Over the next six weeks, we'll use this blog as a virtual meeting place for discussions about interesting facets of news Web sites, photos, headlines and more.
I'm looking forward to your thoughtful posts.
6.06.2007
4.04.2007
Headlines
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Love Shack challenges Johns Creek
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/northfulton/stories/2007/04/02/0402loveshack.html
If you didn't know that Love Shack is an adult novelty store and John's Creek is an Atlanta suburb, you'd think this was some kind of softball rematch.
From the LA Times:
Parents stand up and cheer as a $15 sneaker enters the game
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-sneakers4apr04,0,3778454.story?coll=la-home-nation
This is a story about an NBA player who, like many others has his own line of shoes, but unlike others', his shoes are priced at about $15. The shoe's popularity seems to be defying the "snob appeal" that expensive shoes seems to have.
The headline is intriguing if you're not familiar with the story. It employs a clever metaphor for a familiar image of fans cheering as the players enter the arena at the beginning of each game.
Love Shack challenges Johns Creek
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/northfulton/stories/2007/04/02/0402loveshack.html
If you didn't know that Love Shack is an adult novelty store and John's Creek is an Atlanta suburb, you'd think this was some kind of softball rematch.
From the LA Times:
Parents stand up and cheer as a $15 sneaker enters the game
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-sneakers4apr04,0,3778454.story?coll=la-home-nation
This is a story about an NBA player who, like many others has his own line of shoes, but unlike others', his shoes are priced at about $15. The shoe's popularity seems to be defying the "snob appeal" that expensive shoes seems to have.
The headline is intriguing if you're not familiar with the story. It employs a clever metaphor for a familiar image of fans cheering as the players enter the arena at the beginning of each game.
Heds - one good, one not so adept.
Good - "Cline takes on thug cops" It uses active voice, identifies someone who's recognizable locally (the police superintendent, I think) and the phrase "thug cops," while normally unacceptable in a hed, is justified when you're talking about a burly police officer repeatedly punching a 115-pound woman.
Not so adept - "Google makes a 'hiss' terical search", a story about a large snake loose in Google's headquarters.
The hed tells me it's snake-related, but the concept of a snake loose in Google's office is so promising, I would've liked to see something more creative. Plus, the search wasn't hysterical, unless they were freaking out as it happened - plausible considering the snake is three feet long.
"Latest Google search: A python in the office" was CNNMoney's hed, and that makes me much happier.
It's a light story with no huge import, and the underlying premise is amusing - the perfect time to have some fun with the hed.
Not so adept - "Google makes a 'hiss' terical search", a story about a large snake loose in Google's headquarters.
The hed tells me it's snake-related, but the concept of a snake loose in Google's office is so promising, I would've liked to see something more creative. Plus, the search wasn't hysterical, unless they were freaking out as it happened - plausible considering the snake is three feet long.
"Latest Google search: A python in the office" was CNNMoney's hed, and that makes me much happier.
It's a light story with no huge import, and the underlying premise is amusing - the perfect time to have some fun with the hed.
Raechal's headlines
Good headline example: Coup that is Oprah has Howard gushing
Yes, whoever who wrote this April 3 WashingtonPost.com headline broke the rule that writers should use active voice in headlines. That said, they also managed to pack news (Oprah is doing something for Howard), its effect (everyone at Howard is excited) and context (getting Oprah involved is a coup) into a seven-word slug. The story folows the headline’s fun, conversational tone, and the two elements mesh well. My only criticism is that the headline fails to let readers know just how Oprah is involved at Howard. The story and the subhead that is displayed under the headline explains that she’s their scheduled graduation speaker.
Bad headline example: Edwards has more treatable type of cancer
This April 4 USAToday.com headline confused me so much that I had to click on the story. Maybe it worked in that way. However, I didn’t think it did a great job of saying anything. The Associated Press story that went with it is a little muddled as well. Apparently, Elizabeth Edwards found out in a doctor’s appointment Friday that her cancer—which her husband, John Edwards, and the media have said is “untreatable”-- is “more likely to be controlled by anti-estrogen drugs.” Huh? I wondered if the reporter and the headline writer were trying to write around saying that their earlier reporting may not have been accurate. Also, most of the story is about what kind of life expcetancy Edwards has and how she is vowing to fight regardless of how long doctors project she will live. Was the headline writer confused by the story too?
