my creative experiential exercise, I documented the nature of a small town, adjacent to the city I live in. The small town of Russell, Massachusetts is not often talked about. However, within this tiny hill town lie magnificent locations that are beautiful. Throughout the day, I traveled from location to location capturing different views. I took images of different aspects of nature, for example, waterfalls, a thawing lake, and an overlook of Springfield from atop a mountain. Here are some of the images from my shoot. I hope you enjoy and realize the beauty of rural Western Mass. I tried conveying the beauty of the small town. 

All photo's by: Louis Scarfo

Images taken in Russell, MA

My definition of photojournalism has definitely change in some form. Early on I broke the word into two words, photo and journalism. However, now I understand more in depth what photojournalism truly is, and how much there actually is that goes along with it. Photojournalism is the unbiased representation of events for some sort of news platform. It is very important to understand the history of photojournalism because the technology we possess today is very much taken for granted. The sheer ability to point, focus, and snap an image with a smart phone is simply amazing in comparison to the wet collodion process.

A big breakthrough for myself during this course occurred when talking about technology. In the past ten years or so, technology has aided the field of photography and photojournalism alike. Freelancers and photojournalists can upload their images via the internet or apps and have their content published within minutes. It is simply amazing compared to the transmitters that were used in the 1900’s. I had another “ah-ha” moments when I began learning about drones and their use for war photography. Drones could reduce the deaths of photojournalist caught up in war stricken countries. They may also in fact get a better image with even less stress or harm on the photojournalist. With this said, I do believe photographs change the world. For example without Robert Cappa’s images, World War 2 may not have been visualized by many. Many images from September 11 capture the terror that occurred on that dark day. There are many other images that have shaped the world as well. 

Photo by: Robert Capa

Image source: http://www.skylighters.org/photos/robertcapa.html

Photo by: Sara Schwittek

Image source: http://www.businessinsider.com/haunting-photos-from-september-11th-attacks-2016-9

I believe that my experiential exercise was driven by the ability to capture quality images via my cell phone. I was able to capture the beauty of nature from a device I use everyday. I can also convey these images to a wide variety of viewers through social media and text or emails alike. Photographers in the 1800’s could not have taken the images I did, with the ease that it took due to lack of technology. People do not truly realize how much that they can accomplish with images, especially when they can capture them on their cell phone. Prior to my enrollment in this class, I too took my capability to convey images to an audience for granted. However, now after studying the topic, I truly understand the importance and power that photojournalism possesses.

Photojournalists go extremely in depth in whatever they are trying to capture. For example, in Luke Allen’s blog post, Andrew Burton takes photographs of inmates in their everyday activities, something not many understand or can connect to. Female photojournalists have always been oppressed. As Kelly states in her blog post, “she impacted society by showing women they can do whatever they want”. Ruth Orkin did in fact give women an opportunity to go out and “get their own” with her photography. Lynsey Addario is yet another female that has shaped the industry of photojournalism. As Sirjana mentions in her presentation, the American Photo Magazine named her “One of the five most influential photographers of the past 25 years”.

Photo by: Andrew Burton

Image source: https://prisonphotography.org/tag/andrew-burton/

Photo by: Ruth Orkin

Image Source: http://www.orkinphoto.com/photographs/new-york/

Photo by: Lynsey Addario

Image source: http://www.lynseyaddario.com/

Photojournalist Profile

Here is a Power Point presentation I created about Tim Hetherington.

Photojournalist profile from samscarfo

I hope you enjoyed!

Technology Timeline

Here is my Power Point presentation I created. It is a technology timeline for photojournalism. These technologies shaped photojournalism into what we now know it as!

Technology Timeline from samscarfo

I hope you enjoyed!

Winter Weather

Photo by: Louis Scarfo 

This is a photograph I took in late December of both of my brothers overlooking the magnificent view that was in front of them. We were all in fact skiing at Stratton in Vermont. We love to get out and enjoy the winter and all it has to offer. Luckily, on the day this image was taken, Stratton received eight inches of fresh powder. The day and winter itself were absolutely out of this world so I had to capture the moment.

