Topic 1
I believe that my best story so far has been the report on the new Philosophy Club at LBCC. I was the most prepared with questions that would help the story and I used a lot of techniques that didn't get utilized in other stories. I recorded the meeting which allowed me to use more information that I didn't get a chance to write down and I also stayed diligent in taking notes and getting quotes.
My biggest challenge has definitely been the execution of the writing. It seems easy with a clear guideline like the inverted pyramid but the style is so different from any other writing that I have done that I cannot confirm for myself whether a story is good or even finish or not. My first story ended up coming out a lot more dry than I intended because I was focused so much on trying to stick to the facts all the way through. My second story ended up being too filled with ambiguous descriptions that didn't accurately portray the situation of the event.
I would like to improve my writing confidence because I sometimes can't identify a good story from the information that I have accumulated from my sources. I like the stories that we read in class and can recognize good reporting when it is presented to me but it is hard to find within my own words.
One of the most important things I have learned through Edna Buchanan's book and her experiences that she is sharing is the power of reporting and how much help stories can give to a community. One of my favorite quotes of Edna's is when she tries to insist on including a picture of the suspect in the paper when cops denied it, claiming that it would only deter the investigation: "That drives me crazy. You almost wonder which side they are on. I usually lose patience and mutter something derisive such as 'Why? Are you afraid you might catch him?' Which, of course, does not endear me to their hearts."
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Week 4 Forum
Topic 1
When Edna was first starting off her reporting career, there were a string of incidences where she fudged the reality of the situation in order to get a better picture. This impeded on the principle of the code of ethics of Seeking the Truth and Reporting It because she was primarily motivated on getting a good picture that would attract more viewers. When Edna shot a story about the mayor getting robbed and his car window being shot out, she wanted to create a scene that hasn't been done before.
"'Let's see,' I worried aloud, 'what can we do that's different? The eyes of the silver fox me mine- two minds as one. Without a word spoken, he sighed and loosened his expensive silk tie. Next day we front-paged the mayor, his handsome face framed by the jagged edges as he obligingly stuck his head through the broken window."
I do not think Edna did the right thing because fabricating the photographs makes it seem more dire than the incident really was. Especially in instances with photography because that alludes to more proof of reality than anything that could be written about the incident.
Topic 2
The first tip I learned from Edna about being a good journalist is always being on the look out for stories before they are assigned to you. There is a situation that is outlined very clearly with a 'what you should' and 'should not do' response.
"A reporter sauntered into the newsroom, mentioned that he had just passed a Volkswagen in flames on the expressway, and suggested that someone check to see if there were casualties."
The news reporter did not jump at the opportunity and most likely, already missed his chance to interview all the important bystanders and figure out who the first responders were in order to make a good story.
"During the tongue-lashing that followed, I heard him bellow[the editor] that had Edna Buchanan seen the flaming Volkswagen, 'she would be talking to Germany on that phone right now, interviewing the assembly-line worker who put it together.'"
The second thing I have learned from Edna is about being a good interviewer. She showed through her story that if you treat people like you are genuinely interested in hearing their side of the story then they will open up to you.
"I often found the guilty parties eager to talk- for a variety of reasons. Some try to build alibis or protest too much out of nervousness. Others believe they are misunderstood; if you show a real interest in the call girls, the cat burglars, or the serial killers, they invariably will want to tell you all about it."
It is half reporting and half simple psychology of showing respect to the sources you are talking to. Most people don't have a problem talking but you have to show that you are willing to listen and that they are worth being heard.
When Edna was first starting off her reporting career, there were a string of incidences where she fudged the reality of the situation in order to get a better picture. This impeded on the principle of the code of ethics of Seeking the Truth and Reporting It because she was primarily motivated on getting a good picture that would attract more viewers. When Edna shot a story about the mayor getting robbed and his car window being shot out, she wanted to create a scene that hasn't been done before.
"'Let's see,' I worried aloud, 'what can we do that's different? The eyes of the silver fox me mine- two minds as one. Without a word spoken, he sighed and loosened his expensive silk tie. Next day we front-paged the mayor, his handsome face framed by the jagged edges as he obligingly stuck his head through the broken window."
I do not think Edna did the right thing because fabricating the photographs makes it seem more dire than the incident really was. Especially in instances with photography because that alludes to more proof of reality than anything that could be written about the incident.
