Working in the Digital Age

Photo by Lyndsey Letourneau

The pre-digital photographical processes were extremely complicated and time consuming. However, as time progressed, the processes simplified and it became easier for photographers to take quality photographs. The wet collodion process and the dry collodion process were both pre-digital photographical processes that included equipment and chemicals. The process needed to be completed sequentially and correctly in order to produce a great photograph. Some photographers are having issues switching from digital photography and are having trouble adjusting to the advances in technology. In the article “Photojournalist or Pack Mule? A Look Back at the Good Old Days of Wire Service Photography”, Chris Wilkins states that “one of the most important job requirements 16 years ago was a strong back. The ability to lift and travel with case after case of equipment, often weighing around 80 pounds each, was a necessity. Thanks to changing technology, those days are a distant memory”. In pre-digital times, photographers were expected to carry all of their equipment. Now, it seems as if a photographer can carry all of their equipment in one single bag. In Professor Nordell’s first video, he states that during the First Gulf War in 1991 photographers were using digital camera, but the camera was connected to a cord, which was connected to a suitcase. This made the camera portable, but not that easy to use.

The wifi enabled DSLRS have been a photographic technology that is increasingly becoming popular. A DSLR is also known as digital single lens reflex. An article published on pocket-lint.com explains the emergence of the wifi enabled DSLR and states “The Wi-Fi connectivity allows the 6D to transfer images wirelessly to a computer, the cloud, smartphone or tablet while on the move”. A wifi enabled DSLR camera makes the sharing process a lot simpler. Also, some wifi enabled DSLR cameras allow a person to upload their photographs directly to social media networking sites like Facebook. The wifi enabled DSLR camera can store the photographs in a cloud. This can allow a person to have more storage available on the memory cards.

Digital single lens reflex cameras have had an enormous impact on the world of photography. In Professor Nordell’s second video, he speaks of the portable wifi hotspot with a cell phone. He spoke about how easy it was for someone to upload a picture because it was good for time sensitive assignments and also if there was an issue with security, like at the Olympics, and the photographer could not leave but needed to upload the images, there was no problem because the wifi hotspot allowed the photographer to get the images uploaded without leaving. The wifi enabled DSLR allows the photographer to quickly upload the images to a cloud or other place. This has a large impact on photography and photojournalism because previously, photographs could not be uploaded on the spot. Another impact is that the wifi enabled DSLR cameras allow a photographer to have back up photographs just in case some photographs get deleted or a memory card is lost.

Photo by Quinn Jacobson

Image Source: http://francerevisited.com/2010/03/glass-memories-quinn-jacobson-at-the-centre-iris-2/

I have researched the wet plate collodion process and compared to the wifi enabled DSLR camera, the wet plate collodion process is extremely tedious and inconvenient. The wet plate collodion process required that the photographer bring a lot of equipment and chemicals in order to take the photograph and develop it. A wifi enabled DSLR does not require any chemicals and the only equipment that is a necessity would be the camera and maybe other lenses. The wifi DSLR camera is more convenient than the wet plate collodion process. Another difference is that the wifi enabled DSLR camera allows a person to shoot photographs of moving objects. A wet plate collodion photograph needed the subject to remain completely still in order to not produce a blurry photograph. According to an article on discovery.com, “photographers also battled flies that were attracted to photo chemicals, ether that made them woozy, and the stench of death,”. The wet plate collodion process was not an easy task. Wifi enabled digital single lens reflex cameras made the photographical process easier than previous processes, like the wet plate collodion process.

The Art of Photojournalism

Photo by John Reekie

Image Source: http://joannestudholme.blogspot.com/2010/10/photojournalism-since-1850s-up-to-1900s.html

Year Created: 1865

Principle 1: Is the image black & white or color?

The image is black & white. The photographer did not have an option during this time. However, I think that the black & white color fits the photograph well. It adds more drama and I think that color would have taken away from the photograph. The image gives off a morbid feel and I think that the black and white adds to the drama of the photograph. 

Principle 2: Background compliments or detracts from composition

The background of this photograph compliments the composition. The background of this image contains four men digging. The focus of the image is not on these men and I feel as if they fade the further back the image is. Also, the men in the background are a big part of the image. They are digging the graves for the dead bodies in front of them. It really aids in understanding what is truly going on in this image. 

