Photojouranalism - Impression of Wartime Photographs

Photojournalism: Impressions of Wartime Photographs

By

Stephanie D. Cameron

Introduction to Mass Communications

Robert Walker, Instructor

Alcorn State University

February 23, 2005

Photojournalism: Impressions of Wartime Photographs

As we observe five books on photojournalism, we explored different time periods dealing with wartime. These books lead us from the Civil War up to Vietnam. Below you will read about the photographs that impressed me during these time periods.

The Civil War: An Illustrated History by Gregory C. Ward with Ric Burns and Ken Burns

The photograph, John Brown's slave rebellion, on page 4 impressed me because ironically the Harpers Ferry raid was the beginning of the formation and training of the Confederate militia. Southern communities began looking to their local volunteer militia or State Guard units for help. Preparation for war with the North had begun and the early advantage was to the South. Also John Brown's holy war was another catalyst for setting into motion the events leading to the Civil War.

The photograph, Drummer Boy John Clem, page 98, gives me the impression of a young boy who served in the Civil War. John Clem looks very content at being a boy soldier at the age of 10. He seems to carry the impression that he is involved in the actual fighting. The photograph also gives the impression that he will take matters into his own hands. This photograph stands out because it represents the courage of a young boy in a man's position.

The photograph, U.S. Hotel D'Grub, page 192-193, gives the impression of a warehouse in which things are stored. The man in the cap and vest seems to be running the hotel. The photograph also gives the impression of military officer charged with providing quarters, clothing, and food for troops. The enlisted men used this as a place of shelter and a source of gathering supplies.

The photograph, Dead Horses, on page 224 gives the impression of the price in blood. The photograph also shows the casualties in the Civil War. The photograph caught the moment of tragedy of the horse that was killed and filled the yard of a farmhouse. The photograph shows the horses belonging to a military unit comprising a headquarters and an army in battle array.

The photograph, Cold Harbor, page 335 gives the impression the Confederates were