Photojournalism and Bias

Photo by: Ed Clark
Image source: http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209
Principle #1: Subject's expression - The subject of the photo seems to be experiencing a wide variety of emotions. The subject does not seem overly posed in the photo. The man seems to be experiencing natural emotion, not just emotion for the image. The background characters also seems to be upset.
Principle #2: Abstraction - The photo is in fact representational. The military man seems to be feeling emotions perhaps due to the fact that a fight is over. The image is titled "Going home" so perhaps the subject finally gets to see his family. The notion of going home springs a range of emotions clearly felt in the image.
Principle #3: Depth of field - There is the perfect amount of area in focus here. The main subject is in focus and his emotions can clearly be seen. Out of focus, in the background, other individuals are presented, with an equal amount of emotions. Both the subject in focus and individuals out of focus both add to the image and give it it's power.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph because is it is both emotional and powerful. The man in the photo is exerting extreme emotion caused by his situation. Those in the background are experiencing similar emotions, adding to the image. The use of black and white also adds to the depth of the photo.

In the image I see a soldier feeling a wide variety of emotions, most likely due to the fact that he can go home. Also in the image, are females in the background who seem as though they are grieving in some aspect or another. Perhaps the soldier is upset because he is one of the few who gets to return home. Perhaps the soldier is just extremely happy because he is going home. Bias, as defined by the Free Dictionary is "A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits partial judgement".  To me, this image does not represent bias, but only the hard truth. There are many emotions felt by soldiers after combat, and "Going home" truly exemplifies this range of emotions.

Image A
Photo by: Greg Semendinger
Image source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/photos/9-11-the-25-most-powerful-photos-slideshow/
Year created: 2001
Principle #1: Texture - The image has a lot going on in it. The texture of the large billows of smoke add to the power of the image. The hazy city seems to be in complete chaos, caused by the smoke. Buildings are drowned out by the plumes of smoke moving through the city.
Principle #2: Contrast appropriate - The contrast in the image is exactly how it should be. There are limited dark spots throughout the image. The light spots created by the contrast allow for the viewer to take in just how much smoke is traveling throughout the city. The contrast allows for the viewer to see buildings being consumed by the clouds of smoke.
Principle #3: In or out of focus - The image of the city is much in focus. However, there are portions of the image that are out of focus. This is due to the fact that the photographer wanted to capture as much of the city as possible. Both parts of the image, in and out of focus, create an image that is powerful, emotional, and truthful.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph for the shear emotion it creates. The visual representation is exactly how the city looked from above on September 11, 2001. The image gives the viewer a truthful look into New York City on the day despair. The magnitude of the situation is perfectly captured in this image.

The image above was taken on September 11, 2001. The image is a clear representation of the truth and unfortunate misgivings that occurred on that dark day. The tremendous amount of smoke present in the image shows how much destruction actually came about on 9/11. Many believe that the Taliban were the culprits. According to the Watching America website, "The Taliban proposal for talks with the U.S. is a welcome gesture". Even today, conflicts still rage between the U.S. and Taliban forces. According to the article on the rules of photojournalism, "the type of image being produced should never dictate the story". This image does not dictate the story, but rather document the terrible day in American History. I know this image represents the truth because of a few factors: sense perception, emotion, and logic. I was alive to witness the events on 9/11 and know that the emotions experienced are both sad and true.

Image B
Photo by: Christine Muschi
Image source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2016-11/28/content_27505677_6.htm
Year created: 2016
Principle #1: Keep it simple - The photographer kept the image rather simple, Santa's exiting a sleigh. There is a small amount of clutter of each side of the image. However, for the most part the image is quite simple. There are only a few subjects in the image.
Principle #2: Exposure time - A decent shutter speed was used to capture this image. The shutter speed used was chosen in order to capture the Santa's exiting the sleigh. The shutter speed also allowed for individuals on both the left and right side of the frame to be blurred in. Had a slower shutter speed been used, the image may not have had the aesthetic qualities it now possesses.
Principle #3: What feeling does the image create? - The image creates a sense of happiness. However, from an adult point of view, the image in itself is not a truthful representation of reality. While the image is a feel good image, some audience, particularly younger, is being duped. Overall, the image creates joy among many.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph because it creates happiness. I also decided to pick this image because it also does not represent the truth. As much as I wish Santa Clause to be real, it is not the case. However, according to the image, there is a multitude of different Santa's, inevitably tricking the younger audience into the common misconception of Santa Clause.