Principle 3: In or Out of Focus

The image is out of focus and is not sharp. It is easiest to see the dead bodies in the front of the image than the bodies of the men digging in the background. The photographic processes that were used when this photograph was taken were not as advanced as they are today. I think that it is expected that photographs that are this old would be out of focus because of the technology. It also adds a sense of somberness and mystery because you cannot carefully distinguish facial features of the men. 

Why Did I Choose the Image?:

I chose this image because I found the forefront of the image to be compelling. After researching the photograph, I found out that the men in the background were digging graves for fallen Union soldiers. I found it interesting that the man in the front of the image, next to the dead bodies, does not have emotion on his face. It seems as if he has removed himself from the situation completely and is just doing his job of digging the graves. I also like the historical content of the photograph. 

Photo by Robert Capa

Image Source: http://time.com/3503080/the-best-of-life-37-years-in-pictures/

Year Created: 1936

Principle 1: Rule of Thirds

The photographer placed the subject in the outer left third of the photograph if you slice it vertically. The photographer avoided placing the subject in the middle of the frame, but still managed to get every important element of the scene in the frame. I think that if the subject was placed in the middle of the frame, it would not be as dramatic and there would be a lot of unused space on the outside of the man. Also, it looks as if the man is falling backwards towards the left, so I think that placing him in the corner is appropriate. 

Principle 2: Obvious Main Subject 

The main subject takes up the majority of the image. I would say about half of the image is the man. There is nothing else in the image besides landscape, but it is not very clear. The mans gun hugs the edge of the photograph as well as his shoes. However, the photographer managed to keep the majority of the subject in the frame. If certain objects were left out, such as the gun, the image would lead people to assume different theories as to what is happening. The gun signifies that there is some type of danger involved. 

Principle 3: What Feelings Does The Image Create?

The image creates a feeling of vulnerability and a sense of loss. The photograph is of the death of a Loyalist soldier in Spain. The image captured my attention because the subject seems like he was putting up a fight before succumbing to unfriendly fire. Although he was shot, it doesn't seem like he went down without a fight. The image also creates a feeling of tenacity. 

Why Did Choose the Image?: 

I chose this image because it was not a typical war photograph. You are unable to see who shot the man and he does not look like he is in traditional war garb. When I saw the image, I was immediately drawn to the gun in the mans hand. I did not realize that he was a soldier until I looked into the background information on the image. I was curious as to why the man was being shot and where the photograph was taken. The background of the image does not give the viewer an idea of where the photograph was taken because of the lack of detail. 

Photo by Lisa Larsen

Image Source: http://life.time.com/history/the-best-of-life-37-years-in-pictures/attachment/1953_00161939-2/

Year Created: 1953

Principle 1: Subject's Expression

The expression of the two main subjects are fitting for the type of photograph that was taken. This image was captured on the wedding day of John & Jackie Kennedy. They do not look overly posed and the photograph looks very natural. There is a sense of overwhelming joy coming from the smile on Jackie Kennedy's face and I think that the photographer truly captured a joyous moment in time judging by the subject's expression. 

Principle 2: Use of Lines

Although it might not be obvious, the use of a diagonal line draws the attention of the photograph into the subject. The table and chairs that are set up for the wedding create a line that is formed in the background of the photograph and that is drawn inward towards the subjects. The sense of symmetry that is created by the chairs and the table makes the background less cluttered and specifically draws the attention onto The Kennedy's.

Principle 3: Keep it Simple

The composition of the image is very simple and is not cluttered. The photograph was taken on The Kennedy's wedding day. It is expected that the wedding reception would be organized and presented in a presidential manner. The chairs create a symmetry which add to the simplicity of the photograph. The background of the image is very simple and all of the focus is on the two main subjects in the front. If there was a lot going on in the background of the image it would take away from the photograph.

Why Did I Choose the Image: 

I saw this picture and instantly wanted to use it for my blog post. The look that Jackie Kennedy is giving John Kennedy is a look that stands the test of time and can be seen in wedding photographs today. I think that it beautifully captures the wedding day. I enjoy history and find John Kennedy's era very captivating.