Yes, whoever who wrote this April 3 WashingtonPost.com headline broke the rule that writers should use active voice in headlines. That said, they also managed to pack news (Oprah is doing something for Howard), its effect (everyone at Howard is excited) and context (getting Oprah involved is a coup) into a seven-word slug. The story folows the headline’s fun, conversational tone, and the two elements mesh well. My only criticism is that the headline fails to let readers know just how Oprah is involved at Howard. The story and the subhead that is displayed under the headline explains that she’s their scheduled graduation speaker.
Bad headline example: Edwards has more treatable type of cancer
This April 4 USAToday.com headline confused me so much that I had to click on the story. Maybe it worked in that way. However, I didn’t think it did a great job of saying anything. The Associated Press story that went with it is a little muddled as well. Apparently, Elizabeth Edwards found out in a doctor’s appointment Friday that her cancer—which her husband, John Edwards, and the media have said is “untreatable”-- is “more likely to be controlled by anti-estrogen drugs.” Huh? I wondered if the reporter and the headline writer were trying to write around saying that their earlier reporting may not have been accurate. Also, most of the story is about what kind of life expcetancy Edwards has and how she is vowing to fight regardless of how long doctors project she will live. Was the headline writer confused by the story too?
Good and Bad Headlines
Good: An Arid West No Longer Waits for Rain
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/us/04drought.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Comment: I liked this headline because it's clear and gets straight to the point. Moreover, it's compelling enough to make me want to read the full story. Once I read the headline, I immediately wanted to know what these states planned to do now. I became interested in seeing the alternative methods they came up with in dealing with the dry conditions. Therefore, I think the headline did its job.
Bad: No Charges in Radio Death
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/ and
Comment: The first image that came to my mind when reading this headline was one of a radio lying in a puddle of blood, with its arms and legs stretched out. In other words, my image was sort of cartoonish. But once I clicked on the headline, it took me to the full article. In fact, the second page (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/03/BAGJEP0KDV1.DTL) had a better headline than the first. It provided more detail about what the story was about. By the way, the story was about a California woman who died of water intoxication after participating in a radio contest. So, I'm pretty sure that my first thought wasn't what the headline's creator was going for.
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/us/04drought.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Comment: I liked this headline because it's clear and gets straight to the point. Moreover, it's compelling enough to make me want to read the full story. Once I read the headline, I immediately wanted to know what these states planned to do now. I became interested in seeing the alternative methods they came up with in dealing with the dry conditions. Therefore, I think the headline did its job.
Bad: No Charges in Radio Death
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/ and
Comment: The first image that came to my mind when reading this headline was one of a radio lying in a puddle of blood, with its arms and legs stretched out. In other words, my image was sort of cartoonish. But once I clicked on the headline, it took me to the full article. In fact, the second page (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/03/BAGJEP0KDV1.DTL) had a better headline than the first. It provided more detail about what the story was about. By the way, the story was about a California woman who died of water intoxication after participating in a radio contest. So, I'm pretty sure that my first thought wasn't what the headline's creator was going for.
Good and Not-so-good Headlines
Good: Pulling all the right strings
http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2007/04/02/Diversions/Pulling.All.The.Right.Strings-2816275.shtml
I like this headline because it is a use of figurative language and a play on what the context of the story is actually about. Sometimes, when you need to get to a certain point in life, you need to pull some strings to get there. Jim Henson used strings to operate his puppets. He pulled all the right strings to gain his fame and fortune. It might sound a little cheesey when you analyze it, but up front it's short and sweet.
