Chapter 9- Motivation of Photojournalists

Everyone in life, it doesn't matter who you are, has something that motivates them. Someone may have multiple motivations. Not everyone has the same exact motivations in life either. When I think of the word motivation, I think of what makes me happy, what makes me inspired to keep going and to keep doing what I love to keep me happy. The question of what motivates you is not something many people think about on a daily basis, but it's always something that one should think about from time to time: What motivates you?

One photojournalist that I researched is Steve Coleman. In his article titled "Why Photography", Coleman states, "For some reason, my search has taken me down a path of photographing landscapes, sharing what I learn and writing about the journey."  He continues by saying "For me, I know that photographing a landscape brings a sense of balance into my life. It for fills many needs in me, a need to build and create something." This makes me think that nature and enjoying the outdoors and traveling is what inspires and motivates Coleman the most as a photojournalist. I in fact agree with Coleman in a way. I love nature and photographing landscapes because I think these types of photographs show the beauty of life and for me, nature gives me a sense of peace. "When I find these rare moments I like to make a photograph of what I see, so that it lasts forever."

Steve Coleman 

Image By: Digital Citizen 

Image Source: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/uncovering-artists-through-windows-7-themes-steve-coleman

Image by: Steve Coleman 

Image Source: http://www.lightinframeblog.com/evolution-of-self-and-the-frustration-of-photography/#more-5358

The next Photojournalist I researched was award-winning humanitarian photojournalist Karl Grobl. In his photojournalism, Grobl photographs the human side of issues faced by people across the globe. His images highlight those basic human elements that comprise the fabric binding all cultures together in our rapidly homogenizing, yet sometimes divided, global community. Not only is Grobl motivated by this type of photojournalism but he also hopes that his photographs will motivate and educate others as well. Grobl enjoys capturing photographs that capture emotion. As Ruth Prieto Arenas states, "Through these images I go beyond the public scenario offering a deeper knowledge of the living conditions of one of the major labor forces in the US." I feel like Grobl and Arenas have the same type of motivation when explaining what types of photographs they take.

Karl Grobl

Image by: Unknown

Image Source http://www.karlgrobl.com/karl.htm

Image by: Karl Grobl

Image Source: http://www.karlgrobl.com/Itipini/indexBW.htm

Lastly, the third photojournalist I researched was Kenyan photojournalist, Felix Masi. Masi states in an interview with InFocus, "what inspired me was watching TV in a social hall because we never had a TV." "I used to see a lot of war and I thought I could do well as a war photographer," Masi continued. Eventually, Masi realized that was not his calling but he knew he still wanted to be a photographer. He then got inspired to capture photographs of people suffering in Africa so that he could spread the message that there are in fact people suffering.in poverty. "How well can I tell the story of these folks that are really just working hard so they can get out of this poverty?" The same motivation that Masi had that lead him to have a successful career in photography is very inspiring for those who want to chase their dreams and to be successful in life. Masi is all about capturing and telling a story in his work and so is former United States Air Force combat photojournalist Stacy Pearsall who was injured on the job and now takes photographs of veterans. "I thought, if I can't be a combat photographer, maybe I can at least share their stories 'cause their so extraordinary."

Felix Masi

Image By: radaris.com

Image Source http://www.konnectafrica.net/felix-masi/

Image By: Felix Masi 

Image Source: https://felixmasi.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/img_1/ 

My motivations with these photojournalists are very similar. Just like Steve Coleman, I enjoy nature and capturing images of nature and landscapes. As Coleman probably thinks himself, I find nature to be very peaceful and calming. For me, being out in nature is very stress relieving, As for Karl Grobl, I can relate to his motivations because just like Grobl, I enjoy learning about different cultures and would love to one day work with or come in contact with people from different cultures. I also care a lot for different humanity issues that people all around the world face, just like Grobl. Felix Masi inspires me to never give up on following my dreams for the future. 

Although I have similar motivations with these photojournalists, I still have a lot of bigger motivations in life that keep me going. Thinking about my future and my future career motivates me and keeps excited about where the future will take me. My family and friends also motivate me when they tell me they're proud of me. Being a student leader and being a leader in clubs and organizations motivates me to meet new people and to give me as much experience as possible that will help me succeed in the future. Seeing my name published publicly somewhere like the YellowJacket Newspaper also motivates me just like it motivates Professor Nordell when he sees his name published next to one of his images. My religion also motivates me to be the best I can possibly be. Finally, seeing how much I have personally grown mentally motivates me every single day to keep going and I know I will continue growing.

My Motivation Map

Image By: Allison Gavin