Chapter 9: What Motivates Photojournalists

Photo By: Kayla Desmarais

Made with : Framatic app

In my map I show 5 different things that motivate, inspire, and drive me. The top left shows my boyfriend and my dog who create my little family that give me day to day support with all my battles. Top right is a saying that I live by “without struggle there is no progress”-Fredrick Douglas 1857 (source) who fought for equal rights. Bottom left is my younger brother who is always there to help me with whatever I have a hard time with. Homework to friend problems he tries to fix it all. And then bottom right is my parents who have always driven me to be the best that I could be without ever giving up on me. 

Giles Duley

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Photo By: Giles Duley (self portrait) 

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Photo By: Giles Duley

The first photojournalist who has great motivation and determination is Giles Duley. He is an exceptional man who went into the center of conflict and ended up stepping on a land mind which caused him to lose both of his legs and his left arm. Despite what had happened to him as soon as he got prosthetics he was rite back into those conflict areas taking photographs. In an interview Giles stated “I wanted to tell the stories of people who didn't have a voice. And try to find some of those stories that go unreported.” “I was there in the first place because I thought I could make a difference”.(source)

I know nothing can compare to Giles motivation to losing his limbs from any of my motivations. But we both try and speak for those who can’t. As a nursing student our teachers tell us that we are the voice and advocate for the sick and hurt. Without us they would have no source of protection.

Yuri Kozyrev

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Photo By: Russia Beyond the Headlines

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Photo By: Yuri Kozyrev

Yuri Kozyrev a native of Russia spent most of his career shooting war efforts in Afghanistan, mostly of American troops bringing home thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Having such a harsh career it was off the beaten path for him to showcase a softer side. It was not until Time magazine asked if he would be willing to document the performance of Swan Lake by the Russian ballet. Reluctant at first he decided to give it a try.  “You’re in a tough place, seeing what the soldiers are going through, and suddenly you’re in a place with an incredible history, incredible beauty. When I was back stage shooting Swan Lake I knew it is the most famous ballet in the world. Not only its music, but the choreography has been recognized as a masterpiece of the ballet world. It’s one of the great achievements of Russian culture.” (source)

Along with Yuri where I am from motivates and inspires me to do bigger and better things. Even though I am lucky enough to live in a part of the United States that would never see any military conflict, it pushes me to make my community proud of what I have accomplished. 

Gordon Parks

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Photo By: Bio.com

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Photo By: Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks worked in the 1940’s as a photojournalist who focused mainly on capturing the discrimination against African Americans at the time. He is most famous for the photo above of the lady with a mop and broom in each hand, and an American flag as the back drop. This was a spinoff of the painting American Gothic by Grant Wood. This got Gordon recognition that African Americans should have equal job opportunities as well as being allowed to be in the same vicinity as whites in all public places. This was the fuel for his motivation to capture these images of discrimination. (source)

Just like Gordon was inspired to do his work against discrimination I am also inspired by the words of an African American equal rights activist. Fredrick Douglas’ quote that I mentioned above are words that I am sure both Gordon and I will live by.