Not-so-Good: Curious George goes bananas in Mexico City
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/04/curious_george_.html
First off, I actually think this headline is good and quite clever. However, my post is in relation to what headlines can do when they are not placed correctly. This monkey story got my attention because it was bulleted underneath a larger headline of "Karl Rove heckled and pelted on college campus" leading me to believe that Karl Rove was "heckled and pelted" on a "Mexico City college campus" by a "Curious George gone bananas." USA Today needs to be a little more careful about spacing, bulleting, bolding and underlining when it comes to grouping its headlines.
http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2007/04/02/Diversions/Pulling.All.The.Right.Strings-2816275.shtml
I like this headline because it is a use of figurative language and a play on what the context of the story is actually about. Sometimes, when you need to get to a certain point in life, you need to pull some strings to get there. Jim Henson used strings to operate his puppets. He pulled all the right strings to gain his fame and fortune. It might sound a little cheesey when you analyze it, but up front it's short and sweet.
Not-so-Good: Curious George goes bananas in Mexico City
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/04/curious_george_.html
First off, I actually think this headline is good and quite clever. However, my post is in relation to what headlines can do when they are not placed correctly. This monkey story got my attention because it was bulleted underneath a larger headline of "Karl Rove heckled and pelted on college campus" leading me to believe that Karl Rove was "heckled and pelted" on a "Mexico City college campus" by a "Curious George gone bananas." USA Today needs to be a little more careful about spacing, bulleting, bolding and underlining when it comes to grouping its headlines.
Good vs. Bad Headlines
Good One: How Bogus Letter Became a Case for War
This particular headline came from the Washington Post. I think its appropriate and useful for screening the content of the article that accompanies it. The wording is quite mysterious in nature and vague yet clear enough to give you an idea of what they may be talking about. THe use of the word "Bogus" invokes a sense of blundering on the part of the parties involved, that makes me wonder "Who's the dummy?" I think that is exactly what the headline writers want you to think, which would suppose that it is a little biased. The headline is almost formed in a question but moves towards a declarative statement that says, "Here, let me show you what the Iraq war was based on..." The headline is the perfect prelude to a controversial and highly political topic that could serve to anger and fulfill the public's idea of the Iraq war. YOu know immediately when you read this headline that you are in for a story.
Bad One: Kid-challenged alleged carjacker caught
I had to read this headline several times before understanding what "kid-challenged" meant in describing the carjacker. There are too many adjectives to try to describe the criminal and it never makes light of the fact that a 6-year old Miami girl inside the carjacked vehicle stopped this guy by swinging her bookbag to hit him. Kid-challenged could mean the carjacker doesn't like kids, or was challenged mentally as a child, or I don't even know. The whole structure of this headline tells me nothing about the story, which is actually pretty incredible. This was a UPI story that appeared in the Jackson News Online. The little girl and her family were invited by Ellen DeGeneres to the show and presented with a new car after the carjacker totaled theirs. A great story was overshadowed by a terrible headline.
This particular headline came from the Washington Post. I think its appropriate and useful for screening the content of the article that accompanies it. The wording is quite mysterious in nature and vague yet clear enough to give you an idea of what they may be talking about. THe use of the word "Bogus" invokes a sense of blundering on the part of the parties involved, that makes me wonder "Who's the dummy?" I think that is exactly what the headline writers want you to think, which would suppose that it is a little biased. The headline is almost formed in a question but moves towards a declarative statement that says, "Here, let me show you what the Iraq war was based on..." The headline is the perfect prelude to a controversial and highly political topic that could serve to anger and fulfill the public's idea of the Iraq war. YOu know immediately when you read this headline that you are in for a story.
Bad One: Kid-challenged alleged carjacker caught
I had to read this headline several times before understanding what "kid-challenged" meant in describing the carjacker. There are too many adjectives to try to describe the criminal and it never makes light of the fact that a 6-year old Miami girl inside the carjacked vehicle stopped this guy by swinging her bookbag to hit him. Kid-challenged could mean the carjacker doesn't like kids, or was challenged mentally as a child, or I don't even know. The whole structure of this headline tells me nothing about the story, which is actually pretty incredible. This was a UPI story that appeared in the Jackson News Online. The little girl and her family were invited by Ellen DeGeneres to the show and presented with a new car after the carjacker totaled theirs. A great story was overshadowed by a terrible headline.