Topic 2
The first tip I learned from Edna about being a good journalist is always being on the look out for stories before they are assigned to you. There is a situation that is outlined very clearly with a 'what you should' and 'should not do' response.
"A reporter sauntered into the newsroom, mentioned that he had just passed a Volkswagen in flames on the expressway, and suggested that someone check to see if there were casualties."
The news reporter did not jump at the opportunity and most likely, already missed his chance to interview all the important bystanders and figure out who the first responders were in order to make a good story.
"During the tongue-lashing that followed, I heard him bellow[the editor] that had Edna Buchanan seen the flaming Volkswagen, 'she would be talking to Germany on that phone right now, interviewing the assembly-line worker who put it together.'"
The second thing I have learned from Edna is about being a good interviewer. She showed through her story that if you treat people like you are genuinely interested in hearing their side of the story then they will open up to you.
"I often found the guilty parties eager to talk- for a variety of reasons. Some try to build alibis or protest too much out of nervousness. Others believe they are misunderstood; if you show a real interest in the call girls, the cat burglars, or the serial killers, they invariably will want to tell you all about it."
It is half reporting and half simple psychology of showing respect to the sources you are talking to. Most people don't have a problem talking but you have to show that you are willing to listen and that they are worth being heard.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Philosophy Club Is Revived at LBCC
Sparks flew across the room as passions were ignited in the Diversity Achievement Center and 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The Philosophy Club has once again been rekindled. Jacob Tudor, the president of the Philosophy club, as well as a Biology/Psychology major at LBCC, wanted to start the club in order create discussions. Jacob said, “We have the capacity to touch one another, but we don’t seem to do that.”
The club will provide a space that is open for discussions about open ended subjects and topics in a non negative manner. “Any questions they have or want, they should come,” said Jacob. The club is for anyone who likes to talk or likes to listen. They will be enacting forms of social media and emailing lists that will be sent out online but you can always show up to a meeting and sign up there.
Jacob’s goal for the club’s future is to get involved in a lot of different other clubs on campus. “We are in a rare position where it is acceptable to reach out to other clubs and ask ‘what are you up to’ and ‘why,’” said Taylor, a Communications Major at LBCC. The club is looking to host co events with other clubs in order to promote the club as well as speak on ideas in an informal setting. “Like Theatre club. What does it mean to be another person? What does it mean to be a veteran?” said Jacob.
The club will be meeting biweekly on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the DAC. Joey Tuminello, who is a faculty member in the Philosophy Department, can be reached at tuminej@linnbenton.edu. “Who we are is a conversation,” said Joey. As they are a new club, they are open to the opinions of new members for meeting times, agenda’s and topics of discussion.
At a Glance:
What: Philosophy Club
When: Biweekly Thursday 3pm-4:30pm
Where: Diversity Achievement Center, LBCC
Who: Jacob Tudor, president, Joey Tuminello, advisor
Contact: Joey Tuminello, tuminej@linnbenton.edu
At a Glance:
What: Philosophy Club
When: Biweekly Thursday 3pm-4:30pm
Where: Diversity Achievement Center, LBCC
Who: Jacob Tudor, president, Joey Tuminello, advisor
Contact: Joey Tuminello, tuminej@linnbenton.edu
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Week 3 Forum
Topic 1
I believe that the aspect of 'seek the truth and report it' is the most important aspect of the SPJ Code of Ethics because it emphasizes what it means to be a journalist. I believe that journalists are the most effective mode of transportation in getting information out to the public and they have a duty to seek what people deserve to know about. I think that as a worker of society, the information that pertains to citizens, their country, and the world we all share should be made public in a manner of truth and effectiveness.
Topic 2
I will be attending the Sudanese Wedding Ceremony at LBCC in the Diversity Achievement Center to see how the turn out will be and the organization behind the cultural group who will be sharing food, activities and culture from Sudan. I want to get the names of the people in charge of the event, the LBCC Liaison and students who attended. Questions I will be asking include: What made you attend this event/set it up for students, Would you want other events such as this?why? Can we expect more events coming up with other cultures and countries? How can students get involved in the organization process? How do groups get in contact with LBCC to put on events such as this?
I believe that the aspect of 'seek the truth and report it' is the most important aspect of the SPJ Code of Ethics because it emphasizes what it means to be a journalist. I believe that journalists are the most effective mode of transportation in getting information out to the public and they have a duty to seek what people deserve to know about. I think that as a worker of society, the information that pertains to citizens, their country, and the world we all share should be made public in a manner of truth and effectiveness.
