Post on a Portrait

This photograph says something; evokes emotion. In every element, it is a good photograph: The lighting is soft, it is candid, and the frame is filled. More than that though, and more what I want to come across in even just one picture I ever take in all of my picture taking career, this picture speaks in a language all its own. Its real. Its almost tangible. Its passion defined.

Photojournalism Ethics;; An attempt at coherency. [[also a short comment on the Dove video]]

An individuals reality is the responsibility of that individual; a photograph can no sooner convey a truth than an individual can define a truth. Everything is relative. In that mindset, maybe situational ethics are the only kind of ethics a photographer can follow. Ethics are relative to every photographer--therefore a single ethical code could be interpreted and applied differently by every photographer.


The alterations made to the female shot for the billboard included the lengthening of her neck, the growth of her eyes, a complete revamping of her skin tone and complexion, adjustments in levels and contrast as well as a general redesign to the tone of the shot. Because Dove is attempting to convey a less unattainable, unrealistic example of beauty to the public, their choice to do this may be slightly less appropriate than another beauty product company to market in the same manor. Fashion photography differs from photojournalism not only in the content of the matter photographed but also in the message that is conveyed to each respective audience. Ethics are relative to each. Reality is relative to everyone; it is what it is regardless.

The Controversy of Ethical Editing

A controversy erupted when the University of Wisconsin-Madison cropped in an African American individual in attempt to portray the universities "diverse student population. The publications editor justified his action in that the unaltered photograph, depicting an all white crowd of students falsely represented the student body. Opponents to this add in African claim that regardless of any justification, alteration in this form is, on principal, wrong. A formal apology was made and a reprint is currently being considered.

I don't see moving the pyramids closer together on the cover of a magazine as being overly unethical. Maybe if this were a map or some other resource for actual geographical referencing. This edit was purely for aesthetics; I think that's okay in this situation.

I think this crosses the line and is unethical. Politics already have enough controversy in the spin of written word and gossip--an edited picture of an even that did not even occur is unnecessary and, in my opinion, wrong.

Practice con Captions;; attempt at humor.

Artist Donald Hommleton completes his addition to the Optical Illusion Museum in May of 2006. When asked what exactly the illusion was, Hommleton became irritated offering only the statement that "...[his] art transcends all that can be defined in the spoken language." Hommleton recently finished his third stint at Gateway Rehabilitation Center and claims that this June will be his 1 month mark for a drug free life.

Sam and Ron Jefferson work hard to replicate a scene from "The Hunter and The Bird" for Food Chain Awareness Week in Montana. Although the actors appear to be in danger, the directors assured our staff that all precautions were taken to ensure optimum safety.

Outraged soccer player David Davidson roars in North Dakota as the national championship game comes to a close. Davidson and his fellow Dakota Ducklings put up a good fight, almost scoring in the last quarter of the game, however history proved too powerful to overcome and the seven game losing streak continued.

Toil in the Fields

A farmer works at a laver (edible seaweed) farm at Gutong Village in Fujan Province, China.



Repetition in the lines going both vertically and horizontally; allows the man on the boat to stand out in contrast to the pattern present in the rest of the photo.






Is This Seat Taken?
A deputy waits before French President Nicolas Sarkozy's speech to members of the ruling party UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) at the

Chairs lined up in rows shot at diagonal angle repeat to draw attention to the man on the phone.

The Blues

Performers rehearse for the opening ceremony of the 6th National City Games in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei province. The sporting meet will begin on Oct. 25 in Wuhan.

Square blue sheets over a blue floor create a visual as well as textual pattern with in the frame. Doesn't so much draw attention to anything as it balances the photo and adds interest to the over all shot.

Sugar Hill

The photographer used skills in multimedia production and audio recording to put together the slide show. She also showed skills in personality and perseverance; to obtain pictures of matters as personal as those she did require someone of strong character. The incorporation of multimedia and talented photography work allowed the reader to better internalize the message conveyed by the photographer. The added movement, dialogue and music proved powerful and sincere.

Photoshop Ordeal.