Wedding & Portrait Photojournalism

It was 10 years ago that I joined the ranks ok the American Red Cross. Being young and just out of high school it really opened my eyes to the world around me. I not only learned how to save lives but also learned how to teach others how to save lives. Through that education I have taught CPR 3 times, helped at several accidents, and taught countless students how to do the same. Before joining the Red Cross I had no idea just how much disasters affected people.

Today as a photographer I can’t help but take in the world around me. At weddings I get to be a part of the most important day of somebody’s life, through my craft I get to etch it on paper to preserve memories for generations. Conversely when something sad or moving happens I feel it is our duty to share what has happened with the rest of the world.

Although I have never photographed the aftermath of a school shooting and hope I never have to. I can look through the photographer’s eyes through the images he or she creates. I have photographed standing behind a police barricade and became aware of how the press is treated. I’ve also photographed a presidential funeral and know how important it is to share what I see with the rest of the world.

What I have done however seems insignificant compared to the photographs I have seen from Columbine, Virginia Tech, or the recent school shooting in Illinois. When I attend college I feel safe and can not imagine what it would be like if a man or woman pulled out a gun in one of my classes. I can’t fathom watching my friends and professors being a target. It is so chilling to know that this has and does happen to students. The expressions on people’s faces in the photographs attempt to show us the utter terror it causes.

Our right to photograph is secured through the constitution under the guise of the freedom of the press. That freedom is important because it acts as a system of check and balances. When bad things happen they need to be exposed and fixed. Bad things are happening, my fellow photographers, students, professors, friends, and readers. If you sense that somebody may do something like this talk with people and attempt to get the person help. These things are real and a little compassion may curve the violence that plagues our schools. I am glad photographers and the press has opened my eyes to what is going on. The press does hard work that is not easy during grim times like this.

I would encourage anybody to join:

American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org)
Canadian Red Cross (http://www.redcross.ca)
Rachels Challenge (http://www.rachelschallenge.com/)