Topic 2
I will be attending the Sudanese Wedding Ceremony at LBCC in the Diversity Achievement Center to see how the turn out will be and the organization behind the cultural group who will be sharing food, activities and culture from Sudan. I want to get the names of the people in charge of the event, the LBCC Liaison and students who attended. Questions I will be asking include: What made you attend this event/set it up for students, Would you want other events such as this?why? Can we expect more events coming up with other cultures and countries? How can students get involved in the organization process? How do groups get in contact with LBCC to put on events such as this?
Friday, January 19, 2018
Week 2 Forum
Biggest Challenge:
My biggest challenge was definitely conforming to the style journalistic writing. I had a really hard time finding a way to make it interesting and engaging while still keeping it fact based and free of opinions and biased statements. I would change my approach to the sources and look for more ways to get different aspects of the story and maybe interview more students. My experience with interviewing was a shock. I went in feeling maybe more confident than I should of which seems to be different than most others. I usually have an easy time conversing with strangers but I almost forgot the goal at hand. I have found that I need to write down my questions because during my two interviews, I ended up asking different questions which made it impossible for me to compare the answers in my story and I had find weird ways to include all the information. Despite how confident you are preparing for the interview, you are in a completely different head space when you are in the moment and talking to them face to face.
Edna:
I found it incredible that Edna had not gone to college and has acquired her skill through her experiences and ambition for a story. Her creative side doesn't seem to follow the basic rules of journalism and he does an excellent job of turning a daily report into a unique story every single day. Maybe only someone who didn't go to school could draw so far out of the box? I feel that she has a very real vision of the world in its truest form and she looks at the heart of the story with non judgmental eyes. One of my favorite lines from the first 2 chapters of her book, The Corpse Had a Familiar Face, was "Miami's most dangerous profession is not police work or fire fighting, it is driving a cab." I believe that insight comes from a mind that is very well connected to the inner workings of the Miami street life, not from a mind on the outside looking in.
One thing I've learned from Edna is to treat every story with the respect it deserves. When she writes, she is gracious towards the victims and works hard to make sure that the story does them justice. She says that sometimes, the crime report is the only time these names will every get mentioned in the news paper. She takes her job very seriously and I can take that level of respect and professionalism and apply it to my own work as a journalist.
My biggest challenge was definitely conforming to the style journalistic writing. I had a really hard time finding a way to make it interesting and engaging while still keeping it fact based and free of opinions and biased statements. I would change my approach to the sources and look for more ways to get different aspects of the story and maybe interview more students. My experience with interviewing was a shock. I went in feeling maybe more confident than I should of which seems to be different than most others. I usually have an easy time conversing with strangers but I almost forgot the goal at hand. I have found that I need to write down my questions because during my two interviews, I ended up asking different questions which made it impossible for me to compare the answers in my story and I had find weird ways to include all the information. Despite how confident you are preparing for the interview, you are in a completely different head space when you are in the moment and talking to them face to face.
Edna:
I found it incredible that Edna had not gone to college and has acquired her skill through her experiences and ambition for a story. Her creative side doesn't seem to follow the basic rules of journalism and he does an excellent job of turning a daily report into a unique story every single day. Maybe only someone who didn't go to school could draw so far out of the box? I feel that she has a very real vision of the world in its truest form and she looks at the heart of the story with non judgmental eyes. One of my favorite lines from the first 2 chapters of her book, The Corpse Had a Familiar Face, was "Miami's most dangerous profession is not police work or fire fighting, it is driving a cab." I believe that insight comes from a mind that is very well connected to the inner workings of the Miami street life, not from a mind on the outside looking in.
One thing I've learned from Edna is to treat every story with the respect it deserves. When she writes, she is gracious towards the victims and works hard to make sure that the story does them justice. She says that sometimes, the crime report is the only time these names will every get mentioned in the news paper. She takes her job very seriously and I can take that level of respect and professionalism and apply it to my own work as a journalist.
Health Classes at LBCC
As many of us have probably experienced, managing our physical, as well as mental health proves to be a lengthy, continuous journey that will last us the rest of our lives. How well we manage our health will determine how long that journey is for us. We are all familiar with the standard health classes that have been part of the mandated curriculum since 5th grade, including sex ed, drug and tobacco warnings, and even full disclosure social/cyber bullying segments. However, as you get older, you will be happy to know that the information relayed in higher education health classes go beyond basic intuition and address personal health information that we can all benefit from.
