Decided to present this with a light effect as my artistic vision,not present as a "Media ready image" in the strict sense of photojournalism...the message remains the same,of course...
Thanks to those of you who recognize the value of photojournalism in general as well as supporting my own images...
i don't have too many shots left to post at this point, but will possibly have some late next month from national coverage in the "other" WA.,D.C.!...
Here is some poetry i wrote to accompany my image...
Beyond the mask
He is losing what he thought was gain Too many coffins are what remain
Too many false words spread around Come on! it's only a repeat of the same Merry-go-round!
He exposed himself like a neon sign See beyond the mask...recognize his kind
Power is not glory No matter how he "spins" his story
His chameleon ways fool you once, fool you twice See through his words 'cause a "shallow mind" gives a fool's advice.....
Let me know which of my PJ images already posted are the strongest image-wise to you....Thanks!
Yes Gayle ? this is good either way, but as in Mark?s opinion I see the picture strong and self-evident without the artifice.
from the outside it is extraordinary to witness, and particularly in the face of such evident and absolute fraudulence and on such a massive scale, how some folks still see this Iraq occupation and the absurd loss of so many children, a parade of nineteen year olds dying every day, to be justified! How they perceive the repulsive self-serving Bush administration (far more insidious than Nixon?s) directing this madness, as the protectors of ?freedom? carrying the banner of ?democracy? across the world? Yes indeed, ?You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.?
?quite the surreal and extraordinary society the USA
I think this is one of your strongest PJ shot from the event but I must agree with part of what Paul said in that i Would have just left it plain - no messin' about. It's very srong on it's own. Mark
hi,Paul.....i agree "if i was trying to post a straight PJ image", which of course i wasn't since i used the artistic vignetting,or spotlight effect to emphasize aspects of the photo...just wanted to post this with my own artistic vision for a change...thanks!
Dear Brad, then by all means go out and shoot the "other" side!....once again, this was one LOCAL vigil nearby that 1. i could physically get to on short notice...2.that i chose because not only did i believe in its message,but a smaller scale event (only 102 people) in which i wanted to find out if i could manage to shoot quickly and well inbetween elbows and moving people while remaining respectful of those holding candles,singing and speaking......i have thanked several people here at UF with opposing views because they have remained respectful with their comments and have given me feedback about the PHOTO OR PHOTOJOURNALISM...i see no point in debating anyone about their personal beliefs...photojournalism images expand public consciousness and in your own words,
Gayle: "I admire your efforts in presenting Photojournalism as a "window" of our collective consciences. I'm glad that it stirs emotions the way that it does. It requires great skill and control to debate issues while using both facts and emotions. Thanks for the opportunity that you've provided for us to express ourselves, while remaining for the most part, civil."
:-0 . . . Brad
How provocative, Gayle!.... I will resist "biting" on the political bait, from a personal view. However, your ABOUT raises the really important point...that all of our voices are important. Nothing sizzles me more than when I hear someone say "what we say doesn't matter"... B.S! If I want someone to hear my political ideology, they will hear it. Your point about photography playing an important role in journalism is so true. It not only brings the general population closer to the horrors of war, it also shows us the bravery and valor of those who make the sacrifices.
If only we could be shown the pictures....the good, the bad, the ugly, the victorious, the intensity, the generosity...all of the things that encompass military efforts, WITHOUT the talking heads disguising their personal views as "reporting the facts"....we would be so far better off.
Thanks for the conscientious effort to stoke our collective minds, Gayle. You never disappoint. ..Brad
And this one on Mark's London photo:
meant to mention, Mark...my first preference was to email you directly, but no link. In retrospect...my response is more of the same that I DONT like about UF. Like (BLANK) said, we need to focus on what brought us here.. photography. Yeah, I get easily stirred up, and while I don't regret responding to your frequent political commentary, I wish it was not part of this forum. I fully realize the huge part that photography plays in world events, war, etc... but I believe in letting an image speak for itself, and that the constant diatribes are a lot like, well...lectures from 1969. Regards, Brad
All contradictory at best with your latest comment and a few others you have left previously....
As far as my poetry,the "HE" is more than one person and the reader's choice to call it as they see it, just like you did,Brad ;>...it is more personal to me than to you....
I don't control what others say in their replies to those leaving comments on my images and am surprised,Brad, that your "open mind" chooses to hold me not only responsible for others behavior/opinions, but that you flat out accuse me (erroneously):
Brad says: "you and those who share your perspective have consistently chastised others who respond with a different perspective."
There was only one person i finally lost my patience with after many,many requests for him to refrain from leaving abusive and personal comments on my images and elsewhere...and per my request,AL responded to take care of that problem ...
My latest 3 posts are obviously of a more artistic style which was FUN to do for a change,and i was not trying to present them as "photo ready for the media" in a strict sense...you of all people know that i love ART and have my own vision which sometimes i like to post here.....OMG! i have upset the apple barrel again! Get a (insert your fave expletive)grip and "if you are going to keep riding my backside,at least pull my hair!" ...LMAO
Pretty strong words, Gayle. Pretty strong opinion. Thanks to the sacrifices made for us in the past...you have the freedom and the right to espouse your opinions from the mountaintop. I find it a little ironic, and hypocritical though, that with these vigil (or "photojournalism") shots, you and those who share your perspective have consistently chastised others who respond with a different perspective.
Of our president, your "poem" warns of to beware the liar who hides behind a mask. That he is power hungry....a chameleon. And lastly, that the "fool" has a shallow mind.
Yet, when your message faces opposition......you and yours acuse the opposition of being "mean".
Oops! I'm sorry! That was probably a "mean" analysis.
And as far as "photojournalism" goes, it's my understanding that photojournalism would include a look at both sides of the issue, not just one, over and over. Yes, I read that you will be showing "the other side", too. Can't wait to see how much coverage that gets.....and if you need someone to write poems to accompany the other perspective, are you going to write them?? My point is this; photojournalism has NEVER shown just one side of an issue. Look at the photo's from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq. God knows, both sides have been covered and re-covered. That, is photojournalism. I respect your shots (and yes Gayle, there are some EXCELLENT shots) as your view, your perspective. Thank god, we have that right. But photojournalism is not being served until both sides are presented FAIRLY.
Actually, I think the vignette could be reduced a little, if you wish this to be journalistic. Photojournalism relies on the power of the moment, rather than Photoshop to help tell the story.
hi, i chose this one vigil in a neighboring small town America because 1. i wanted to see if i could handle shooting quickly and well in a crowded venue and 2. i chose an event that i was supportive of....if i go to DC in Sept.,i would assume there will be pro war protests and i will shoot them,too,because it will be documenting what is there.....there were no pro war vigils or protests at this local vigil that night when over 1,600 vigils took place nationwide and in Paris. Thanks for your comment and question!
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John Test{K:1956} 8/27/2005
great photo Gayle.are you locked in on one side or could you look at both?
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{K:12969} 9/6/2005
