Thursday, October 20, 2022

The week is unfortunately coming to an end for my trip to Washington, D.C. Today was the last day of riding the metro. It was surprisingly jam packed to the point I was nearly touching people all around me of whom I did not know. Due to that situation I am kind of glad it will be my last trip on a metro for a while.

I rode the metro into Northwest D.C. to visit the Ukraine House where an exhibit was held to show the effects the war has placed on the people of Ukraine. The work was produced by five women photographers and was edited by Michael Edrington who created the idea to produce this book to raise awareness. Ironically, during the alumni and freelancer meet up last night I had met Michael. He had shared with me a little about his career and how he got to be where he is today. He showed me the book that has not been published yet. He had edited together the five photographers and explained the symbolism throughout. It was extremely fascinating to hear how he came up with the idea and collaborated with the photoghers. I am so thankful and lucky to have engaged with him that night.

When my photojournalism class arrived at the house we were warmly welcomed by Johnny Bivera who is a visual storyteller. After we entered the house we were greeted by Carol Guzy who is a journalist who has been honored with four Pulitzer prizes. It was interesting to hear her speak about her decision process in deciding whether to go to Ukraine or not. Well…her “indecisiveness” as she had mentioned brought her to going and she ended up staying for four months. It was also helpful to hear her speak about how she navigated around the area and approached people during such a difficult time. Carol had also mentioned how it was nearly impossible to roam around Ukraine without their credentials. Luckily, she had one so she was able to get past checkpoints with no issues. Michael Edrington was also present but did not speak about the book. While exploring the exhibit there was very strong symbolic imagery. For instance, the woman soldier that was standing on top of the tank had been demolished. The image of a girl covering her ears from an explosion going off was very powerful to me as well. Although, all the imagery throughout was extremely compelling.

After leaving the Ukrainian house, I arrived at AP and was welcomed by Pablo Monsivais, the assistant chief bureau for photos, and Jacquelyn Martin, a staff photojournalist. The building was filled with desks although there were very few people actually there. It was interesting to get a tour of the place to see how big it is and at the same time how little presence of people there are in the office. In the conference room where we all met, Pablo shared how his career had transitioned from shooting prodemitly sports to later getting hired at AP. It was insightful to hear how he transitioned and how he balances his career and home life. One of the rough things about being in his position is occasionally missing important occasions which I would need to consider if I wish to continue down a similar path. Jacquelyn presented very inspirational work that is exactly along the lines of the work I have been doing for the past year which was amazing to me. She showed abortion portrait protest photography and explained how she approached it and why she did it. Ironically, that project is similar to the vaccine mandate protest photography I had done back in October.

Jacquelyn also shared her opinion of an evolution of a story:

1. Have an idea! Research. Keep your eyes and ears open.

2. Follow up w/ contacts. How can I expand on a story?

3. Collaborate w/reporters

4. Consider writing the piece yourself

5. Storyboard mid-piece

6. Edit critically

7. One story leads to another

We also had two other freelancers walk in to share a little of their story and insight into the field. Evan, a freelancer, shared a touching story that really spoke. He had mentioned his path leading up to where he is today which was very inspirational. He went from arriving in DC to get work, getting lots of turn downs to getting his car towed and living on little funds to now being an amazing freelancer. He is living proof that no matter the obstacles that it is doable if you really want it. As he said, “persistency” and that it's not bad to get out of your comfort zone, “if you get too comfortable it makes you lazy.” Carolyn Kaster, a freelancer, has been a staff photographer for about twenty years. The main takeaway I got from listening to her was what Jenn Poggi had told me last semester, “One story leads to another.” I loved Carolyn's work which ranged from a wide variety of spot news and micro photography in which she is AMAZING. She showed some of her microphotography(cicada molts into adulthood) of a story she had proposed to AP. In my opinion, she composes her photographs really well using lighting and shadows to her advantage.

Following the meeting with AP, I then met with Science. They have an extremely small team with an extremely small budget. This publication does not have much room for freelancer positions considering there are only 8-10 special sections. Plus they really do not publish photo stories per say. They only publish photo stories/essays as they pertain to science based research. The photographer has to be located near the stories or where the scientific work is being done to get the photographs needed for the story. The editors really look to Instagram, Woman Photographer, Wonderful Machine, Blink or by hearsay. There is a possibility of proposing ideas but again they have to be scientific based. Therefore I most likely do not see myself working for this publication. Even though it would be interesting to work with a scientist and photograph in relation to scientific studies. I am just not sure if that's too suitable for me.

Afterwards, we nearly all went to City Tap House Penn Quarter. I had a delicious chicken macaroni and cheese with a Capitol Rose cider. It was a good time for everyone to try to bond with each other. After we went through China town to get on the subway to get back to the airbnb. That area was something else…

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day of the trip. It went by faster than it came…I am so thankful to have had the opportunities so far that I have had on this trip. I believe hearing from different staff photographers, photo editors and freelancers will really help me along my path going forward. I also realized some things on this trip while I had some time away which was nice. I cannot wait to see what the future withholds.