Growing up I was immersed in photojournalism without even knowing it. I remember staring for hours at the amazing pictures lining the walls of the house of my grandfather, Jack Corn. I was astounded by the beauty of the images, and intrigued by the stories they told.
When I was a freshman in high school, my grandfather retired from Western Kentucky University where he had taught photojournalism. It was then, at his retirement dinner, I finally understood what it meant to a photojournalist. I learned that you don’t just take pictures of people you impact people’s lives through pictures. You record a moment in time – a fraction of a second – that can tell a story for eternity.
A picture can be an incredibly powerful tool. Over time I understood how much influence a photojournalist could have and how the world could become a better place because of one person’s work or even one picture.
A passion grew in me for photography – truthful, impactful pictures – a passion that inspires me to strive to make the world better through my work. With so much wrong in our society and world today, this outlet was a way for me to make a difference. |
It takes most photojournalists many years to discover the meaning of their profession. I was very fortunate to have such a brilliant man influence me, and more blessed to have him as my grandfather.
Both Rissa and I studied photojournalism at Western Kentucky University. It is known across the country and in many parts of the world as the premier institute for photojournalism and is rapidly gaining recognition for its multi-media programs. We both studied under the expert eyes of Michael Morse, James Kenney, David LaBelle, Susie Post and others. Each time we pick up our cameras to document an event – be it as simple as a sunny day in the park, as joyous as a wedding, or a major news happening, such as the aftermath of 9/11, we reflect on how important each picture is and how every image matters in the course of the subject’s life. |
