Viewers Observations re: matters
on the J.S. Web Site.
Jamie Ball July 2005
I very much enjoyed reading your essay on photojournalism…………………I
thoroughly agree with your view on the need for a broader,
better balanced and less empirical treatment of photojournalism.
However, to be fair, I am not in a position to agree or disagree
on the contributors/editors in question as I am not familiar
with the journals or articles in question. But based on your
extracts of their sentiments you would have to wonder if these
people really have nothing better to do than write such drivel.
I am a great believer in the danger of the ‘paralysis
of analysis’ how one should still objectively and intelligently
discern the subject matter before them, in an informed manner,
without needing to lower themselves to such misguided, narrow-minded “tosh” (if
I may quote you!). The only result of such tosh is a stunted,
restricted, regressive art and an overly self-conscious photographer/writer/painter…etc.
I remember watching a documentary on Cartier-Bresson last
year as he was discussing his life work. The interviewer asked
him to tell us all about a certain street scene image they
had before them. Cartier-Bression seemed a little perplexed
and finally, simply said something like “well I was walking
down a street and I saw this, so I took a photograph of it.
That is it!”.
I largely agree with what you say. I hate to see any branch
of knowledge reserved for “the elite” with the
rest of us condemned to be those who cannot understand. I work
on the principle of photographing anything beautiful, interesting
or of importance to the place. I try to make all my pictures
tell a story, creative or factual, simple or complex. The ignorance
of the people you mention is staggering. What do they think
that Frank Capa or Cartier Bresson were doing, and goodness
knows how many others? I defy anyone to look at HCB.s. pictures
of Indian life and politics and say that photojournalism began
in the 1950.s. The world is a big and beautiful place for us
all to see and understand. The main perequisite is an open
mind, free of prejudice. Sadly, not everyone has this quality.
The point of all photography being manipulative is well made,
and often forgotten in the debate between film and digital.
Several lifetimes will not be enough for me to see and photograph
all the subjects that fascinate me, hopefully with passion
and without prejudice.
How incredibly refreshing to have someone of John Shelley’s
stature and experience speaking of photojournalism in such
a frank and commanding manner. For too long have us mere mortals
(art etc) photographers been oppressed and ashamed by the courage
of our brother documentary’s who bravely go where we
supposedly fear to tread (as artists I fear to say……)
but let me offer you this declension of being - we too bravely
tread a path that is feared by many. Still there are people
in this western world who think the snapping of a shutter steals
something from their very soul whether it be their very essence
or be it the commercial value us” Art” photographers
it is still a steal , a valued commodity which we have taken
without proper reference. As art photographers, we have to
shoulder the burden of our infamous brothers; how many times
have you been asked about Don McCullin, Robert Capa and endless
Magnum members? How have you as an Art photographer dealt with
invasive and inquisitorial demands? I know that I have had
to feel supremely confident and self-assured to reply. Yes….
they are my comrades at arms and I support what they do and
how they do it , utterly and without doubt in their ability
but what if the tables were turned……I know that
because of the isolationist nature of my art, I could….if
pushed….do it just the same as they do it.
All content, the pictures and text appearing on this site is the copyright of J.S.
Library International. To use any picture on this site or any of the pictures held by J.S. Library International simply contact by phone fax or e-mail
For phone and Fax details etc please click Communication. For e-mail
click Connect.
Text lists on this site may be loaded down and used privately as you wish. If you wish to publish any of the “lists” or any excerpt from the text on this site, you are quite free to do so providing you acknowledge the source and authorship with the credit “courtesy
of J.S. Library International.”
