Concluding Chapter

I was inspired by Margaret Bourke-White "Rosie the Riveter" photographs because my husband is an ironworker.  The history of photojournalism has shared the history of ironworkers along with many other wonderful topics across the world. According to Rosie the Riveter Oral Histories article, " The demands of a wartime labor market made it more acceptable for women to take on jobs in manufacturing, utilities, and transport that in peacetime had mostly been done by men."  I traveled to my husband's job sites to live the life of a photojournalist and captured photographs of ironworkers building history. Unfortunately, there were not any female ironworkers there on site as it still is a demanding trade.

Welding Tire Rims

Photograph by: Margaret Bourke-White

Year Created: 1933

high school in the making

Photographs by: Mechealea Giordano

Year Created: 2019

 MGM 

Photograph By: Mechealea Giordano

MGM 

Photograph By: Mechealea Giordano

Amusement Park

Photograph By:  Husband Mario Giordano for safety

Year Created: 2019

The history of photojournalism continues to evolve with technological advances. I don’t think I truly realized the barriers photojournalist have encountered overtime taking photographs in the beginning of this course as I do now. Although, reflecting to Module Two I believe I had a thorough understanding of the definition of photojournalism. It’s a form of communication through photography to spread awareness. During Matthew Brady’s era, photojournalist had to lug around bulky equipment with the hopes of capturing a quality photograph, steering clear of the battlefield. Whereas, today photojournalist can keep their camera in their pocket and see what their photograph will look like instantly. The dangerous situations they encounter has put many photojournalist lives at risk and some have even lost their life In addition according to NPPA Code of Ethics, "As visual journalists, we have the responsibility to document society and to preserve its history In other words, .photojournalist image is a frozen moment in history that we can refer back to decades later like we are now.

I like it’s very important to educate people on photojournalism. There's meaning behind photojournalism that is beyond photography in journals. Some photojournalist are the back bone to news agencies. News agencies are competing against each other to provide the most recent news possible to viewers. Photojournalist are willing to risk their life by capturing brief moments of an event of a larger story to aware and educate the public. Sadly, after overcoming technologic disadvantages photojournalism is a dying breed. People all over the world are taking pictures with their phones and sharing photographs within seconds are considered civilian photojournalist. Some believe it is nice to have extra eyes to expose neglect and wrong doing as it has brought justice to many. However, Technology Photojournalism in the Age of New Media states, "social media have given photojournalists a million extra eyes in conflict zones. But if a picture can say a thousand words, the trick is finding the right one." Often civilian photojournalist are violating the code of ethics in photojournalism by mispresenting the truth spreading false and biased information. According to Jared Keller, "we want images that stand the test of time," Applewhite explained. "Snapshots and photos taken by camera phones are not things we can come back to learn from and understand something deeper." Photojournalist have skills, integrity, empathy to concisely capture moments in history to inform societies.

A few "Ah-ha moments I've encountered were during creating the technological timeline knowing how easy life is for us today with a touch of a button. The process it took to even take one photograph, not to mention how long it takes to develop one with a daguerreotype or the wet colloid process. A photojournalist job wasn't even completed after printing a photograph. They then had to transmit a photograph via train, boat, or a plane to get the image published. As years past, technology evolved allowing photographs to be transmitted from minutes to hours through telephone lines.

We've had some phenomenal females dominate the male role in photojournalism as well. Hansel Mieth and Margaret Bourke- White, first female photojournalist for LIFE. Dorothea Lange, who is cherished in the National Women's Hall of Fame and widely known for her photographs during the Great Depression. Each of these photojournalists had a vision to share their love for photography as visual messages to share historical events and hope someone will step up and make a difference. Today, female photojournalist continue to be successful. Nicole Tung to me shares all the qualities of Lange, Mieth and Bourke. She's an empathetic photojournalist who's won multiple awards. According to International Women's Foundation, "Her images on Native American War Veterans was awarded by the Society of Professional Journalists for Best Online Reporting, and the Image and Voices of Hope Award of Appreciation (2015). For her work on the migration crisis in 2015, she received the Human Rights Press Awards in Hong Kong" She's like Mieth because she fits in with the people she photographs having dinner at their tables. Whereas, she sheds light on migrant lifestyles like Lange. Lastly, Bourke and Tung are war photojournalist. International Women's Foundation quotes Nicole Tung, "as a photojournalist covering conflict and socio-political issues, documenting the most exposed and vulnerable people – in both chaos and quiet – is not only a responsibility one has as a photographer, but as a human. I chose to focus on civilians in conflict in my images as a reminder that those most affected by war are not the ones making political decisions or holding the guns, but those who are powerless in the face of a situation they did not choose.”