Pre-Digital Photography

Wet plate collodion photography was one of the first photographic processes. According to the video on the wet plate collodion process, “it was invented in 1851 by the Englishman Frederick Scott Archer, who was looking for a process that could produce fine detail and negatives”. The wet plate collodion process was complicated and took a lot of time compared to digital photography today. The video on wet plate collodion describes that the process begins with a piece of glass. The clear glass is used for negatives and the black glass is used for positives. The video on the wet plate collodion process simplifies the process into seven steps, which are demurring the glass, cleaning the glass, flowing the plate, sensitizing the plate, exposing the plate, developing the plate, and fixing the plate. The glass plate is coated in a mixture of a soluble iodide and a solution of collodion. After that, the glass plate is put into silver nitrate. As Professor Nordell states in his video, “you would put different chemicals on these glass plates and while they were still wet put them in the camera, take the picture, and then immediately put those plates back in the chemicals,”. The wet plate collodion video states that the exposure time depends on the lighting and what the photographer wants the photograph to look like. 

Photo by Quinn Jacobson

Image Source: http://www.cpacphoto.org/classes/introduction-to-wet-plate-collodian-2/

The wet plate collodion process affected photojournalism greatly. Before wet plate collodion, the main photographic processes were calotype and daguerreotype. There were problems with both of these processes and wet plate collodion improved on those two techniques. Wet plate collodion allowed photographers to make an unlimited number of prints. Also, the wet plate collodion process allowed for a shorter exposure time. Previously, photographers were only able to take photographs of very still scenes, but the decrease in exposure time significantly helped photographers take better photographs. Although there were many advantages to wet plate collodion photography, there were some major disadvantages. Not only did the wet plate collodion process affect photojournalism, but it greatly affected the families of those who were being photographed. The photographers that used wet plate collodion during the Civil War were able to share photographs of those in war with the families. Also, the photographs helped make citizens have a better connection with their leaders. According to the discovery.com article, President Lincoln, “famously joked that he wouldnt have been reelected without the portrait of him taken by photographer Matthew Brady,”. For the first time, photographs were leaving a huge impact on people and the wet plate collodion process helped immensely. 

Photo by Matthew Brady

Image Source: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/lincoln/the-run-for-president.html

There were major disadvantages of the wet collodion process. It was used during the Civil War. However, the photographs that were taken could only be of still items. If a soldier was moving, the photographer could not take a good picture. The photograph would come out blurry. Another disadvantage was how complex the process was. There were a lot of chemicals needed for the process to be completed correctly. Also, there needed to be a dark room for the photos to process. The glass panes and chemicals were very fragile and needed to remain intact in order to take the photograph.  A photographer often had to have a van or other type of vehicle to carry all of the supplies needed for the wet plate collodion process. During the Crimean War, photographers like Roger Fenton, had a photographic van to carry all of his supplies. These photographers went through a lot to produce their photographs. 

Photo by Lyndsey Letourneau

I took the photograph above with a Canon EOS Rebel T1i. This type of camera is a digital SLR camera, which means single lens reflex. According to the Robert Mackin website, “DSLR camera’s use a prism and mirror based system which allows the photographer to see exactly what they are photographing,”. The camera autofocuses on the subject and can take multiple pictures at a time. Also, there are different settings on the camera depending on the type of photograph a person would like to take. Digital photography has become increasingly advanced over the years and has had a huge impact on society. As digital photography developed, it was much easier and better photographs were taken. As photography developed, there was a camera called the twin lens reflex camera. This camera looks very different from my Canon EOS Rebel T1i. Instead of looking straight through the view finder, the twin lens reflex camera forced a person to look down on the camera. In Professor Nordell's second video, he states that the camera has two lenses. One of the lenses displayed what the picture would be and the other lens took the actual picture. A person would never really know what their photograph would be of. It is amazing to see the advances in technology that have taken place and allow people to take brilliant pictures today. Compared to the wet plate collodion process, it is much easier to take a picture with a digital camera. There is no equipment besides the camera, the image quality is spectacular, and the ease of sharing these images has increased with the advances in technology. 

Can Photographs Change the World?

It is hard to imagine that a large amount of social change can occur from viewing a single image. Photojournalistic images can emotionally move a person, but I do not think that it can bring about immediate change. I think that the main goal for photojournalists is to raise awareness through his or her photographs. Once a person views the photograph, he or she has to make a decision whether or not to act on the feelings that occur when viewing the image. A photograph taken by Kevin Carter of a famished Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture brought awareness to the famine. After viewing the image, I felt sad because I had no idea of the harsh conditions that these people were forced to live in. I was blind to how fortunate I am. Although this picture left an emotional impact on me and the majority of people that viewed it, I don't think that it brought about immediate social change. After viewing the picture, a person did not instantly think of solutions for the problems in Sudan, but thought about how fortunate they are that they do not have to go through what the Sudanese people are going through. Jonathan Klein of Getty Images supports my opinion on photographs changing the world when he says, “images have provoked reactions in people and those reactions have caused change to happen”. It is easy to look at an image and become overwhelmed with emotion and want to help. However, it is hard to actually put words into action. Photographs themselves cannot create change. It is the responsibility of the viewer to make change happen. The photograph of the Sudanese child did not change the world. It had an impact on people, but the image itself did not change the world.

