Photojournalism

Bruce Squiers, a photojournalist of 20 years experience, had a great deal to say about the art he calls his passion when he spoke to the Journalism 200z class this past Wednesday at Suny Albany. His points ranged from more more metaphysical ideas to mechanic and technical suggestions for a great shot. He spoke with great emphasis and an apparent dedication to his job.

The first concept he spoke of was visual literacy, something that he believes everyone has; it is the way one can conjure up an image in his or her mind when thinking of a certain event or place. It requires active watching and interpretation. Squiers also mentioned that in order to be a successful photojournalist and to enhance one's visual literacy, one must look at photos outside of one's interests. He challenged students to reach outside of their comfort zone, in order to achieve an elevated awareness of the essence of photographs. He instructed students use light carefully, and have a sense of composition when taking pictures; he instructed students to keep in mind form and perspective, and to get comfortable with their cameras and the people they photograph. Also, he believes that in order to take good pictures one must use active observation, he or she must take a variety of photos, and take many from a variety of angles. To Squiers, a great photograph is both unique, but universal enough to speak for itself. He reminded students that great pictures can happen anywhere, anytime, and that they must follow where opportunity leads them.

Perhaps the most appealing thought he shared was the idea sired by Henri Cartier Bressone, an photojournalist of years past. Bressone coined the term decisive moment, the exact second when all of the elements of a scene are in sync and the photographer must know to take the picture. And to do this, "the eye, the heart, and the mind must be aligned." Most of all the heart aspect of this makes for unique pictures, as no two people can take the same exact photo with the same emotions and thoughts in their soul. Similarly, Squiers stated another quote regarding this idea, " the eye and the brain and the soul of the photograph make the picture, the camera merely records." Such concepts certainly made Squiers talk incredibly enlightening, and showed a a spiritual association that he makes with his work. Such concepts show that taking a picture isn't so different from painting a picture or writing a story or poem; all of these things involve a spiritually and emotionally guided thought process, which result in a finished work of art.