Certainly, photographs change the world as they have been for decades. Photojournalist have been shedding light on what some may find unethical due to graphic details, and emotions the image has portrayed. These photographs have exposed child labor, migrant workers, impact of war, natural disasters and many other crises to aid and change the lives in harm way. Even if viewers are not able to physically make a difference by these images, it still leaves heavy impacts seeing people all around the world in despair creating awareness. Each of these moments that were shared are history. Without photojournalism, what would we have to rely on to share some form of truth?

Photojournalist Profile of Hansel Mieth

INJUSTICES THROUGH THE LENS OF HANSEL MIETH
Johanna (Hansel) Mieth 1909-1998: Photojournalist

Top center photograph:

Created in: 1931

Photograph by: Otto Hagel

Bottom Centered Photograph:

Year created: 1962
Photograph by: Hansel Mieth

Left photograph:

year: 1965
Photograph by: Hansel Mieth

Right Photograph:

created in:1938
Photograph by: Hansel Mieth

 Photograph of Hansel Mieth

Year created: 1938
From:LIFE photo collection

  Image of unemployed father with son

Created in: 1938
Photograph by: Hansel Mieth

  photograph of migrant children

Created: 1932
Photograph by: Hansel Mieth

Photograph by: HanselMieth

Year Created: 1939

Sources:

https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/coll/womphotoj/miethessay.html

https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/hansel-mieth?all/all/all/all/0

https://www.shutterbug.com/content/leica-i-camera-change-photography

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hanselmieth/film.html

https://itvs.org/about/pressroom/press-release/hansel-mieth-vagabond-photographer

Winter Weather

Ella's First Snow Day!

Photograph By: Mechealea Giordano

Year Created: December 3, 2019

One would assume that all children love to go sledding during the winter. However, it's not the case for all. Today was the first day my two year old daughter experienced snow in our backyard. Unfortunately, the moment we stepped outside she asked to be done before placing one foot into the snow. I tried to make sledding sound exciting as I pulled her on the sled behind me, exclaiming, "weeeee, see its fun!" She still was not pleased.  Furthermore, once she touched the snow, our snow day adventure ended within ten minutes. When we were back inside, she couldn't be happier. We will continue to enjoy our snow days  playing indoors, watching movies, and sipping hot chocolate. Until next year. 

Expression:

She was not aware I took a photograph of her as she cried at the snow on her mittens. It's clear she was unhappy by her facial expression. I don't find this photograph to be a candid shot, however any photograph of her is special to me. Especially, all the first times I can experience with her. 

Rule of Thirds:

The main subject is in the center of the photograph where she sits on her sled. She's surrounded by a bed of white fluffy snow in the remaining two thirds. 

Simplicity: 

I find this photograph to be simple because, she is in the center of the image. There are only three things to see in the photograph, snow, sled and the young child dressed in her winter attire.

I chose this photograph because its one of many of Ella's first. In addition, it shows not everything we do with our children, they enjoy. I assumed she would like playing in the snow because she loves to play outside.  Far too often, people show all the good times they have with their kids and not enough of the bad. However, in photojournalism, I noticed I see a lot of both, children joyous while some are suffering. 

Chapter 9 What Motivates Photojournalists

Motivational Map

Motivation can be described as a persons desire to accomplish something. People with motivation wont let barriers interfere with their goals. Instead it will drive their motivation to work harder. As for photojournalist some are motivated by money, while others are motivated by making differences and educating the world. As for Professor Nordell, one of his many motivations as a photojournalist he states is, "Seeing my name published next to one of my images never gets old." (source: BB) He's had the opportunity to meet many amazing people and celebrities. While for myself, going to work everyday motivates me to finish college to become a nurse.

