Assignment 3

War Photographer

"If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough"
-Robert Capa

A film portraying all that is beautiful and all that is hellish pertaining to that of documentary photography. First off, I must say it is ridiculous I have never seen this film in my life, as I feel “War Photographer” is pertinent and integral for all photographers. The mannerisms and photographs of James Nachtwey are that of elegance, class, and wonder; with them is an important timelessness taken with so much care.
Right off the bat, I found an instant connection with James and his words. “You have to be single minded.” My jaw dropped and a sense of relief overwhelmed me when this was said. I consider myself to be a lonely observer in this social world, as is James Nachtwey. Being so, one is able to not be responsible for that of others, allowing for a beaming focus opening one’s eyes and mind to the world around you. Doing so, one is able to transcend relative reality, making all matters yours. You become unemotional and distant as a human being, but regain these as a photographer through the lens. The documentary photographer must be invisible yet so involved. Having a single mind, one is able to do so. The reason I felt so relieved was that fact that I have been battling being a loner rather than embracing it. It finally clicked that this is not such a bad thing when there are others who accept this and use it to their advantage.
I love the fact that James is so reserved, holding so much respect for those around him, yet he still manages to become so involved in the events. His actions and photographs speak for him, again, allowing for his eyes to take in the environment; to do the work; to see what needs to be seen. This is very difficult to achieve as documentary photography can feel so invasive and voyeuristic. Lately, I have found myself lacking in the confidence to do so, stopping me from capturing what I observe, having almost too much respect for the world around me.
Why are people so interested in the loss of others? The celebrations of others? The emotions of others? What do we as documentarians get out of capturing what it means to be human? Well, the answer is just that. As being observers by nature, and documentarians specifically, we are in search of what it means to be human. It allows us to witness history from what happens to ordinary people, not the academic world, as said in the film. Personally, it helps answer my question of purpose. When you observe others in situations, you can picture yourself having these experiences. But then ask the question, why them and not me? Through photography, I am able to appease that questioning by not only sharing these experiences with myself but those who see the photograph.
As far as picking a favorite photo of James’, it is impossible. Because of how astounding of a photographer he is, his photos are all that of amazing, breathtaking and real. I cannot relate to any of the situations he photographs because I am a middleclass White American who is not brave enough to go around the world experiencing these events for myself. That is my situation. I have not experienced famine, war, epidemic, etc. I can only imagine and sympathize through his depictions of these situations. It is also hard to choose a favorite due to the subject matter, in that, even though the photograph may be well done, the subject matter is so devastating making it almost disrespectful to say that is my favorite. I do not think James would want us to choose a favorite; he wants us to react with human emotion and action.

Mr. K's Shoot 1

A successful meeting with Mr. K allowed for an all-access initial tour of the facilities.

Assignment 2

Final Project Proposal 2: Food 622

Orange Curry Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon and Mexican Naan (tortilla)

My interest in culture and tradition has led me in the direction of food. Inspired by the experiences of famous chef's Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern, and Paula Deen, I and those around me, have become enthralled with the art of cooking. Multiple times a week, the roommates and I journey to grocers and markets around Tucson to purchase ingredients for the dish of the night. The total experience, that of planning, shopping, preparing, cooking, and eating, has become a tradition and a time of bonding for the three of us; allowing for conversations of life, philosophy, comedy, etc... The art of cooking has become therapeutic and meditative.  Our passion is so infused in us that it has led to talk of dropping out of school, saying fuck it, and opening some sort of food stand or restaurant.

I want to document the surface, as well as the personal experiences that we have; the laughter, the enjoyment and the result: the food itself. Having many steps in the process, each being an experience of its own, I feel there will be much to document.

I foresee the fact that I am often very involved in the process of cooking being a problem. It will be hard to document as well as cook at the same time, especially in the confined space of our kitchen. I am not sure that a tripod'd and timer'd setup would do the job as I want the camera to be just as involved in the experience as the cooks.

Final Project Proposal 1: Low 'n' Slow - Mr K's Barbecue

(Above image of Mr. K's Food courtesy of TucsonCitizen.com)

Classic American tradition is dying as our society globalizes. Brought up to embrace what once was, it has been infused into my blood to support and save the dying institutions of American society. I have always felt that losing sight of the elements that formed this society could have very detrimental effects; a complete loss of culture.

I bleed bourbon, blues, baseball, and barbecue. Having traveled across the country with my dad, I have experienced them in almost every state of the US. And being in Tucson for 4 years, it went without question to continue my quest for the ultimate exemplification of American tradition. This lifelong journey has led me at this point in time to Mr. K's Barbecue.

For this project, I want to capture and share the aspects of American barbecue culture that I feel are most important; family, tradition, history, emotion, food, music, people and love. I feel Mr K's is the perfect establishment in order to do so as it will illuminate this greater connection. The restaurant looks as old as barbecue itself and within, it houses a very personal and prideful African-American history museum, constructed by Mr. K himself.

I would love to be able to interview Mr. K and ask him many questions; racial, historical, personal; what are his motivations, where did this pride derive, what he has been through, and what does he want to share with the world and why in Tucson of all places; essentially, what barbecue means to Mr. K. I would also love to get the perspective of the two men who run the counter; why they are drawn to continuing the tradition, the passion and what they have learned from Mr. K.

I see access being a problem. The restaurant is open a majority of the week, but, I am going to have to request permission. Also, Mr. K is not around all the time, so getting a picture and an interview with the man who birthed this establishment could possibly be an issue. Other than that, I don't want to sound overconfident, but I feel my passion will drive my photography and I will be successful in capturing what I want for this project.

Assignment 1

Without routine, I am nothing. My existence becomes meaningless and I become lost. Within my routine, there are experiences that I can't live without; as I am nothing without them. Leaving the life I once lived, I must bring pieces with me that remind me of what once was. In space, I would be competing with insanity on the daily; what once was, my routine, will help maintain my sanity as long as possible. I must be grounded.