Blog 28 Chicago Sun Times fires Photo staff
Hey all,
Last week, in an unprecedented move, the Chicago Sun times fired its complete roster of 30+ photojournalists, including pulitzer prize winner John h. White. The decision shocked not only the photogs themselves but the city of Chicago and the entire Photography community. There have since been protests in Chicago demanding that the Photojournalists be re-hired.
The apparent reason for the move on the part of The Sun Times, was to evolve into more video and multimedia work. Their reporters will now have to produce their own stories using more modern tools such as web video, to catch up with the modern demands of their readers.
Being professionals in these fields, we understood why Sun times was choosing to move in a more mainstream and modern direction but was the move of a total change really necessary? I dont think anyone can argue that with the advent of the internet, web streaming, Youtube, Skype, Facetime, etc, video has truly changed the way we communicate in the 21st Century. That being said, does Photography fail to communicate as efficiently as video does in today’s world? Perhaps. Although, we are of the thinking that all forms of media and visual storytelling have their place in our world.
While we agree that video/multimedia is the way of the future (hence our area of specialization), let us not forget the roots and the basics of true storytelling through the eye of the camera. Telling a story, no matter through what medium, is an art in itself that must be appreciated.
Until next time, keep telling your stories!
The Look Productions team
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