I learned a few things about the current state of photo journalism at the Judges' Panel for the White House News Photographers Association. The judges, veteran photojournalists with many great achievements already under their belt, each had a nugget or two of wisdom to share with their peers and students in the audience. They were of many faces, missions, methods and mediums that render them unique, but what separates this particular range of journalists is their search for humanity in every story. It is "transparency" that they strive for in their story telling, as legendary White House photographer Chick Harrity said, and not objectivity.
Objectivity is not human; transparency is a veil with two sides, a link between the public and the purveyors of information. For some journalists, transparency is democracy's best defense, for others it’s sharing a slice of life to connect one story to the greater public consciousness, or a chance to seize truth, uncover injustice, and shed light on a shunned issue. Transparency leaves room to discern when ethics comes into play. The journalist still has an obligation to inform of blatant injustice. Chad Stephens, who shared his piece on activists fighting against mountain top removal in the Appalachians, said “There are some things that are so wrong that you just need to say that they’re wrong.”
This year was the 90th anniversary of the WHNPA and changes in the profession was one of the major topics for discussion. Harrity often cited the issue of access to public figures, which is increasingly diminishing with concerns for security that cloister politicians and other leaders. Many of the candid moments of humanity he was able to capture occurred when politicians meandered freely in public and stood with the people. Several mentioned time and funding constraints on their projects that are increasingly limiting opportunities for elaborate projects examining a question over a stretch of time.
The judges stressed the need for collaboration and solidarity amongst journalists. In a multimedia driven news environment the best way to accomplish top-notch pieces is to collaborate with others who encompass the strengths requisite to all modes of production. They support each other, contribute to each other’s projects and further each other’s vision. The humanity in the stories they tell are also apparent in the way they work together to tell them; the range of aptitudes and perspectives in a group of journalists ultimately contributes to a vision with more layers and facets.
The definition and use of the term multimedia was largely up for debate amongst the judges. Eric Maierson rejected it as a vague in-vogue catch-all term. Stephens defined multimedia as journalists speaking in different ways and different mediums. In any case, all the judges showed that they take on multiple roles as storytellers and showcase their work in multiple mediums. The visual, voices, sounds, music; even the trusty written word still manages to work its way into their work. The judges panel made it clear that journalists, if they aim to be great, must find their niche and have an intensely personal relationship to their work and then it takes its own significance. It doesn’t come easy. They say it takes courage and multiple failures and a daily struggle for creation, but they stressed that it is very possible. The judges on the panel fulfilled in their work the greatest functions journalists can strive for: to enlighten, connect and empathize with the human condition.
with Judge Eric Maierson
No comments:
Post a Comment