Photo by Kevin Carter

Image Source: https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/vulture-stalking-a-child/

Images can have an emotional impact on a person. An image that has affected me personally is the image of a marathon runner, Bill Iffrig, falling as a bomb exploded at the Boston Marathon. Three Boston police officers are behind the fallen marathon runner. This image gives me the chills. The background of the photograph displays smoke and chaos. There are people running around frantically. The Boston police officers seem calm in comparison to the scene around them. I think that this image truly displays the courage and compassion of police officers in the face of chaos. The marathon runner on the ground symbolizes the fragility of humans and that we are not invincible. Another part of this image that stands out to me is the flags in the background. There were flags from many different countries that were waving while the tragedy was occurring. The flags exemplify unity during hard times. This photograph has affected me personally for two reasons. First, I am from Massachusetts. The bombing felt like a direct attack. Other acts of terrorism that happen across the United States do not feel as personal because they happen in someone else's backyard. Another reason this photograph affected me personally is because my best friend, Emily, was at the Boston Marathon during the time of the attack. The day of the attack I was at the mall and received a text from my best friend saying “there was just a bomb at the marathon, we are running”. At this point, I was extremely scared and tried to call my best friend to make sure that she was okay. After about 20 minutes, Emily texted me and told me everything that was going on. She was directly where the bomb was 5 minutes before it went off. She walked away from the area to grab something to eat with her friends. It was a very scary moment and I did not know what to do in that situation. I am very thankful that nothing happened to her. This photograph personally impacted me because someone I know was involved and I feel like I was connected with the event.

Photo by John Tlumacki

Image Source: https://nppa.org/news/john-tlumacki-sean-proctor-win-nppas-photojournalists-year

If a photograph is able to emotionally impact a person and potentially bring about social change, I do not think that the government should be able to censor images. As Americans, we have freedom of speech, which allows us to share our ideas with others, even if it is not a popular opinion. In an article posted on the Aljazeera website, the author critiques the government and US media for the censorship of war images and claims that the images are, “sanitised to the point that a well-informed news consumer could be excused for thinking that their country's latest wars are virtually bloodless”. Most Americans are unaware of the severity of the war and the consequences of the wars that we fight in. Americans do not see the ugly side of war. However, in earlier wars such as the Vietnam War, images were available for the public. These photographs were graphic and gruesome. One of the most famous photographs during the Vietnam War was of a Viet Cong man being shot in the head by the South Vietnam Chief of Police. The photograph was taken by Eddie Adams and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1969. The photographs from the Vietnam War were not hidden from the public. Most people cannot place themselves in war, but the photographs help citizens gain an understanding of the situation. Photographs do not lie. They allow a person to form his or her own opinion. American citizens should be allowed to see the brutality and reality of war.

Photo by Eddie Adams

Image Source: http://www.executedtoday.com/2009/02/01/1968-nguyen-van-lem/

Another topic regarding censorship and control of information is citizen journalism. If a photograph can make an impact, it should not be hidden from the public. There has been an increase of large corporations buying out independently owned businesses. These large corporations can censor any material that they do not want to be published. In an article on Business Insider, the author states that six corporations control 90% of the media, which gives people an illusion of choice. All of the information is being censored and controlled by the same companies. As Professor Nordell stated in his video, the larger companies buying out the smaller companies and that can, "constrict the flow of information that the large corporations may not want certain items covered in their newspapers or on their television stations". This gives people an illusion that the information they receive is the full story, when in fact it is not what is truly happening. However, citizen journalists have increased and these people attempt to share the truth that large corporations fail to mention. Citizen journalists are extremely important. These people bring the other side of the story to the public. After the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, there was an increase in citizen journalists. There were a lot of rumors flying around social media websites and by word of mouth. However, the images and videos captured by citizen journalists gave insight to what was really happening in Ferguson, Missouri. I think that images can truly impact a person, but these images cannot be censored. The public needs to see exactly what is happening no matter how harsh the photograph is. Citizen journalists allow the power to be evened out between large companies and the citizens.