Photograph of Nicole Tung by: Cyrus Chu

Nicole Tung a photojournalist moved to the Middle East in 2011 to cover anti-government protest and uprising. This inspired her to work for NGO and international publications to capture refugee crisis in Europe, and child soldiers. According to the article Photojournalist Nicole Tung on what inspires her to cover conflicts such as the Arab Spring, Occupy Central and Europe's refugee crisis, Tung states, “what drives me is my purpose there; to document what happens and who it happens to,” she says. She understands she works in a very dangerous environment and can leave at anytime. However, the people living in these horrific conditions still have a place in their heart to treat her with love and respect, inviting her over for dinner. In addition, she's motivated by educating people on children associated with militias. According to YP Cadet Cyrus Chu "pictures tend to stay in people’s minds because it’s a frozen frame that can convey so much emotion." She reminds me of Lewis Hine who utilized his photography to reform child labor. He photographed children who worked in poor conditions, long hours for little or no pay. According to Lewis Hines- A Progressive Reformer YouTube video, " Children frequently used large, heavy, and dangerous equipment. If they weren't careful they would get injured or killed."

Photograph by: Nicole Tung

Another inspirational photojournalist is Edward Echwalu who is a freelance photojournalist and is also a teacher in Kampala Uganda. He covers a wide range of breaking news stories as well as social development issues. According to PhotoWings interview with Edward Echwalu he states, " what motivates me today is to inform generally, I am in a privilege position visually to talk about issues with my friends and community to use my pictures to communicate a message that is diverse and to inform and change someone's perspective." Meanwhile, Xyza Cruz Bacani's dream is to be a photojournalist for similar reasons. According to South China Morning Post, "If my images can help people, it makes me feel useful to society." 

Photograph of Edward Echwalu by: uknown

Photograph by: Edward Echwalu

Whereas, Rebecca Wright passion for photography and journalism began at a young age. Rebecca Wright states, "I’ve grown up, and my passion for journalism has grown, too. I believe that visual journalism has the power to influence public opinion, create change in our local and global communities and convey the emotions of individuals authentically." Overtime, she's had many jobs within photojournalism network.  Rebecca Wright was photographer, photo editor, digital managing editor, and is a member of National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA).She currently works for CNN as a freelance photo editor. 

Photograph of Rebecca Wright by: Unknown

Photograph by: Rebecca Wright

Chapter 8 Photojournalism & Bias

Photograph By: Ed Clark

Image Source:https://time.com/3764064/mourning-fdr-in-a-classic-photo-the-face-of-a-nations-loss/

Year Created: April 13, 1945

Emotion:

This image shares a lot of emotions. The Navy Chief tries to remain his composure playing the accordion with tears running down his face. The feeling of losing a loved one is unbearable. It had to of been difficult to remain tall and strong, head up high to maintain himself as a Navy Chief Officer

Color:

This image is black and white, with a lot of grey tones. The main subject appears to be clear. However, the shadows in the women's faces it difficult to identify if they are seeing Roosevelts flag draped train pass by or if they are glaring at the Navy Officer playing the accordion. 

Main Subject:

The main subject in the photograph is Graham Jackson in his Navy uniform playing the accordion. In addition, the main subject is off centered to the left and surrounded by people. It created the eye to focus elsewhere to see all the other faces.

Ed Clark’s photograph displays a United States Navy Chief playing “Going Home” on his accordion, with tears running down his face. To the right of him, there is an array of people standing and sitting with great sadness as deceased President Franklin D. Roosevelt leaves Warn Springs, Ga on April 13, 1945. However, the three women standing are glaring at Graham Jackson with their arms folded that express racism of the past. To me, the tears of Graham Jackson symbolizes gratuity towards Roosevelts efforts on Civil rights. Franklin D Roosevelt signed the Executive Order 8802 which created that created the Fair Employment Practice Committee that prohibited racial discrimination that led to the Civil Rights Act. This image reflects how deeply the public cherished their President of the United States of America during this time. According to the Can interview with Shahidul Alam, "there is an implicit assumption, there is only one truth that there is only one way of looking at things; a story has many truths at many levels." For an example, another perspective of this image is the facial expression on Navy Chief Graham Jackson has deep emotion as if he's lost someone close to him. Each viewpoint of  photographs creates a bias opinion leading to different stories. However, this could create untruthful news stories. 

