S. Sontag

Susan Sontag makes a number of arguments about the function of photographs and cameras in our society. One of the arguments that I somewhat agree with is when she states, "As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure. Thus, photography develops in tandem with one of the most characteristics of modern activities: tourism." This is an interesting statement that Susan makes, it is one which I can relate to. I, like many other people take tons of pictures when out of my "everyday" atmosphere. For example this past weekend I went to the Wisconsin Dells and Devil's Lake and took tons of pictures. I took the pictures as a way to remember my trip but also to show friends and family my experience. However, I also took these photographs as a way to practice Szarkowski's formal elements, the detail, the frame, time, and the thing itself. So yes, my photo''s may be an "imaginary possession of a past" however I was practicing formal elements to create a visually interesting photograph.

M. Lester

Martin Lester examines the ethics and rights of privacy throughout the article, "Photojournalism An Ethical Approach." This article opened my eyes to the restricted areas and boundaries that photojournalists have. Some of this article deals with overstepping boundaries when photographing celebrities. However I do not feel this is pertinent information to a college level of students. I do not feel that I will be finding any celebrities to photograph in Milwaukee any time soon. However, there was information that was useful. This information deals with the four areas of privacy law. Lester states," Consent is the most important factor when dealing with unreasonable intrusion or public disclosure of private facts." So if I am going to go and photograph someone I do not know then I must receive written consent from them. A photographer must be sure that the person who gives permission has the authority to grant the request. Basically, everything in plain, public view can be photographed. Pictures in private places (museum,courtroom, government building) require permission. However, if you are just walking down the street, at a bus or train station, or on UWM's campus one may photograph whenever they care to. If you are seriously considering photojournalism as a career then Lester's article has some key information to keep you out of any possible trouble with the law. However, if you are like me and just photograph for fun then most of the information is common sense with good judgment.

Public Relations/Press Project

I was asked to photograph this bride and grooms wedding. Many of the photographs turned out beautifully and the couple will be keeping for the memories. This photograph that I am posting happends to be a photograph that was published in their local newspaper under the heading recently married. This was quiet the compliment to me, that they used one of my favorite photographs from that day.

Photo Essay- Firefighting

Photo Essay- Firefighting

I decided to create a photo essay on firefighters responding to a call. I choose this topic for a number of reasons. The first being that most people are not aware of how quickly firefighters respond to calls. In addition, the average person does not know what kind of protective gear firefighters wear or what the gear is called. I personally have an interest in this topic because my boyfriend and his father work for the Wauwatosa Fire Department. To insure their safety, as well as other firefighters, wearing the proper gear is very important. Firefighters wear gear from head to toe that is heat resistant and fire proof. An additional reason that I chose this topic is to inform people that firefighters do not just fight fires. This is a misconception that most people have. Firefighters actually respond to a variety of different emergencies including fires, medical alarms, special assistance calls [such as-getting a bat out of a house, water flooding a home, ducklings out of a sewer), fire prevention, fire safety, HAZMAT, terrorism, gas leaks and technical rescue. Firefighters must be well trained and prepared for an emergency at any time of the day. Wauwatosa firefighters work 24-hour shifts from 8AM to 8AM the following morning. This photo essay is intended to inform people of the gear, quick response time, and responsibilities that firefighters have.

Portrait Assignment

This is a photograph of a farmer at the Farmer's Market. I approached him to take this photograph and he appered flattered. I was happy when he gave me a big smile. It is very interesting to compare and contrast the photographs of the subjects I knew and those that I did not know. Overall, I noticed that I photograhed people much closer when I was comfortable with them and photographed further away when I did not know the person or people because I was less comfortable. Many of the people I photographed were willing to let me photograph them, some more reluctant than others. I love taking portrait photographs because they often tell you so much about the person.

My documentary project based on how a dog reacts when it recieves a treat. It is interesting to see the different stages: excitment, drooling, tricks, etc. Getting up close and personal to the dog really allows one to engage and interact the with the photographs.