Picture Story Introduction
Is it selfish to say that the stories that appeal to me are my own? Maybe I’m just being pragmatic. After all, being passionate about, or at least interested in, the subject keeps me motivated on a story. Starting with my work from last semester, I’m finding that there is a big difference in quality when I’m interested in the subject versus when I’m not. I also see a difference when a story comes about from my involvement. Let me explain.
The Appleseed Project story came about from my own desire to learn how to shoot a gun. It was a world I had only seen from the outside, and from a negative slant. I wanted to learn more about this culture. Not because I wanted a story (though I was constantly looking) but because I genuinely wanted to learn more about that culture. The resulting story was a reflection of what I learned as much as what the people believed. I am not saying I necessarily agree with everything I heard, but to paraphrase Howard Chapnick and Bill Jay, it was reflection of me as well as my subjects.
Now, a confession. I don’t often look at the work of other photographers. I fear that by looking at it, I will end up imitating it. On the flip side, you could say that I could be inspired by it. I came into photojournalism with a blank slate. When others begin debating photographers, I admittedly zone out. Maybe it’s an English major’s nightmare, the fear of plagiorization. I don’t want to be accused of stealing anyone’s work, so I avoid it. Perhaps I should work towards a middle ground, being able to look at other work, accepting it might inspire me, but not setting out to rip it off. Perhaps another cause for this is that I am very much a self-taught person. I learn best by doing. When I wanted to learn video production and editing, I started recording a cappella concerts. I sought advice from people on techniques, but a lot of what I learned was through trial and error. The same could be said of my photography. I honestly don’t remember how I got into it. I just seem to remember always having a camera of some sort. I was always taking photos. Early on, I hated people in my pictures. Now, as I stated in the snow pictures, it feels weird not having people in them. I’ve also gotten better at making coherent stories from those photos and videos.
Nonetheless, for this introduction, we’re supposed to include a photo that inspires us. The photo that first pops into my head is the Iwo Jima photo by Joe Rosenthal.
I wrote a paper about it for the Photography in Society course. At the end, Professor Greenwood noted, “Some good points – you find lots of ways to link the picture to emotions & ideals. What about the details of the content: composition, etc. Did anything like that contribute to iconic status?” In retrospect, I’d say that the photo recalls Christ’s crucifixion, but that is besides the point now. I seem to be attracted to a photo mostly for its emotional value, which I think is tied to its content, but others see it differently. I want the same to be said of my photos. I’m not perfect, but I’m getting better at doing my best.