4.03.2007
Rachel Mauro- Headlines
Good Headline
Foreign-Owned Hotels Invite Tokyo to Taste Luxury Anew
(The Washington Post, April 3, 2007)
I think this is foremost a good headline because it is intriguing. My own bias is to assume that hotels bring foreign luxuries to tourists, not that foreign hotels bring luxuries to cities where, apparently, the hotels aren’t indigenous. What sort of “new luxury” could Tokyo be experiencing, a city, after all, which is regarded in the west as luxurious in that it is different than what most of us know? The article immediately gets to the point by describing the “fresh” and “immaculate” décor of Tokyo’s new Ritz-Carlton hotel. “New luxury” for Tokyo is something, which might be more familiar to American readers—large expensive suites and the like—and “old luxury” like traditional Japanese rooms, acquire new meanings in this article. I believe the headline does a good job of summarizing the feel and drawing the reader in by intrigue.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/02/AR2007040201679.html
Not So Good Headline
'Something went drastically wrong': 20 die in plane crash
(USA Today, December 20, 2005)
My main problem with this headline is that it is not descriptive. Plane crashes, especially fatal ones, can usually be attributed to something going “drastically wrong,” (and if that’s not the case, then that’s the story, even in a post Sept. 11 America.) Though at the time the article was written, little was known about the crash, the headline could have centered on the fact that the aircraft was a vintage propeller driven seaplane or that it actually flew regularly before it’s demise, or more specific to the crash, witnesses on the Miami beach saw what they perceived to be smoke and an explosion before a wing fell off and the plane ultimately went into the sea. Descriptors like this would make this plane and this crash unique, rather than one of hundreds or thousands of unfortunate aircraft malfunctions and deaths.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-19-seaplane-crash_x.htm
Headlines
I found the headline, "Doggie yoga leaves pets twisted but relaxed" from CNN.Com to be quite good. First of all, the story immediately caught my eye. The subject matter of the article is certainly unusual, but the headline allows the site user to understand what will follow. The headline follows good subject-verb structure and involves some cuteness without too much.
The headline I found to be "not so adept" is one that I found on the Web site of the television stations in my hometown, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The headline reads: Too Much T-B Testing? (You can click the link for the story.) Basically, the story is about how a local school has decided to pay for all students to be tested for T-B. However, the Department of Health is unsure if the tests are necessary. I think the headline immediately creates a story biased toward the stance of the health department. The question format is not effective. In addition, the headline is unclear, and makes no mention of whom is being tested, or where the tests are taking place. Instead, I think a headline like: T-B Tests in Scranton School May Be Unnecessary.
Thanks,
Adena
The headline I found to be "not so adept" is one that I found on the Web site of the television stations in my hometown, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The headline reads: Too Much T-B Testing? (You can click the link for the story.) Basically, the story is about how a local school has decided to pay for all students to be tested for T-B. However, the Department of Health is unsure if the tests are necessary. I think the headline immediately creates a story biased toward the stance of the health department. The question format is not effective. In addition, the headline is unclear, and makes no mention of whom is being tested, or where the tests are taking place. Instead, I think a headline like: T-B Tests in Scranton School May Be Unnecessary.
Thanks,
Adena
Good/Bad Headlines
In my opinion, the Baltimore Sun article titled “His Head’s Way Above Water” is a good headline. This headline is clever in describing Baltimore’s Michael Phelps’ consecutive wins in the swimming World Championships in Australia. In addition, the headline does not give away the story and intrigues the reader into wanting to read the article. This headline/article can be found at.... http://www.baltimoresun.com/extras/news/printedition/SunFrontPage.pdf
However, in my opinion, the Baltimore Sun article titled ‘Driving While Texting' is a no-so-adept headline. The story following this headline discusses the dangers of cell phone texting while driving a car. Much of the public is aware that texting while driving is dangerous and causes many car accidents. Thus, I believe the headline for this article could have been more discrete and not totally give away the story. I would think readers glancing over this headline would not be curious as to what lies behind it and ignore the story completely. This headline/article can be found at...
