Photojouranalism: Impression of Wartime Photographs

Photojournalism: Impressions of Wartime Photographs

By

Stephanie D. Cameron

Introduction to Mass Communications

Robert Walker, Instructor

Alcorn State University

February 23, 2005

Photojournalism: Impressions of Wartime Photographs

As we observe five books on photojournalism, we explored different time periods dealing with wartime. These books lead us from the Civil War up to Vietnam. Below you will read about the photographs that impressed me during these time periods.

The Civil War: An Illustrated History by Gregory C. Ward with Ric Burns and Ken Burns

The photograph, John Brown's slave rebellion, on page 4 impressed me because ironically the Harpers Ferry raid was the beginning of the formation and training of the Confederate militia. Southern communities began looking to their local volunteer militia or State Guard units for help. Preparation for war with the North had begun and the early advantage was to the South. Also John Brown's holy war was another catalyst for setting into motion the events leading to the Civil War.

The photograph, Drummer Boy John Clem, page 98, gives me the impression of a young boy who served in the Civil War. John Clem looks very content at being a boy soldier at the age of 10. He seems to carry the impression that he is involved in the actual fighting. The photograph also gives the impression that he will take matters into his own hands. This photograph stands out because it represents the courage of a young boy in a man's position.

The photograph, U.S. Hotel D'Grub, page 192-193, gives the impression of a warehouse in which things are stored. The man in the cap and vest seems to be running the hotel. The photograph also gives the impression of military officer charged with providing quarters, clothing, and food for troops. The enlisted men used this as a place of shelter and a source of gathering supplies.

The photograph, Dead Horses, on page 224 gives the impression of the price in blood. The photograph also shows the casualties in the Civil War. The photograph caught the moment of tragedy of the horse that was killed and filled the yard of a farmhouse. The photograph shows the horses belonging to a military unit comprising a headquarters and an army in battle array.

The photograph, Cold Harbor, page 335 gives the impression the Confederates were driven from their strong line of rifle-pits. The photograph shows they were attacked with artillery fire. This photograph shows a military organization of officers and enlisted personnel or of officers alone.

Edward Sheriff Curtis: Visions of A Vanishing Grace Text by Florence Curtis Graybill and Victor Boesen

The photograph, Princess Angeline, page 8, gives the impression of an Indian woman living out her old age. This photograph also gives the impression that Princess Angeline is posing for this photograph. The photograph gives a unique impression of a strong-willed woman whose care-worn yet dignified face could barely be glimpsed beneath the calico scarf and woolen shawl she always wore.

The photograph, Jicarilla Maiden, page 46, gives the impression of a unique woman's dress worn that consisted of a beaded deerskin cape a broad belt of black leather a deerskin skirt and the hair fastened at each side with a large knot of yarn or cloth. The photograph also showed the portal to the beauty and mystery of the native.

The photograph, Carved Posts at Alert Bay, page 63, of the carved mask gives the impression that emphasize First Nations culture, art, the natural environment, adventure eco-activities, wildlife viewing and marine exploration.

The photograph, Drying Pottery, page 93, gives the impression of utensils used by the North American Indians to eat and drink out of. It resembles a Christmas ornament in its colors, the mouth resembles the opening of a bowl, and it appears to be durable.

The photograph, Noatak Child, page 107 gives the impression of an Alaskan Eskimo. In the photograph the boy seems serious and earnest and gloomily or sullenly ill humored or resentful.

HistoryÐ''s Greatest Conflict In Pictures Life World War 2 Edited by Richard B. Stolley

The photograph, The Greater Japan Women's Association, page 11, gives the impression of the indoctrination of womanly virtues, the propagation of the importance of national defense, the purification of family life, the encouragement of soldiers, training for national defense, service to the nation through performing everyone's duties, cooperation among neighbors and the promotion of savings among other goals.

The photograph, A Nation in Chaos, page 19, gives the impression of children with inadequate or unbalanced nutrition. The photograph shows the children bellies are stretch out or swollen from the lack of food. Also in this photograph, it gives the impression of a Nation's utter confusion or disorder. This photograph raises the question to why they stand there not speaking.

The photograph, Staying Alive, page 21, gives the impression people had no choice but to seek alternative forms of shelter. The photograph gives the impression that everything was destroyed from being bombed. The result from the depression was the loss of jobs, life savings, and homes. Many ended up living in Hoovervilles.

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