Lessons Learned at the Lincoln Memorial

"You all are from Lincoln, Nebraska and are assigned to create a photo essay based on pictures from the Lincoln Memorial. You have an hour and a half to complete this assignment."

I stand baffled as my photojournalism instructor gives my class instructions on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the water across from the Washington Monument. How are we supposed to fill up an hour and a half simply taking pictures of the Lincoln Memorial?

Fifteen minutes go by. I have walked up the steps and taken pictures of whoever seemed interesting--security guards, bikers, you name it. Then, I go up to the Lincoln Memorial. It greets me with its usual air of grandeur. I take pictures from every angle possible then contemplate taking pictures of the lady next to me. She says yes, and I get several photographs and walk on.

Now what? I have taken pictures of the steps, the memorial, and the views from the steps and from the memorial.

I have taken every picture possible.

Or so I thought.

But then, if I hold the camera at a new angle, I get a new picture.

And if I change the aperture and shutter speed (I am not an expert, so most of this was fairly random), two photographs of the same view can came out as completely different images.

And, if I back up, move in, move to the side, twist the camera lens as I take the picture, or wait for more people to come up, I can create an image that is purely original, purely my own, something that no one else has made.

So, taking photographs is like life. We may stand witness to the same view, but we all have different perspectives and takes on a situation. That's what photojournalism is all about: putting your own take on a mundane (or unusual) view of life to create a unique and original work of art.

--Suzy