http://www.baltimoresun.com/extras/news/printedition/FriFrontPage.pdf
Thanks,
Laura
However, in my opinion, the Baltimore Sun article titled ‘Driving While Texting' is a no-so-adept headline. The story following this headline discusses the dangers of cell phone texting while driving a car. Much of the public is aware that texting while driving is dangerous and causes many car accidents. Thus, I believe the headline for this article could have been more discrete and not totally give away the story. I would think readers glancing over this headline would not be curious as to what lies behind it and ignore the story completely. This headline/article can be found at...
http://www.baltimoresun.com/extras/news/printedition/FriFrontPage.pdf
Thanks,
Laura
3.28.2007
Headlines
Hey guys, editing my blog here. Didn't realize we had to put both a good AND bad headline. No worries, though. I found what I think is an outstanding headline on ESPN.com's home page. It simply reads, "THE SUMMIT." Given the circumstances, I think it's great. It is the story about the University of Tennessee's women's basketball team winning the national championship last night. This is undoubtedly the "summit" of the sport, but it is extra fitting because Tennessee's legendary coach is named Pat Summit. I think this one is simple, clever, to the point, and thus very good.
I found this headline on the web site for my hometown newspaper, the Vineland Daily Journal. The headline reads "Spikes Instantaneously Makes Eagles Better." (here's the link... http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280335/1006)
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like the word "instantaneously" at all. It's just my opinion that there are plenty of words that are more concise and convey the intended message just as effectively. It almost seems to me the headline writer was pressed for time and needed to use a bigger word to fill the correct amount of space. The word "instantaneously" almost seems like it really has too many syllables to be in a headline. I could just be completely overreacting, but I think the headline would have sounded better using something along the lines of "Spikes instantly makes Eagles' D better," or something like that.
I found this headline on the web site for my hometown newspaper, the Vineland Daily Journal. The headline reads "Spikes Instantaneously Makes Eagles Better." (here's the link... http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280335/1006)
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like the word "instantaneously" at all. It's just my opinion that there are plenty of words that are more concise and convey the intended message just as effectively. It almost seems to me the headline writer was pressed for time and needed to use a bigger word to fill the correct amount of space. The word "instantaneously" almost seems like it really has too many syllables to be in a headline. I could just be completely overreacting, but I think the headline would have sounded better using something along the lines of "Spikes instantly makes Eagles' D better," or something like that.
Headlines
I found this headline on the web site for my hometown newspaper, the Vineland Daily Journal. The headline reads "Spikes Instantaneously Makes Eagles Better." (here's the link... http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280335/1006)
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like the word "instantaneously" at all. It's just my opinion that there are plenty of words that are more concise and convey the intended message just as effectively. It almost seems to me the headline writer was pressed for time and needed to use a bigger word to fill the correct amount of space. The word "instantaneously" almost seems like it really has too many syllables to be in a headline. I could just be completely overreacting, but I think the headline would have sounded better using something along the lines of "Spikes instantly makes Eagles' D better," or something like that.
I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like the word "instantaneously" at all. It's just my opinion that there are plenty of words that are more concise and convey the intended message just as effectively. It almost seems to me the headline writer was pressed for time and needed to use a bigger word to fill the correct amount of space. The word "instantaneously" almost seems like it really has too many syllables to be in a headline. I could just be completely overreacting, but I think the headline would have sounded better using something along the lines of "Spikes instantly makes Eagles' D better," or something like that.
Headlines
Good and Bad Headlines--Zak Garner 3/28/2007
I found both of these headlines on the New York Times Web site.
