Photography and Journalism

Should photography be a core course for digital journalism education?

Mu Lin asks this question on his digital journalism blog.  He makes multiple points about the increasingly visual world we live in, which I fully agree with.  Photos drive stories, especially stories read on a computer on phone, where most people are easily bored with a long, text-ridden article.
I agree that it might be easier to merge the two tasks of journalism and photography.  However, as a photographer, I don't think that this easy route is necessarily the best.

One or two photography classes for journalists is not enough to provide the training and skills necessary to produce good-quality, well thought out photos.  I believe that this should be a separate job entirely, performed by someone with adequate training and experience.

When a story hits, a journalism or two and a photographer should always be present.  The photographer is responsible for getting the first, most essential photos that a journalist could not get while also trying to report the story.

Since the world is increasingly digital and visual, this means that photos will be seen large and in color on a screen rather than printed in black and white on a small section of a newspaper.  Along with this change should come a change in quality. Most people expect to see high quality images on their computers, not blurry or grainy mis-shots.

Overall, I think that photography is a job on its own, and it should be treated like own.

Blogging Your Passion

I just finished reading the article by Jonathan Milligan, "If You're Not Passionate About Your Message, Don't Start a Blog."

I really liked the points he made, especially the point of pursuing your "no-end path."  I don't want to wake up one day at 40 and realize I've wasted half of my life with a career I don't really enjoy or care about.  I want to do something that even thirty years from now, I will still wake up excited to go to work and do my job.

If what you're doing doesn't make you happy, then what's the point?  This mindset is what led me to pursue photography as a career and not just a hobby.  I know it's hard to make it as a freelancer, I know it's hard to make money from photography, I know.  And I like having money as much as the next person, believe me.  But I'm a firm believer that if you do what you love, with enough effort, the money will come.

"Effort" being the key word here.  I've had to try really hard the past few months to try to get my photography business up and running.  This included being annoying as heck on social media and inviting every Facebook friend I had to like my photography page, spamming people's feeds with photos and information on shoots, etc. Hopefully, this hard work will pay off and allow you to do this dream job.

So live passionately, whether it's a blog, a college major, a career, whatever.  Just do what makes you happy.

Now Playing

Here's a look into what I've been listening to most over the month of January:

Albums:

• U2 - Songs of Innocence
• AKA the album that mysteriously appeared on everyone's iTunes library last year, causing an uproar from people who didn't want it on their phones.  I may be one of the few who graciously accepted the free music and actually listened to it, and I'm glad I did. The album is reminiscent of their '87 album The Joshua Tree musically and lyrically.  My favorite song is "Every Breaking Wave," although there really isn't a song that I dislike.
• The 1975 - The 1975
• This is definitely one of my favorite overall albums from the last year, especially recently.  The British indie-rock/alternative band released this first album in 2013, and it hit the charts in '14 with the singles "Chocolate" and "Girls."  My favorite songs are "You" and "The City," although this is another album that I don't skip a single song when listening to.
• The Wonder Years - Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing
•  I saw this pop-punk band live for the first time last year and they did not disappoint.  This album includes some of my favorite Wonder Years songs, such as "Came Out Swinging" and "Living Room Song."  This is great music for when you need something upbeat to get ready in the morning.
• Twenty One Pilots - Vessel
• I first discovered this alternative band last year, and quickly became a fan.  I love the diversity their music has within each album.  Some of my favorites from Vessel are "The Run and Go" and "Car Radio."

Songs:

• Taylor Swift - I Know Places
• Okay, I had to include this guilty, not-so-guilty, pleasure. This song's been on repeat in my car lately.
• Say Anything - I Want to Know Your Plans
• This song gets me in my feels like no other.  One of my favorite Say Anything songs ever.
• Real Friends- Mixtape
• This is a cover of Mixtape by Brand New, which is also a great song, but there's something about Real Friends version that I like just a little bit more.

Be sure to check some of these out if you're looking for new music to jam!

Blog Spotlight

Here is a list of ten blogs that I either follow regularly or recently found that looked interesting.

1. http://abeautifulmess.com

This is a blog I've followed for awhile.  They post recipes, DIY crafts, tips and tricks for the home, style ideas, etc. They also have a shop where they sell their own products such as stationary, writing utensils, and scrapbooking materials. The blog is so creative and colorful, and very inspirational to me.

2. http://indiejanephotography.com

This is another blog I've been a long time follower of. Amanda Keith, Oklahoma-based photographer, is the blogger behind the name Indie Jane. I love that she's also from Oklahoma and has made a pretty good name for herself in the photography community. She does portrait and wedding shoots as well as creative imagery, and I love her work.

3. http://le-happy.com

I recently discovered this blog, run by Luanna Perez-Garreaud, a fashion student in NYC who posts regular outfit posts and style inspiration. I love her style and how she incorporates scenes from the city in her photos.

4. http://coffeeandabookchick.com

This blog is run by Natalie, a woman who travels frequently so spends a ton of time reading en route. She posts about books that she has read and gives reviews for them. I've been trying to spend more time reading for pleasure, so I'm going to frequent this for book ideas.

5. http://www.littletreevintage.com

Maria is a New Jersey-based blogger who posts about her personal style, inspired largely by vintage and antique stores, as well as her Etsy shop where she sells cool vintage clothing finds.

6. http://www.skunkboyblog.com

Another frequented blog. This one is run by Katie, a mother, artist, and musician, who shares posts about her family, style, and DIY ideas. I love her sense of fashion and her writing style.

7. http://www.iheartyoucoffee.com

Elle is a Youtube guru/blogger, and this is her lifestyle blog where she writes about organization, books, and her life.  

8. http://mickrock.tumblr.com

Mick Rock is a British photographer who has shot celebrities such as David Bowie, Joan Jett, and Queen. He continues to work today with modern musicians like Pharrell and posts old and new photos on his blog.

9. http://www.thejillofalltradesblog.com/

Self proclaimed as the blog "for the woman who can do it all," this blog run by Samantha Clarke is devoted to women's issues, feminism, comedy and veganism.

10. http://www.everydayemma.com/

This blog is run by Emma Chapman, who is a co-blogger for A Beautiful Mess as well. On her personal blog, she shares recipes, decor and fashion tips, and her own photography.

Be sure to check some of these out if you're looking for new blogs to follow!

Stop One: Introductions

I suppose the first stop here should be a little introduction.

My name is Emily. Blue haired twenty year old photography student/world traveler. 

I go to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. I've lived most of my life in the almost nonexistent town of Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

I love all things art, music, and food related. 

This blog is going to be largely centered around photography, although I will post about many other things as well.  You can expect to see recipes, reviews, fashion, music, art, movies, books, etc. 

The goal is to use as many of my own photos as possible here, which will challenge me to expand my creative eye as a photographer.

Enjoy!