PE 231 Lifetime Health and Fitness, available at the LBCC Albany Campus, is an introductory course to general health and fitness. Brad Carman, faculty member and professor in the Health Department, acknowledges Lifetime Health and Fitness, in addition to Yoga and other 1 credit activity classes, to be the most beneficial for students looking for a General Education Requirement to cross off from their checklists. Yoga teaches stress managing techniques and habits in order to promote a more relaxed state of mind. Lifetime Health and Fitness works on general aspects including stress management, spiritual awareness, and multidimensional physical health.
Richard Gibbs, Chair for the Department of Health and Human Performance, concurs that the Lifetime Health and Fitness course proves to be the most advantageous for students who want a well rounded knowledge of their personal health.
Through PE 231, Good Samaritan Hospital provides a Cholesterol/ Triglyceride/ Glucose screening test with a blood sample which is included in the cost of the credits. Carman said that these screening opportunities “give you an opportunity to see where you are” and “makes the information user friendly.” When presented with the opportunity, most students take full advantage of the tests and can influence behavior change.
Because the screening is a service that cannot be required, students have the right to refuse the blood test. Carman has seen an increase in students turning down the opportunity in his classes within the past couple years. On a financial level, the average screening at a Walk-In Clinic can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the establishment. Taking advantage of the services through the fees already in place for the class can save a few bucks as well as give you more insight into how your body is working and what you can look out for in the future.
Gibbs says “no matter your age, your health determines how productive you’ll be.” It is the departments goal to market the sports and health classes as user friendly and a promotion of active habits in order to, as said by Gibbs, “make changes in their life for the better.”
At a Glance:
What: Health Classes
Where: Linn-Benton Community College
When: Winter Term
Who: Richard Gibbs, Chair of Department of Health and Human Performance; Brad Carman, Professor in Physical Education and Health Department.
Contact: gibbsr@linnbenton.edu
PE 231 Lifetime Health and Fitness, available at the LBCC Albany Campus, is an introductory course to general health and fitness. Brad Carman, faculty member and professor in the Health Department, acknowledges Lifetime Health and Fitness, in addition to Yoga and other 1 credit activity classes, to be the most beneficial for students looking for a General Education Requirement to cross off from their checklists. Yoga teaches stress managing techniques and habits in order to promote a more relaxed state of mind. Lifetime Health and Fitness works on general aspects including stress management, spiritual awareness, and multidimensional physical health.
Richard Gibbs, Chair for the Department of Health and Human Performance, concurs that the Lifetime Health and Fitness course proves to be the most advantageous for students who want a well rounded knowledge of their personal health.
Through PE 231, Good Samaritan Hospital provides a Cholesterol/ Triglyceride/ Glucose screening test with a blood sample which is included in the cost of the credits. Carman said that these screening opportunities “give you an opportunity to see where you are” and “makes the information user friendly.” When presented with the opportunity, most students take full advantage of the tests and can influence behavior change.
Because the screening is a service that cannot be required, students have the right to refuse the blood test. Carman has seen an increase in students turning down the opportunity in his classes within the past couple years. On a financial level, the average screening at a Walk-In Clinic can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the establishment. Taking advantage of the services through the fees already in place for the class can save a few bucks as well as give you more insight into how your body is working and what you can look out for in the future.
Gibbs says “no matter your age, your health determines how productive you’ll be.” It is the departments goal to market the sports and health classes as user friendly and a promotion of active habits in order to, as said by Gibbs, “make changes in their life for the better.”
At a Glance:
What: Health Classes
Where: Linn-Benton Community College
When: Winter Term
Who: Richard Gibbs, Chair of Department of Health and Human Performance; Brad Carman, Professor in Physical Education and Health Department.