Photograph by: Ron Johnson

Image Source:https://j-source.ca/article/why-context-is-crucial-in-photojournalism/

Year Created:2014

Background compliments:

In this photograph the main subject is the basket ball player in one half of the image. Along with the referee calling a foul play. All the spectators are blurred out to focus on the main subject or main subjects.

Expression:

The expression of the basketball player seems angry with his hand gestures with both middle fingers up as the referee calls a foul.

Rule of thirds:

The basketball player is off centered along with the referee. However, with the gestures he's

portraying triumphs one of the rules of photojournalism.


This photograph taken by Ron Johnson has the caption, “Jalen Brunson of Lincolnshire Stevenson makes a gesture to the Chicago Whitney Young crowd.” However, that is not the truth in the situation. Although, he is displaying poor sportsmanship it wasn't gestured towards his opponents fans. Brunson a player for Lincolnshire was angry with the call that was made on his successful 3- point shot that was fouled during his attempt. Another photographer Scot Strazzante captured multiple photographs of this as well. However, he was certain these gestures were not intentional. According to the article How Photos Fuel the Spread of Fake News, "Misappropriation and misrepresentation of images helped drive the growth of fake news. Sadly, after this photograph was published , Johnson was suspended for his poor sportsmanship.

Photograph By:Pirozzi

Image Source:https://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_70559.html

Year created: 1990's

Simplicity: This image is very simple because there isn't much in the background in one third while the remaining two thirds is the woman holding a young child. Your focus remains on the woman and the helplessness in her eyes. 

Does the image remind you of any work of art or photograph you have seen? 

This photograph reminds me of many photographs we see of children in other countries. Mothers desperate to care for their children while they cling to their mothers. I couldn't imagine the feelings they're experiencing. These images make you feel helpless and rude for not helping them. 

Focused: 

This photograph is focused directly on the woman holding the malnourished child. It clear to see the texture of the woman's hijab as it looks soft like velvet. The photograph is clear and able to identify the details. 

To me this photograph represents truth. According to the article The Rules of Photojournalism Are Keeping Us From the Truth, "A technically proficient image that looks like those of past photojournalism will catch the eye." The malnourished child holding onto the woman represents innocence. According to the Power of Visual Communication, "this photograph was taken in Iraq in in the 1990s and has led to International sanctions contributing to food and medical shortages in countries." I'd like to believe that biases' wouldn't be portrayed in this image. However, we know a lot of third world countries are suffering in many ways. The photographer works for UNICEF to protect the rights, needs, and abilities of children by funding developmental assistance. 

Chapter Seven_ Ethics of Photojournalism

My Ethics Map

Each of these features above are what I hold as my ethical values I use day to day. It's important for me to build a relationship between patients and my co-workers through kindness, integrity, honesty, compassion, and responsibility. Most importantly, having respect for my patients creates a safe environment and protects their patient rights. I have compassion to help everyone I can, even if they are being difficult for the third day. What if it was my family member or myself ,how would I want them to be treated? Empathy allows myself to relate to how they feel or think. 

In addition,  Professor Nordell explains in his video Ethics of Photojournalism Part 1, "the dictionary reference to ethics is a system of moral values and the principles of conduct governing an individual or group." In many professions, theres a standard of conduct valuing ethics especially photojournalism. The National Press Photography Association primary goal is to preserve history through truthful images captured by photojournalist. According to the NPPA Code of Ethics, " photographic and video images can reveal great truths, expose wrongdoing and neglect, inspire hope and understanding and connect people around the globe through the language of visual understanding. However, if a photojournalist utilizes photoshop to alter his or her image it can portray a deceitful message. More importantly, it could create mistrust among photojournalist and the public.

A photojournalist named Chris Hondros was in Iraq in 2005 with American troops. The U.S troops opened fire on an oncoming vehicle around 6 p.m assuming there was a suicide bomber or insurgents inside. However, Chris Hondros photographed something completely different. The U.S troops opened fire on a family of eight, a mother and father with their six children. Once they realized they made a huge mistake they rushed to check on the children.  This image makes it extremely difficult to hold back tears. The young girl is experiencing serious trauma covered in her families blood. Meanwhile according to 20 Most Controversial Pictures in the History of Photography, "Chris Hondros transmitted this image immediately, published all around the world the next day."

