Meeting Nick Oza and listening to him speak made me realize how compassion is an important part of being a good photographer. Every one of Nick's photos was filled with humanity and empathy. The photo that struck me the most was the shot of the boy and his mom in the morgue with just part the face of his dead brother on the table. Gut wrenching. When I looked at that photo again tonight I thought it was one of the best editorial photos I have ever seen.It has been an amazing couple days so far. The interview of Steve Doig was also an incredibly valuable time. I just wish that we could have had another hour or two to listen to him talk about his many exploits and his views on journalism. We barely scratched the surface of his biography.
Writing the story for the 6:00 p.m. deadline was challenging and fun, though I'm sure Mr. Elliott will find plenty of things for me to correct. It is exciting to be a part of a team of five writers for our publication. Although some might be getting away this weekend, I think I'll have to be doing some research and writing on my topic. Maybe a movie though. . .
Don Anderson
Jewell School
Seaside, Oregon
I agree with everything you said about Nick, Don. He seemed so completely sincere in really caring about his subjects, and that is evidenced by the photos he is able to get in situations where no one else seems to come away with a photo. I also loved his courage in not backing down when he knew there was a photo he wanted - he seems like the kind of guy who will do just about anything to get the shot. I don't know that I would have the kind of courage! But he seems to have the perfect personality for his profession, and he's incredibly good at it.
ReplyDeleteI was also struck by the photo from the morgue, but I think the one that really stuck with me was the first one that showed the woman comforting the sister of her family's killer. There was so much emotion in that picture, and as much as I love the written words, there were things on the faces of those women that I think could probably not be put into words.
Bridget Freiler
Pottsville Area High School
Pottsville, Pa.