"M12 - Chapter 9 - What Motivates Photojournalists"

"M12 - Chapter 9 - What Motivates Photojournalists"

Motivation can be described in many ways depending on what you are like as a person. Their motivation allows them to complete their short and long term goals which is important in every aspect. So when researching on a variety of photojournalist I have found out that they have a lot of reasons on how they get motivated. The photojournalist might be motivated by money. Another possibility is to be motivated by being published. So when researching I came across Lynn Johnson, who I thought was a very interesting women when reading her bio. Lynn Johnson explained that her motivation is revolved around being a female in a male dominated profession. Johnson stated, “documenting women’s issues feels like a responsibility as a woman photographer”. When looking at her bio, I thought it was easy to notice where Lynn Johnson gets her motivation and inspiration. Since being involved in this class I have found out that Women photojournalists have faced serious scrutiny from male photojournalists and others throughout history. So Johnson uses this to motivate her so she can be a better journalist.

Taken by Lynn Johnson

So whatever industry you plan to work in one of the main things they think of is the money aspect. Even if you are on the starting salary wage you want to raise your salary as soon as possible. So to do that you need to increase your reputation and to do that you need to take a lot more quality pictures. So when looking at photojournalist I came across EstherHavens, who is a popular person who provides great work for people to see. Esther Havens is that type of person that wanted to find more information of the people he was taking pictures off, she wasn’t interested about the money, she was more interested about sending powerful messages.  For instance, one of his photos had an impact on how she thought of work. One day Havens didn’t pay much attention to the child’s misery and it had an effect on her. So since then Havens focused more on the stories of individuals. Rather than just taking the picture to add to her portfolio, she wanted to know more about the person she was photographing.  That’s what she used.

Taken by Esther Havens

Lastly I came across Stacy Pearsall who worked with the US air force Reading her background I found out that she loved working with the soldiers and getting to know them in person. When finding out what motivates her she stated that , "I think of the military of a slice of America at large. So many cultures and so much diversity and that really what I wanted to share with everybody” Stacy wanted to give something back to the people that put their body on the line so others can live. Stacy would make trips to all of the veterans who were still in hospital and help in any way she could.

Photo taken by Stacy Pearsall

The most important thing that motivates me is my family. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today and for that I am grateful. So whenever I am having a bad day I always think of them and that helps get me through.

Taken by Matthew Jones