Photograph by: Chris Hondros

Image source:https://expertphotography.com/controversial-pictures/

This image was extremely controversial not only within photojournalism but with the United States Army. As a result, the military revised their checkpoint procedures. This child was only five years old. Fortunately, her siblings all survived, one suffering a gun shot wound. The soldiers rushed the children to the nearest hospital to receive treatment. However, there is no erasing this trauma they endured.  Its hard to imagine or understand Chris Hondros perspective of this.  According to the article War Photographer Chris Hondros Witnesses U.S. Shooting of Iraqi Parents in Car with Six Children, during the interview Hondros stated, "I think one of the reasons the photo had this sort of resonance that it does is because it has a sort of empty feeling: you know, the poor girl, all alone in the world now, just standing there in the dark, you know." In addition, Chris Hondros was the Pulitzer Prize nominee for this photograph. Personally, I feel that it be unethical to receive an award for this exploitation. If there was a money prize, I feel that it should go directly to the children although, that would be against the ethical standards of photojournalism. 

Photograph by: Chris Hondros

Image Source:https://www.newsweek.com/2018/03/09/hondros-822482.html

Photograph by: Ayman Oghanna

Image Source:https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/world/middleeast/07photo.html

The Image above is Samar Hassan who was the five year old child covered in her parents blood. Here in this image she was 12 years old witnessing the image of her self for the first time. According to the article Face That Screamed War’s Pain Looks Back, 6 Hard Years Later, ""my brother was sick, and we were taking him to the hospital and on the way back, this happened,” Samar said. “We just heard bullets." Now she is living with her relatives after the horrific tragedy no child should ever have to experience. 

Chapter 6 Trials & Triumphs Women Photojournalist

Women for decades have faced discrimination due to their gender. There’s been a stereotype that men are superior to woman and still occurs today. Moreover, some women in the past have been brought up to believe they aren’t fit for many professions and their purpose is to be a mother and raise their children. However, many women have pushed through these barriers, and have accomplished many triumphs. In the YouTube video Woman Photojournalist, Professor Nordell States, “I believe women photojournalist along with women in many different professions have encountered barriers unlike any that their male counterparts have endured.” Many men have believed a woman isn’t fit enough to do their profession. However, woman still face discrimination in the workplace by being paid less than men having the same job title and experience. Unfortunately, some women are even sexually harassed in the workplace. In the article Why Is a Photojournalist’s Gender Relevant to Their Work? written by Paul Melcher states, “I’ve never been able to identify a photojournalist’s gender from the photos she takes. Have you? The answer is no, we wouldn’t know the difference. Nor would anyone know the difference if it was male or female who put out a fire in a burning building or saved someone’s life. 

                           Photograph of Margaret Bourke-White, Photograph by: Uknown

My favorite female photojournalist is Margaret Bourke-White. She was born in New York City and was well educated attending many colleges such as Clarence H. White School of Photography in 1921, Columbia University, University of Michigan and Cornell University. After Graduating college in 1927, Margaret opened up her own photography studio in Cleveland. She was hired by Henry Luce to work at Fortune and Life Magazine. She was one of the first photographers' for Life magazine when it began in 1936. According to International Center of Photography, " she was the only Western photographer to witness the German invasion of Moscow in 1941, she was the first woman to accompany Air Corps crews on bombing missions in 1942, and she traveled with Patton's army through Germany in 1945 as it liberated several concentration camps." After World War II, she then documented Ghandi's fight for Indian independence. She also traveled as a war correspondent during the Korean War.

In addition, many of her photographs featured on the cover of Life magazine. In 1939 she married a novelist Erskine Caldwell and was divorced in 1942. Together they wrote three books, You Have Seen Their Faces, North of Danube, and Say, is This The U.S.A.  In 1942 she wrote another book called Shooting the Russian War, where she shares her experiences covering the battle of Moscow. Sadly, in 1952, Margaret was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. However, she still preserved, continuing to capture photographs and write books including her autobiography Portrait of Myself.  She retired from Life magazine in 1969 and passed away in 1971. Margaret Bourke-White was female photojournalist who documented many historical moments. She received many awards for her accomplishments such as honorary doctorate degrees form University of Michigan and Rutgers University. Along with a U.S Camera Achievement Award in 1963, Honor Roll Award from American Society of Magazine Photographers in 1964. 