Contact: gibbsr@linnbenton.edu
Friday, January 12, 2018
Week 1 Media Blog Forum
Topic 1: About Me
This is my third journalism class at LB. I started out with Photojournalism and am continuing on with the course requirements as a Journalism Major. I am more interested in this class because I would like to learn more about the process of writing stories and focus on the reporting aspect. I would like to learn about investigative reporting as I am most interested in politics and international affairs. I am drawn to the job style of getting assigned a story and having to do my own research and investigating for more information. Apart from writing, I most enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing during the winter and backpacking/hiking during the warmer seasons. My dad and I are active hikers and are currently working on accumulating segments of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Topic 2: My Three Goals
My goals for this term are to develop a different skill set that I have not been introduced yet through other writing classes. I am new to the idea of "short and easy" topics and stories. I tend to be a very wordy writer and can usually get a way with in in other forms of academic writing. However, the intentions of the stories in this class is to spread information in an entertaining way that is easy to understand as well as easy to remember. I would also like to expose myself to the possibility of "Breaking News" stories. Although the circumstances of a school paper will not likely lead to many large stories such as these, I would like to get experience writing more stories with some sort of time constraint to test my abilities and prepare me for future opportunities. The goal that will probably be the most challenging for me is to learn how to write in a neutral, fact based manor. I am usually very passionate about the topics I write about and it might be difficult for me to leave out my own opinions. The rule of adjectives with help me the most in forcing the bulk of my stories to be driven by nouns and verbs without planting biased opinions in the readers mind.
Topic 3: My First News Story
My first story revolves around the health classes that are available at LBCC and what benefits are provided to students that can assist in long term health. Could this class be advertised to the student body as more than just a General Education course? For my sources, I will be interviewing Richard Gibbs who is the Chair for the Department of Health and Human Performance and also a professor for PE 231: Lifetime Health and Fitness. I will also interview Brad Carman who is also a professor of PE 231 and has long history of teaching and studying in various health aspects including diet, nutrition, and exercise. My questions for the interview include: What benefits and tests does the class offer?, Do students effectively change their behavior after getting results from the blood tests?, How many students effectively reach their goal by the end of the term?, Do you believe this class should be encouraged for all?, How do you think the information provided sets students up for a healthy life?
This is my third journalism class at LB. I started out with Photojournalism and am continuing on with the course requirements as a Journalism Major. I am more interested in this class because I would like to learn more about the process of writing stories and focus on the reporting aspect. I would like to learn about investigative reporting as I am most interested in politics and international affairs. I am drawn to the job style of getting assigned a story and having to do my own research and investigating for more information. Apart from writing, I most enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing during the winter and backpacking/hiking during the warmer seasons. My dad and I are active hikers and are currently working on accumulating segments of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Topic 2: My Three Goals
My goals for this term are to develop a different skill set that I have not been introduced yet through other writing classes. I am new to the idea of "short and easy" topics and stories. I tend to be a very wordy writer and can usually get a way with in in other forms of academic writing. However, the intentions of the stories in this class is to spread information in an entertaining way that is easy to understand as well as easy to remember. I would also like to expose myself to the possibility of "Breaking News" stories. Although the circumstances of a school paper will not likely lead to many large stories such as these, I would like to get experience writing more stories with some sort of time constraint to test my abilities and prepare me for future opportunities. The goal that will probably be the most challenging for me is to learn how to write in a neutral, fact based manor. I am usually very passionate about the topics I write about and it might be difficult for me to leave out my own opinions. The rule of adjectives with help me the most in forcing the bulk of my stories to be driven by nouns and verbs without planting biased opinions in the readers mind.
Topic 3: My First News Story
My first story revolves around the health classes that are available at LBCC and what benefits are provided to students that can assist in long term health. Could this class be advertised to the student body as more than just a General Education course? For my sources, I will be interviewing Richard Gibbs who is the Chair for the Department of Health and Human Performance and also a professor for PE 231: Lifetime Health and Fitness. I will also interview Brad Carman who is also a professor of PE 231 and has long history of teaching and studying in various health aspects including diet, nutrition, and exercise. My questions for the interview include: What benefits and tests does the class offer?, Do students effectively change their behavior after getting results from the blood tests?, How many students effectively reach their goal by the end of the term?, Do you believe this class should be encouraged for all?, How do you think the information provided sets students up for a healthy life?
Friday, December 1, 2017
Photo Story
Kathleen Hutchinson, Director of the Pastega Lights Display, gives tour and instructions for set up to Clair Conner (from left), Kari Gottfried, Jessica Hovermale, and Kara Fightmaster. Clair and Kari are Juniors at CHS and volunteer with Key Club at local events. Jessica and Kara are Sophomores at CVHS and also volunteer with their school's Key Club. Saturday, Nov. 18.
Ari Waskin, 17 (left) and Sophia Merten, 11, work to untangle light strings at the Pastega volunteer event for the National Honors Society. Ari is a Junior at Crescent Valley High School and Sophia will be attending CVHS next fall. Saturday, Nov. 11.