Good: "From Ashes of Yukos, New Russian Oil Giant Emerges"
I like this headline, published on 3/27, because it uses both a somewhat poetic phrase, "ashes of Yukos," and the very appropriate noun "giant" (rather than "company"). Also, the headline sounds story-like - like it could be a chapter in a book - and this is reflected in the article. While it is a newsworthy piece, the story colors in the background in feature article fashion. Overall, it is a direct, clever and appropriate headline that doesn't use too many words.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/27/world/europe/27russia.html?em&ex=1175227200&en=203209985911be3c&ei=5087%0A
Bad: "Gay Media Outlets Seek Place at the Table at Awards for the Representation of Gays"
I don't like this headline, published on 3/26, because it is wordy and confusing. It is the type of headline you need to read twice before deciding if you want to read the article, which can cause some readers to flip immediately to another page. While the headline uses the common seat-at-table metaphor, the phrase "Place at the Table at Awards" is way too clunky to make this metaphor flow appropriately. An alternative headline could be: "Gay Media Outlets Seek Place at GLAAD Awards Tables."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/business/media/26glaad.html
I found both of these headlines on the New York Times Web site.
Good: "From Ashes of Yukos, New Russian Oil Giant Emerges"
I like this headline, published on 3/27, because it uses both a somewhat poetic phrase, "ashes of Yukos," and the very appropriate noun "giant" (rather than "company"). Also, the headline sounds story-like - like it could be a chapter in a book - and this is reflected in the article. While it is a newsworthy piece, the story colors in the background in feature article fashion. Overall, it is a direct, clever and appropriate headline that doesn't use too many words.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/27/world/europe/27russia.html?em&ex=1175227200&en=203209985911be3c&ei=5087%0A
Bad: "Gay Media Outlets Seek Place at the Table at Awards for the Representation of Gays"
I don't like this headline, published on 3/26, because it is wordy and confusing. It is the type of headline you need to read twice before deciding if you want to read the article, which can cause some readers to flip immediately to another page. While the headline uses the common seat-at-table metaphor, the phrase "Place at the Table at Awards" is way too clunky to make this metaphor flow appropriately. An alternative headline could be: "Gay Media Outlets Seek Place at GLAAD Awards Tables."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/business/media/26glaad.html
Good/Bad Headlines
Kathy Park
3/28/07
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/27/AR2007032700463.html
This is a headline found on March 28, in the online version of The Washington Post. I would consider this a good headline because it captures the main point of the article in just a few words, but it doesn’t necessarily give the lead away. It is written in the present tense and in active voice. This is an appropriate headline for such a serious issue.
3.01.2007
Resumes are live on our college server
Class, you can now pull up your resume in a browser by following this URL structure:
http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/yourlastname/lastnameresume.htm
However, for four of you -- Block, Blumberg, Garner and Park -- your folder name is yourlastname2. (That's because other online classes also have Block, Blumberg, Garner and Park.)
See you next week,
Chris
http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/yourlastname/lastnameresume.htm
However, for four of you -- Block, Blumberg, Garner and Park -- your folder name is yourlastname2. (That's because other online classes also have Block, Blumberg, Garner and Park.)
See you next week,
Chris
2.28.2007
Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPS/63917/124894.html
My favorite photo is “Alone Together” by Francine Orr. The photo is of two young Ugandan children sleeping head to toe on small towel on a concrete floor. The photo initially strikes me because the symmetry brings to mind the iconic “Drawing Hands” by M. C. Escher, and the single towel the children sleep on illustrates their plight. I also like how the shadowing in the top-left and bottom-right corners frame the children. I think the fact that you can’t see the complete face of either child reflects their struggle – they are just two of the thousands of orphaned, hungry children. (Their ankle tags add to this sense of being merely a number.) Additionally, without a face to study, the viewer cannot really analyze either child. While the photo is a close shot, we are still kept at a distance, representative of the distance that many outside of Africa relish when neglecting to pay attention such problems.
Zak
My favorite photo is “Alone Together” by Francine Orr. The photo is of two young Ugandan children sleeping head to toe on small towel on a concrete floor. The photo initially strikes me because the symmetry brings to mind the iconic “Drawing Hands” by M. C. Escher, and the single towel the children sleep on illustrates their plight. I also like how the shadowing in the top-left and bottom-right corners frame the children. I think the fact that you can’t see the complete face of either child reflects their struggle – they are just two of the thousands of orphaned, hungry children. (Their ankle tags add to this sense of being merely a number.) Additionally, without a face to study, the viewer cannot really analyze either child. While the photo is a close shot, we are still kept at a distance, representative of the distance that many outside of Africa relish when neglecting to pay attention such problems.