Although the image above creates a feeling of joy, I believe that the image does not portray the truth. I know this because of both sense of perception and reason. As much as I would love to believe Santa Clause was real, I know the reality of the situation. Professor Nordell says in his first video on photojournalism bias that "Truths change over time". This in fact the case with Image B. At one point in my life I would have thought this image portrayed a wonderful truth, however as I grew older I came to find out that it is only a fallacy. According to Majority World, "we are opening doors - creating visibility, market access, and respect". Christine Muschi would enjoy that quote, seeing as though her image creates visibility with Santa's and gives her market access, because Santa is a popular topic in the U.S. All in all, the image may show a conceived truth, however the reality of the image is that is misleading those who are unaware of the subject, particularly the youth.

Women Photojournalists - Trials and Triumphs

Margaret Bourke-White was born on June 14,1904. Born in the Bronx, New York to father Joseph White and mother Minnie Bourke. Margaret attend Cornell University, in her home state of New York. It was not until the mid 1920’s that Bourke- White became well known in the field of photojournalism. She had been capturing images of construction in the city of Cleveland, Ohio when she truly began to rise. Bourke-White caught the eye of Henry Luce, a magazine mogul of the era. 

Thanks to Henry Luce, Margaret was able to have her images published on some of the most read magazines of the time. 

 Margaret Bourke-White, was the first to ever have her image on the cover of Time magazine, yet another Henry Luce product. This was a shock to the world, due to the fact that a female had her image published over a male, in a seemingly male dominant industry. Bourke-White was a fearless photojournalist and had a myriad of close calls when taking images. For example, she took images of Ghandi a few hours before he was assassinated. Margaret was without fear, though she became ill with Parkinson’s disease and was soon unable to cover these unfolding events.

Photo by: Margaret Bourke-White

Image source: http://time.com/3638432/behind-the-picture-the-liberation-of-buchenwald-april-1945/

Year created: 1945

Principle #1: Quality of Light - The quality of light in the photo creates a very bold and dramatic setting. The survivors facial expressions are all evident and grim. The light also allows the viewer to see the outrageous attire forced upon the individuals. There are also darker portions of the image that give to the depth of the photo. 

Principle #2: Contrast Appropriate - The contrast is decently high and there are almost as equivalent light to dark spots. The contrast contributes to the feeling the image portrays. The individuals in the photo look cold, restless, and malnourished. The contrast helps show the different facial structures of the individuals which also contributes to the hard image. 

Principle #3: What feeling does the image create? - The image creates a feeling of despair. It also makes me feel lucky to live where in the country that I do. I feel terrible for the individuals in this camp, and cannot even begin to imagine what that would be like. Overall the image makes me feel melancholy. 

Why did I choose this image? - I chose this image because it is extremely powerful. Many individuals have not actually seen some of these grueling World War 2 images. The people in the photo cause the viewer to feel a range of emotions. These emotions all contribute to the power of the image.

When it comes to the field of photojournalism, females are at a natural disadvantage. For example, as Addario says in her interview, “I was punched in the face a few times and groped repeatedly”. Females in the world of photojournalism are prone to not only physical abuse that men are, however sexual abuse as well. Females such as Addario do not denounce these facts, but rather embrace them. Addario spoke about two of her male counter parts in her motivational video and said “Two friends were killed in Libya last week and they were men. They have paid the highest price”. The misgivings that come from photojournalism are not exclusive to men or women, however women are in fact subject to more hardships than men. 

Paul Melcher touched on an interesting point from the male perspective, “Why is a photojournalist’s gender relevant to their work?”. The article questioned if there was a need to include one’s gender with the image itself. Many females commented on the post, which may have been more informative than the article itself. The first lady to comment was Karen, she said that “Women’s groups are more about social bonds than excluding men”. This quote resonated throughout the entire comment section and clearly opens the male eye that there is in fact discrimination that in turn creates the need for these groups. Female photojournalists are subject to more discrepancies than their male counter parts. However, the truth about photojournalism is that the image is the utmost important factor of good photojournalism, not gender.

Photo by: Paige Stoyer

Image source: https://magazine.du.edu/alumni/alumna-trains-female-photojournalists-around-the-world/

Year created: 2013

Principle #1: Keep it simple - The image here is quite simple in itself. These two females are in fact photojournalists. They seem to be enjoying their occupation as they are smiling. The image creates a warm feeling through it's simplicity. 

Principle #2: Subject's expression - Both females in the image are happy. Neither of the two look as though they are over posed. The image is in fact a candid. They seem to be enjoying themselves and each others company while photographing. 