Anthony Nguyen, a freshman in the Chemical Engineering program at OSU, spends hours wrapping light strings behind displays in order to give a clean, neat appearance for upcoming public. Anthony is originally from Oregon City and has loved how easy it is to get involved with public events in Corvallis. Saturday, Nov. 18.
Mike Strowbridge goes on one last walk through the display, checking lights, minutes before gates open to the public on opening night. Friday, Nov. 24.
Cars line up to enter the infamous Pastega Lights Display the Friday after Thanksgiving. The lights have been on display at the Corvallis Pepsi Plant since 1980. When the plant shut down, the Pastega family volunteered to have it moved to the Benton County Fair Grounds where it attracts thousands of cars from Thanksgiving to New Years. Friday, Nov. 24.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Week 10 Forum
Best Photojournalism-
My Goals-
My goals in this class is to get more agile with my camera skills. I want to be able to know how to take a photo that will turn out well almost every time regarding light, blurriness and saturation.
This goal took longer to accomplish than I would have originally thought. At the start of the term, I thought I was getting really good at working with my camera, however, most of my subjects and environments just so happened to be in perfect conditions for taking photos. Not to try and discredit myself totally, but most of the scenarios were lucky situations where the lighting was perfect and I didn't have to compromise my focus. It wasn't until later in the term when I started taking pictures in difficult environments with very bad lighting and lots of motion shots that I realized I wasn't as good as navigating the settings as I thought. I had to do a lot of trial and error tester shots to figure out the balance of ISO and Shutter speed to salvage a good picture when working indoors with lots of weird shadows.
I also want to learn about what kinds of photos draw people in. What content will do well in the public and what will not.
This knowledge was learned with the help of my classmates and studying The Commuter each week. I looked at other people's photos and chose the photos that drew me in the most and began to analyze why? I then tried to use these techniques on my own photos and to be a little harsher on my editing. I had to learn the difference between artistic photography and photojournalism, as well as how to determine a good photo rather than just my favorite photo. When working with the intent of journalism, I learned how important it is to have people be your subject. People like to see and read about people, connecting with their eyes and their bodies in a picture is what makes it relatable and interesting.
I intend to become more open about taking photos in public because at this time, for me, it is very uncomfortable to get into people's faces with a camera which contradicts my want to have people seeing my art.
To be completely honest, I don't know if I have truly achieved this goal. I have certainly gotten better, but I am still by no means comfortable about getting close up shots of subjects who are strangers to me. Most of the time I just had to keep reminding myself that I had to get the shot because I needed to complete the assignment. My grades were my only motivation to get the pictures I needed. I liked having photographers come in to talk because they expressed the same feelings that I had. Mark Ylen said that sometimes there is really nothing that can be done about that feeling except to ignore and remind yourself that this it is just and job and it needs to get done.
One of my favorite photos from this term was the environmental portrait I took of Andrea Mitev. I thought my composition worked really well and I was able to show a nice depth of field between my subject and the background. This project helped me solidify my knowledge of how to make the background and environment work well with the photo. Even though this assignment was a set-up, posed picture, it allowed me to create a "perfect" back drop which I would then use as a reference to look for good backgrounds in my future candid photos. This was a good assignment to allow the photo to be composed exactly how you wanted and then take what you find to be "good photos" and look for that in other situations. It also showed a very different view of what photojournalism could be rather than just breaking news. It allowed for a more in-depth caption and a story telling aspect.
My Goals-
My goals in this class is to get more agile with my camera skills. I want to be able to know how to take a photo that will turn out well almost every time regarding light, blurriness and saturation.
This goal took longer to accomplish than I would have originally thought. At the start of the term, I thought I was getting really good at working with my camera, however, most of my subjects and environments just so happened to be in perfect conditions for taking photos. Not to try and discredit myself totally, but most of the scenarios were lucky situations where the lighting was perfect and I didn't have to compromise my focus. It wasn't until later in the term when I started taking pictures in difficult environments with very bad lighting and lots of motion shots that I realized I wasn't as good as navigating the settings as I thought. I had to do a lot of trial and error tester shots to figure out the balance of ISO and Shutter speed to salvage a good picture when working indoors with lots of weird shadows.
I also want to learn about what kinds of photos draw people in. What content will do well in the public and what will not.
