New vs. Old

On December 30th I posted my perceptions about “new” shooting styles as compared to more traditional photojournalism.

You reminded me of something I have been seeing in greater abundance across the nation while looking at student portfolios or just visiting with photojournalists at photo events or via email. I see people who take time to reflect on their motivations, passions and purpose. Your responses were simply impressive.

If you missed my original “New vs. Old” post – here is an excerpt:

“The "new" photojournalism disregards the notion of "me." Instead it uses self to reveal a personal journey. It is less concerned with the views and opinions of editors and says, “this is my world; this is how I saw it; this is my journey - come with me and see.” It doesn't ask you to like it. It doesn't seek your approval. It is exactly what it is and makes no excuses. I think that is a powerful form of storytelling and will open up new worlds for all of us to consider.”

I have arranged some of my favorite responses into three categories. Some of your comments have been slightly edited for clarity in this “quotable” form.

On Style:

"I made the mistake of changing my style of shooting to try to become a photojournalist." -- Cindy Brown

"Whether or not a photographer gets something formulaic, 'old school' or 'new school' matters less to me than the integrity of the storytelling." -- Julia Robinson

"Once I put aside my preconceived notions of what photojournalism 'should be' and began to consider what it 'could be,' I think for the first time, in a very long time, I began real growth." -- G. J. McCarthy

"Good storytelling involves more than new angles and the latest, fastest gear. I am looking forward to more photographers who combine scholarship with creativity, who push personal limits with every story, who we come to know through the breadth of their work and the places they take us. As much as someone puts in of themselves, we can take out." -- Julia Robinson

"At newspapers, you are constantly walking the tightrope between pleasing your editors and pleasing yourself." -- Scott Strazante

"I think photographic styles reflect to some degree the technology available." -- Brian Price

"I'm sure there will begin to be a mix of the new stuff, the new, new stuff and old school within the next decade that will put what we shoot now in the old category." -- Jerome A Pollos

On the Influence of the Internet, Technology and Society:

"If only editors could begin to edit as though readers can actually think for themselves, more of the 'new' photography might actually be published in newspapers and magazines." -- David Crane

"The Internet, and digital photography, makes the publishing process so cheap and easy. Why not go on a visual journey from my viewpoint? If I failed to communicate anything substantial what does it matter? No trees were downed. No ink was used." -- Adam Welch

"The screen on the back of the camera, and the ability to shoot without the confinements of 36 exposures, and the 'I hope I got something' fear, has opened the door to influences from outside photojournalism and generated a lot of experimentation." -- Gerik Parmele

"Our society has become such a visual society. Their diet of visuals from all sources makes them more and more sophisticated in their seeing, whether they know it or not. I just think that photojournalists need to change with them, especially the newspapers. If not, the readers will move on and we'll fade away." -- Gerik Parmele

On the Role of Objectivity:

"Instead of objectivity, I decided to hold up contextual understanding as the goal of good photojournalism." -- Cindy Brown

"I think that the main issue at debate here boils down to our newspapers being pathetically out of touch, obsessed with 'visual baby talk,' and in sore need of putting aside the very notion of 'objectivity' in favor of accuracy." -- John Loomis

Thanks for your thoughtfulness. I look forward to future discussions. I have a lot to learn from you. Now, choose your favorite quote, keep a copy for yourself and share a copy with someone who could use it.

17 January 2005 by David Leeson

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