Principle #3: Is the image black and white or color? - The image is taken in color. However, I believe no matter how it was photographed, the content would still be the same. The color adds to the image, but it does not create the whole image. The colors do add visual appeal for some viewers with the few colors represented. 

Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this image because it portrays female photojournalists. The image is also upbringing compared to the more depressing one prior. Both females look to be in a natural position. It is an excellent candid photograph. 

Photo by: Warrick Page

Image source: http://theweek.com/captured/553394/women-warriors-photojournalism

Year created: 2014

Principle #1: Depth of field - There is just the right amount of focus in this image. The main subject is in clear focus. Out of focus, a car is on fire, adding to the drama in the image. The use of both focuses is key to the images message. 

Principle #2: Abstraction - The image is both abstract and sensual. The abstract aspect is clearly the dangers women face in photojournalism. The clear image shows that there is a car on fire and havoc is upon the situation. The photographer's use of abstraction in the image adds to the power it holds. 

Principle #3: Background compliments or detracts from composition - The background is absolutely crucial in this photo. Without the burning car in the background, the image lacks power. Although the combination of the army helmet and burning car create the feeling that it is a very hostile situation. The background is key in the image and without the image would not be powerful and would seem awkward.

Why did I chose this photograph? I chose this photograph because it expresses the challenge of female photojournalists in war zones. The background creates a visually appealing and grasping image. The female running also adds to the power in the image. All in all, the photograph shows the danger and risks photojournalists take in their occupation. 

Working In The Digital Age

Photojournalism and photography in itself early required both effort and time. For example, in Module 4 of the course content, the video on the wet collodion process, exemplified the length and difficulty of developing a photo. Before modern technology, it required countless hours of work in order for a photojournalist to get their photograph published in the news. This does not even take in to count the time it took to develop the image itself. However, as time went on and inventions came about, transmitting these images to news corporations slowly progressed and became easier with the development in computer technology. The largest contribution to the change of photojournalism can arguably be the cell phone. These small devices hold the power to not only transmit and upload photos, but the power to take images as well.

In the 19th century, at the beginning of photojournalism, in order for a journalist to get his/her photo published in the news, they would have to travel to the location in which the print process would take place. This could sometimes be a 15 minutes commute, or several days all depending on the situation, of course. However, as modern science progressed, cell phones were invented and were soon linked instantly to the internet. Mobile phones created instant access to publication for photojournalists. An example of this simplicity, is Fresco New, and their slogan “Get Close. Get The Shot. Get Paid.” Fresco News is an application for smart phones that allows the user to instantly upload their photojournalistic image to a wide network of news corporations for publication. This link has brought controversy to photojournalism, many believe the ease has hindered the quality of content in the field.

When comparing the pre digital and internet era with the modern technology today, they are both means in which photojournalism content is transmitted. The pre digital method, though lengthy, was a solid and direct way for quality content. An example of this length is told about in the article in reference to Robert Capa. The article tells how Capa had to fly from France to England, just to process his images for publication. This is due to the fact that, in that time, only “vetted” photojournalists had contracts with news agencies for publication. Now that the digital era has been upon us, and the wonderful tool the internet is, photojournalist argue that the content of photojournalism is lacking. Almost any individual has the power to publish a photo with a story and be coined as a photojournalist. This technology was both helpful and hurtful for photojournalism. For example, in the article about a photojournalist being a pack mule, Wilkins tells that “staff photographer jobs were highly sought after and difficult to obtain”. This is much different in comparison to now a days.

Photojournalism through the internet via tools such as the computer and cellular devices gives the ability to convey stories from essentially anywhere in the world. A photojournalists simply needs to be in the right place at the right time for the story and snap a decent image. This image can does not even require photography equipment as it did in the past. An iPhone is capable of capturing the moment in time and even transmitting it. Professor Nordell explains in his first video of module 6 that an iPhone 5 camera possesses a 8 megapixel camera, a phenomenal camera being that it is handheld. After the user snaps the photo, they simply have to send the file to an editor or the news cooperation itself. The image is then looked at, edited, and soon after, published. The sheer simplicity of this advancement has allowed photojournalism to grow and prosper.

Photo by: Antonio Perez

Image Source: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/assignment-chicago/2013/07/photojournalism-is-alive-thank-you.html

Photo by: John Thomson

Image source: http://jobiskaspinwheel.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-i-dont-know-about-wet-collodion.html