Week 8 Blog Forum

-

It’s what I do by Lynsey Addario is a very captivating novel about balancing a career with your everyday life. Addario's career is working as a freelance war photographer with the New York Times. In this book she mentions her struggles as a photojournalist when it comes to the dangers she faces in foreign countries and with getting her work published after having to face those dangers. One chapter that really resonated with me is chapter 9 titled "The Most Dangerous Place on Earth". In this chapter she returns home after being shot at in Korengal Valley. One of the more frustrating parts of this career is that sometimes those amazing shots she’d risk her life for would not get published. My favorite image of hers from this chapter is the photo of Khalid. A young boy whose face is splattered with blood from shrapnel caused by a bomb dropped by the US Military. Khalid also has such piercing bloodshot eyes that convey such a strong emotion of sadness and grief. I think it was such a powerful image because he's white. It reminds Americans that this is just a child. It changes the perspective for Americans because it reminds them that this could be their own kid.

Khalid, age 6
source: lynseyaddario.com

This photo was considered for a cover for the New York Times at one point because of how captivating this image is. Addario quickly ran into issues though. Her captions didn’t line up with the medic statements from the event. Addario said the injuries on Khalids face was from a bombed dropped by Americans, while the medics were trying to cover up for the US military. Due to all of this miscommunication, Addario wrote a letter directly to her editor explaining that she was there, she risked her life for this photo, so she knows first hand how these injuries happened. Even after all of her efforts Addario ends this chapter with, “The photograph of Khalid never saw the light of day.” (pg. 193)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spotlight/Review -- Black Art: In The Absence of Light

-
Image
What is art? Is it time and effort put into form? Is it words and sounds put into colors? Is it the human experience seen through the eyes of artists? Art is having the ability to choose your own answer. Art is everything and anything you want, from presidential portraits to ceramic toilets under studio lighting. That being said, some art movements prove more important and intricate than others. After my recent viewing of “Black Art: In The Absence of Light” I was able to reflect on my privilege as a white American and Recognize my struggles as a woman. It’s no secret that Black Americans were and still are oppressed in our society. It may be surprising to hear how challenging Black artists have it today. The average museum is made up of over 85% men and 15% POC -- 1.5% of the POC are Black individuals. This skewed ratio also applies to art critiques. Now knowing who's ‘in charge’ it’s not hard to believe how many hurdles have to be jumped in order to have your art shown to the pub
Read more

Hometown - Alsea, Oregon

-
Image
If you find yourself on your way on the scenic drive of Highway 34 to the coast, you may have passed through the small town known as Alsea, Oregon. In this town you can find the Mercantile which also owns this gas station that has been around for over 60 years. Stop and grab some gas; and while you’re at it pick up some snacks for your beach trip at the Mercantile. Gracie Hildebrand has lived in Alsea, Oregon for 10 years and is currently studying nursing at LBCC. Elk season opened November 16th and Gracie has been out almost every morning at an attempt to tag one. She’s been hunting for since she was 9 years old and isn’t slowing down anytime soon! At the High School in Alsea, Oregon, you can hear the band playing groovy blues in late afternoon.  From left to right is Travis Chilcote playing bass, Dillon Elbers on the drums, and Lewis Bourne on the guitar. The instructor, Mrs. Ellis, splits up the class based on your level towards the end of the peri
Read more

Profile: Dale Stepnicka of Animal House in Corvallis

-
Image
Animal House has exotic fresh and saltwater fish, birds, and reptiles at it's location in Corvallis. One day a beloved pet parrot owned by a local Corvallis woman began having seizures. Unable to afford the vet bills, she was heartbroken and left hopeless. Sobbing, she stopped by the Animal House in Corvallis hoping to get some sort of help. There she found Dale Stepnicka, who comforted her and offered step-by-step instructions for what she could do. With a little bit of hope restored, she went home ready to do what she could with the new advice. Weeks later, Stepnicka was greeted by the familiar face of the women, but with a smile replacing her tears. In her hands was a bucket of assorted candy for Stepnicka. Her gratitude ran for miles; her parrot was healthy again thanks to the advice of the owner of Animal House. But she didn’t need to thank him. This is, of course, what makes it all worth it to him. Dale Stepnicka raises exotic birds like this one named Scarlet.
Read more