This knowledge was learned with the help of my classmates and studying The Commuter each week. I looked at other people's photos and chose the photos that drew me in the most and began to analyze why? I then tried to use these techniques on my own photos and to be a little harsher on my editing. I had to learn the difference between artistic photography and photojournalism, as well as how to determine a good photo rather than just my favorite photo. When working with the intent of journalism, I learned how important it is to have people be your subject. People like to see and read about people, connecting with their eyes and their bodies in a picture is what makes it relatable and interesting.
I intend to become more open about taking photos in public because at this time, for me, it is very uncomfortable to get into people's faces with a camera which contradicts my want to have people seeing my art.
To be completely honest, I don't know if I have truly achieved this goal. I have certainly gotten better, but I am still by no means comfortable about getting close up shots of subjects who are strangers to me. Most of the time I just had to keep reminding myself that I had to get the shot because I needed to complete the assignment. My grades were my only motivation to get the pictures I needed. I liked having photographers come in to talk because they expressed the same feelings that I had. Mark Ylen said that sometimes there is really nothing that can be done about that feeling except to ignore and remind yourself that this it is just and job and it needs to get done.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Lynsey Addario: "It's What I Do"
It's What I Do by Lynsey Addario
Kahido, 20, at home with her two children born of rape, in eastern Congo, 2008
"Journalist. It is who I am. It's what I do." These are the last words to Lynsey Addario's It's What I Do. This is also the answer to any problem, any conflict, any doubt about why she puts herself in tough situations to get a story. Apart from her excellent skill and technique as a camera worker, her integrity as a story reporter and a truth teller allows her to stand far from the crowd of other journalists. She chooses to tell a story from the point of view of the citizens during the complexity of active war periods. She does her best to expose the cost of war by emphasizing the effects on human life rather than the actions of soldiers.
Addario's memoir travels through her life at a heightened speed over the evolution of her Photojournalism career. She reflects on many experiences that have helped her grow. She intentionally goes after dangerous and violent situations in order to report on the very real fear that is created in the civilians that are effected. I can relate to the author's sense of duty in pursuing photojournalism in war zones. I feel even more motivated to do work that is being appreciated and making a difference. Photojournalism is a career unlike others that can give visual validation for the work you put in. That assurance of reward for your time and commitment.
One of the most memorable quotes from her story is a thought she had while in a Libyan prison after getting kidnapped. One of her colleagues had voiced that he couldn't do it anymore, could not continue to put himself in danger for a story. Addario shared her personal thoughts on the matter. Her beliefs: "That fact is that trauma and risk taking hadn't become scarier over the years; it had become more normal... The acceptance of that was a natural defense mechanism against questioning ourselves too much. Maybe the three of us didn't want to admit how sick it was that we would even contemplate continuing to cover war while we were sitting in a glorified prison cell, kidnapped in Libya."
I feel that this snippet of her thoughts during one of the most intense moments of her career accurately relayed the passion she feels for her job and how she overcome obstacles by sheer will and desire for a story. She is a journalist. It is who she is. It is what she does.
In addition to how she has grown as a person, she also includes a lot of times she has developed skills as a journalist. These skills can be transferred to many aspiring journalists and photojournalists, possibly her targeted audience. I was able to take her quality of fearlessness and apply it to my own journalism reporting. She is an exceptional example of a journalist on the extreme side of the spectrum, which gives me prospective in my own work. If she can run towards the aftermath of a bomb explosion, then I can approach a woman on the street for a name in a caption because she is in one of my photos.
Throughout her adventures, she includes excerpts of her work. They are great representations of the life stories she has reported on. My personal favorite of her works appear on Pg. 189 and Pg. 192. Addario was working on documenting the lives of women effected by the conflict in Darfur. I like how these do not show violence but rather the result of it. A symptom of a diseased world. It also shows possibilities when we are exposed to reports of post combat situations. War photographs from Afghanistan often work to keep us informed but for average citizens, there seems to be little I can do. It's one government against another and I'm just one person. But the lives she portrayed in other countries have opportunities where we can help. Aid workers and relief funds are available that can help directly. And I see more hope in these photos than others.
That is what war/conflict photojournalism can do. Give back a voice and, even more, give back hope to those who have been denied it by the force of others. I read this book under the context of a textbook but more than that, it is a story like no other. I would recommend this book to everyone because there is a lot to be learned from her experiences, not just about journalism, but about the world and its people.
