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