Can Photographs Change the World?

so the big question always thought over by photojournalists is, can a photograph change the world? how would it be possible that one single moment in time, that is captured on film can make such a huge impact. for many people this idea seems to be foolish, but for some its a matter of life and death. 

Back in December of 1999 Julie Armas found out at 20 weeks pregnant, that her unborn baby had a congenital disorder called spina bifida. this is when the baby's spinal cord protrudes through the vertebral column that is not yet fused together, causing the spinal cord to be pushed out from where it is supposed to be.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spina_bifida)

Afraid and not sure what to do Julie went to Dr. Joseph Bruner for answers. after going through many options including terminating the pregnancy, they decided together that the best option was to undergo a life threatening surgery, of operating on the unborn baby wile still in the uterus. 

 Photo By: Michael Clancy 

Photo title: "The Hand of Hope"

Image Source: http://michaelclancy.com/

After the picture of Julie Armas's surgery went around it gave moms all over the world a seance of hope. it gave them a reassurance that their child who also has this condition can and will survive. 

As a nursing student i wanted to take a medical view of how a photo can change the world. today this surgery has a 90% success rate. saving the lives of about 1500 children in the United States alone every year. in my opinion if you are going to change the world, you might as well save lives on the way.   

15 years later Samuel Armas after the world changing surgery

Image source: http://www.lifenews.com/2009/05/06/15-years-later-samuel-armas-sees-amazing-photo-confirming-abortion-wrong/

Introduction to the History of Photojournalism

Image source: http://open.salon.com/blog/vivianh/2011/09/11/the_big_kiss

Photo By: Alfred Eisenstaedt

Before I enrolled myself into this summer course I had to ask myself that exactly photojournalism is. Because at the time I had no idea! I knew what a photo was and I knew what journalism was, but when you combine the two it makes a way of communicating that is unique, and draws in a person’s attention in ways that they can’t look away. 

The direct definition of photojournalism is: noun the art or practice of communicating news by photographs. Simple enough if I don’t say so myself, but also complex at the same time.

            Everyone can picture in their heads at least one iconic picture that had a great impact on history. Each of them had a specific role in history that could have persuaded and coaxed humans to make decisions that affect us still to this day. Without realizing most people do know what photojournalism is. They just don’t realize it.

            It is important to know the history of photojournalism so that we can understand what the ongoing impacts are around us. At first they were mostly picture of war zones with stories attached to the picture. It gave people a visual idea what exactly was going on at the time. With these printings mainly in newspapers it gave people the feeling of being involved with all of the current events. Today you can find aspects of photojournalism in more than just newspapers. From articles online, news stories on television and even quirky billboard advertisements.

            We study this topic to become informed about what is happening all around us. From all different cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, to small town happenings. If you study photojournalism you become a well-rounded person, who is educated and also gains experience from things that affect you directly and indirectly.

 Image source: http://dbphotojournalism.blogspot.com/

Photo By: Steve McCurry Cover of National Geographic 1985

pure beauty

Here is a picture that i took all most exactly a year ago today. my dad and i went on a trip to New Zeleand and went backpacking. it was incredible to witness first had what it was like to be on untouched land. not influenced one bit by any human.