Photo: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/11480087/War-photographer-Lynsey-Addario-on-tragedy-pregnancy-in-warzones-and-being-played-by-Jennifer-Lawrence.html
Lynsey Addario Website: http://www.lynseyaddario.com
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Week 8 Forum
As I get further and further into "It's What I Do," so Lynsey seems to get deeper and deeper into the sacrifices necessary for this career. She stretches her self over more strenuous situations in order to show her true skills for telling a story through the lens of a camera. Two chapters seem to really stand out throughout her journey. My favorite was Ch. 9 with a close second of Ch. 13.
Chapter 9 brings to life a real and accurate reflection of what daily life can look like for a war/conflict photographer. When she was in the Korengal Valley during active combat, they were just as much a part of the war as soldiers and were in no less danger. During the first half of the book, most of her passion allowed her to overlook the serious consequences that her job can have. She consistently had the attitude of "I have to BE THERE," "I have to GET that shot, NO MATTER WHAT." The chapter, along with the brief ch. 12, where she receives news of Tim Hetherington's death, proves to the readers and to herself that she is not invincible, and the constant conflict and violence can be quite dangerous and scarring.
One of my favorite quotes was from an email she wrote, after a set of pictures was rejected due to an integrity issue. Addario says, "We represent the New York Times. We have a responsibility to put out material we get, not cower and question ourselves and worry about military scrutiny... We owe it to the Afghans, the soldiers, everyone we spent time with and promised to show the TRUTH. Our readers deserve to see what's happening over here"(246). I thought this was a true show of self defense against the censorship of something that might make the US look bad. She felt to the fullest extent, what she had experienced in the Korengal Valley and she would not have it be for nothing.
As follows, my favorite photo from this section was the picture of Khalid, who was never included in the published New York Times, in print or online, because of too much uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the information in the caption. I completely agree with Addario. I believe that journalists are there to give voices to those who would be able to have one. If we take that away with concerns that Americans won't be seen in the best light, then we are also causing the oppression that we claim to fight against.
This chapter taught me to stay true to the journalist intent. To tell the story in raw detail, to show from all angles, good, bad, ugly, to relay events in their honest form without filtering to sell an image.
Ch. 13 was my second favorite because it also but a realistic spin on a seemingly unimaginable life of a photojournalist. Lynsey became pregnant and was brutally honest in sharing that she did not feel overwhelmed by joy as most mothers do. She was worried how it would effect her work and what it would mean for the future. However, she also went on to share that after becoming pregnant, she had experienced the heart wrenching prospective of her documentation as a mother. She felt more empathy for each subject she encountered and believed her work was better because of it.
Chapter 9 brings to life a real and accurate reflection of what daily life can look like for a war/conflict photographer. When she was in the Korengal Valley during active combat, they were just as much a part of the war as soldiers and were in no less danger. During the first half of the book, most of her passion allowed her to overlook the serious consequences that her job can have. She consistently had the attitude of "I have to BE THERE," "I have to GET that shot, NO MATTER WHAT." The chapter, along with the brief ch. 12, where she receives news of Tim Hetherington's death, proves to the readers and to herself that she is not invincible, and the constant conflict and violence can be quite dangerous and scarring.
One of my favorite quotes was from an email she wrote, after a set of pictures was rejected due to an integrity issue. Addario says, "We represent the New York Times. We have a responsibility to put out material we get, not cower and question ourselves and worry about military scrutiny... We owe it to the Afghans, the soldiers, everyone we spent time with and promised to show the TRUTH. Our readers deserve to see what's happening over here"(246). I thought this was a true show of self defense against the censorship of something that might make the US look bad. She felt to the fullest extent, what she had experienced in the Korengal Valley and she would not have it be for nothing.
As follows, my favorite photo from this section was the picture of Khalid, who was never included in the published New York Times, in print or online, because of too much uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the information in the caption. I completely agree with Addario. I believe that journalists are there to give voices to those who would be able to have one. If we take that away with concerns that Americans won't be seen in the best light, then we are also causing the oppression that we claim to fight against.
This chapter taught me to stay true to the journalist intent. To tell the story in raw detail, to show from all angles, good, bad, ugly, to relay events in their honest form without filtering to sell an image.
Ch. 13 was my second favorite because it also but a realistic spin on a seemingly unimaginable life of a photojournalist. Lynsey became pregnant and was brutally honest in sharing that she did not feel overwhelmed by joy as most mothers do. She was worried how it would effect her work and what it would mean for the future. However, she also went on to share that after becoming pregnant, she had experienced the heart wrenching prospective of her documentation as a mother. She felt more empathy for each subject she encountered and believed her work was better because of it.
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