Emotionaly Charged
Soldier Hillary Sweeney from Holbrook beening embraces by her mom Louise, dad John Sweeney at the Pennsyvania National Guardsmen based in South Franklin Township
Soldier Hillary Sweeney from Holbrook beening embraces by her mom Louise, dad John Sweeney at the Pennsyvania National Guardsmen based in South Franklin Township
Tamarra Ratley the mother Marius Chatman held a rally for justice for Chatman on the one year anniversary of his death.
Tiana Cario of Canonsburg, holds a candle during a prayer vigil for Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum. Who was killed in the line of duty this morning at the Borough Building.
Justin Prettiman of Buffalo Township, a specialist with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, hugs his daughter, Nicole 3, before leaving the South Franklin Township armory for deployment to Iraq.
Family member of drowning victim stands on the bank of the Monongahela River in Brownsville. After the victims boat overturned in the river during a fishing outing.
As a newspaper photographer, you have to be prepared for a wide range of assignments. As in life, some are uplifting and inspiring while others are tragic and can rock your foundation.
One of the most important aspects when covering an emotionally-charged situation is to have respect, compassion and empathy for your subjects. On occasion, the emotions you feel are soft and subtle while at other times, you are hard pressed to stand your ground and grind your way through. Several examples of images I have captured will illustrate the depth and power of the camera and of my emotions.
I stood with family members and friends waiting for the arrival of the 2nd Bridge Combat Team of the Pennsylvania National Guard returning from Iraq. I could feel their anticipation and excitement. They were holding yellow balloons, banners and flowers. When the procession of buses pulled up and the doors opened, the crowd burst into celebration.
It was hard for me to focus, I was completely overwhelmed. I wandered my way through the crowd hoping I could capture an image that would reflect the power of their homecoming.
Back at the O-R, I sat at my desk, still feeling the force of their reunion. I have never experienced anything like this before. I was swept away in their joy. I could see the process of narrowing it down to one or two photos was going to be difficult. So many pictures reflected emotion, tears and loved ones embracing each other.
Then I came to an image that made me cry, I knew this was the one.
Hillary Sweeney of Holbrook gets a big hug from her parents, Louise and John Sweeney. Sweeney is a specialist with the 2nd Bridge Combat Team of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Attached is a link to an influential photojournalist. www.magnumphotos.com/photographers/