Here's a 15-minute video with David Burnett and Kenneth Jarecke discussing the past and future of photojournalism.
While I'll agree with a lot of what they say, there's a big section that sounds like two old guys complaining. They bring up the idea that back in the day, you couldn't enjoy a beer until your film was with the courier and on its way to the editor. The same holds true today except the technology has allowed us to use the internet as our courier. But of course they just had to get the film on the plane where now we have to download, edit, tone, caption and send the images.
Not every young news photographer is a chimping, lazy shooter. But there are quite a few who are just in this because of the attraction to the job and the thought that they will travel the world in the hot spots getting pictures. That's a great notion. But if you can't get a picture in your hometown that's just as telling and captivating, then you shouldn't think you can do it in Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan or any of the other crazy places that photojournalists go to every day.
The two definitely have some great insight into what it was like 30 years ago in this industry as well as some great tips and notions into what it takes to be a better photojournalist.
Watch, learn and share your thoughts.
Talking Photojournalism with Burnett & Jarecke
These gentlemen seem to have significant resentment towards their perceived privilege of today's Photojournalist. In essence, they are upset that their level of pain was far greater than those experienced by young Pj's. Yes, it is true that technology has allowed people to have a quicker understanding of exposure and lighting, but as we all know, the best lighting and exposure does not make a well composed photograph.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that they take an issue with new pj's "not having an attachment to the work that has been done before." Sometimes people, complain about others not caring, but what they are really doing is grieving their loss of a past glory. Having to compete and start all over again and be placed in the same pool with young "careless photojournalist," is another way of grieving the loss of permanent tenure or seniority. Even as an award winning pj, one must continue to improve his or her craft.
Here is a question...If some new PJ's are lazy shooters, what is the world is keeping them employed? We can sit in our chairs and judge new PJ's motivation's for being involved in the field, but we must also remember that people are fluid beings and motivations can and do change. In the video we just watch yesterday of James Natchwey's pictures, he in fact, spoke about being lured to the field because of the possibility of traveling the world.
ReplyDeleteOk, I finally had a chance to take a look at this. It was very interesting. I agree somewhat with Marily. These guys are bitching and moaning about bygone days. Things have changed and it sounds like there are more photographers and fewer opportunities today than when they got started. But they also mention some things like determination and perseverance. They also talk about enjoying the moment and looking around without the camera which I think is also important to be able to feel the issue and finding a human connection to the events unfolding.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting but I think Chip Litherland offered more hope and promise in following a difficult career in which it is challenging to make a living. He had lots of reason why and how to do it and these two guys talked about how not to do it and not doing it at all.