Workplace discrimination occurs more than we realize and happens in may forms. Women are treated less favorably than their male employee. Some women could be rejected employment. Whereas, some  lose out on promotion opportunities to a male employee with less qualifications. According to Said to Lady Journos article, a news editor assigned a female reporter to the police beat stated, "you're young and good looking, they'll want to talk to you." In addition, a male oncologist whom we'd assume would act in a professional manner stated, " it was such a crime from a male perspective, that Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy." When I was eighteen years old, I held my first full time position at a nursing home, my male supervisor said to me, "you should be a stripper, I'd tip you well." It was absolutely appalling to hear that come from him, I was young and afraid I'd would lose my position so I never reported his comment. However, it was most definitely eye opening to see how women can be treated in the work place. Unfortunately, in many countries women are treated as even more of a lesser value than in the United States due to cultural beliefs.  Today, we have many laws in place to protect women and men from workplace discrimination. 

Photo By: Margaret Bourke-White

Image Source:https://www.famousphotographers.net/margaret-bourke-white

Year Created: 1940

Why did I choose This Image:

I chose this image because children are so innocent. This child has bandages around her head while holding her baby doll tightly. You feel helpless seeing a wounded child. In the bottom left corner, it states, " Air Raided Victim." Its heart breaking to know children were victims of many wars in the past and even today in other countries. 

Texture:

The texture of this image appears soft as the pillow and linens in the photograph. The baby doll the young child is holding also appears soft which continues with the innocence in the image. 

Feelings:

This image brings a lot of sadness seeing a helpless child wounded from such violent acts. As a mother, it creates a heavy heart having a child close in age. However, there's a feeling of joy knowing this child appears safe and well cared for. 

Obvious Main Subject:

The child is the focus of the image as she is the center of the photograph. The linens and walls appear to be white creating all eyes on the child. 

Photo By: Margaret Bourke-White

Image Source:https://historycollection.co/photographs-unsung-heroes-world-war-ii/

Year Created:1940's

Why I chose This Image:

I found this image to be very suiting to our topic this week . These are all women welding during World War II. This job in particular must have precise measurements and their welds must hold up to prevent leaks and provide sturdiness. In addition, this job is very hot and can be very dangerous. Typically, even today welding positions or iron workers are men. My husband is an iron worker and there isn't any females working at his job sites as an iron workers. 

Depth:

Its clear that whatever these women are welding is extremely large. You can see women father back in the image as the lighting from their welds spark from a distance,.

Contrast appropriate:

There is a lot of contrast within this image displaying different dimensions. This image is very dark, however; there's horizontal features that are in the center of the photograph that help distinguish the depth of the image. The sparks from the torches display brightness throughout the image as there are many women welding. 

Rule of thirds:

I feel this image as a whole is the main subject showing women prefabricating and welding steel. However, as you look in the center of the photograph, the woman up front, welding hood says "Jackie." If some of the woman didn't have welding hoods on, we probably would of assumed they were men. 

Photo By: Alfred T. Palmer

Image Source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2179076777

Year Created: 1943

Why I Chose This Image:

 I chose this image because it was also very fitting to our topic. According to the Library Of Congress, these women are working on a "Vengeance" dive bomber, Vultee [Aircraft Inc.] in Nashville, Tennessee in  1943.  It appears these two women are creating the nose of the air craft. Even today, its not often you see women going into these trades. I will forever praise women in these fields. Most chose to work in healthcare or business as I did myself. 

Expression:

These two women display pride in their work. The woman on the right has a slight grin as she helps her teammate. They are contributing to major pieces of history that are still being featured today. 

Color:

This photograph color compliments women quite well. The woman on the left is wearing red lipstick as she utilizes her hand tool creating rivets in the nose of "Vengeance". The color is a bit dull portraying the era it was photographed. 

Simplicity: 

I find this image to appear simple. There isn't a lot going on, therefore your eyes aren't wondering all around the image. All the attention is on the two women working diligently.  In the bottom left corner, there's a man also hard at work. However, he blends in the background.