Zak
2.24.2007
Olivia's Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OES/67966/134507.html
Artisic and scenery photos are great but I feel photos that can bring out strong emotions are the best. This photo by itself would probably make you wonder why the bride is hanging her head. This photo is the last in a series documenting a young woman's strife as she clings to her life so she can marry the man who's been in love with her since the 11th grade. She was suffering from cancer and such an eventful day put her at a point of serious exhaustion. The fact that she wanted to even go through with the wedding really surprised me. It was if she had the "where there's a will, there's a way" mind set. She certainly had the will. Unfortunately, she died 5 days after her wedding. At that point, her death could be considered a tragedy. She gave it her all to make it through and then didn't make it. The bright side of it all is that she was able to experience the happiest day of her life before the end.
Artisic and scenery photos are great but I feel photos that can bring out strong emotions are the best. This photo by itself would probably make you wonder why the bride is hanging her head. This photo is the last in a series documenting a young woman's strife as she clings to her life so she can marry the man who's been in love with her since the 11th grade. She was suffering from cancer and such an eventful day put her at a point of serious exhaustion. The fact that she wanted to even go through with the wedding really surprised me. It was if she had the "where there's a will, there's a way" mind set. She certainly had the will. Unfortunately, she died 5 days after her wedding. At that point, her death could be considered a tragedy. She gave it her all to make it through and then didn't make it. The bright side of it all is that she was able to experience the happiest day of her life before the end.
2.22.2007
Arelis' Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00010471-UPY-69743/138580.jpg
This picture shows the silhouette of a Rajasthani boy riding a camel in a desert sunset near the India-Pakistani border. This picture just reminds me of so many things, one of which is that Disney movie Aladdin..haha. The truth is I am a big fan of the sun and the radiant beauty it spills upon the earth..basically I am a sucker for sunsets and sunrises. The sun is a prominent character in this photo, although it figures small in the bottom half of the photo, its light touches everything. The little boy reminds me of how vastly diverse the human experience is. Around the world people are living so incredibly different to the way I live and yet this photo connects me to a person I will never know. I also find it so ironic that so much peace emanates from a photo of a region that is enveloped in conflict and ethnic strife. I love the layers where first you have the sand to establish the location, then the boy to show the subject, and then the sun in the background giving the last word on a scene that is froth with humanity.
This picture shows the silhouette of a Rajasthani boy riding a camel in a desert sunset near the India-Pakistani border. This picture just reminds me of so many things, one of which is that Disney movie Aladdin..haha. The truth is I am a big fan of the sun and the radiant beauty it spills upon the earth..basically I am a sucker for sunsets and sunrises. The sun is a prominent character in this photo, although it figures small in the bottom half of the photo, its light touches everything. The little boy reminds me of how vastly diverse the human experience is. Around the world people are living so incredibly different to the way I live and yet this photo connects me to a person I will never know. I also find it so ironic that so much peace emanates from a photo of a region that is enveloped in conflict and ethnic strife. I love the layers where first you have the sand to establish the location, then the boy to show the subject, and then the sun in the background giving the last word on a scene that is froth with humanity.
My Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/web_sites/winners/NPS/OVR/51825/102087.html
My favorite photo is "Hopelessness in Balakot." What I like about this photo is how you immediately know what's going on without needing to read a caption. What makes the photo even more powerful is how each of the photo's layers or levels add to or can tell the story on its own. For instance, on the lower level you have the victims lined up, sitting very close to each other as if they're saying "we'll get through this together" or something, as they look at the damages. Then you have the fallen tree and the damaged buildings (signs of devastation) in another level and then the mountain tops in another. Also, looking at the horizon in the picture made me wonder "what's next or what else does the future have in store for them?" I also like the light from the sun in the photo. I think it adds to the story as well by giving that "there's hope" feel as the victims wait for the helicopter.
My favorite photo is "Hopelessness in Balakot." What I like about this photo is how you immediately know what's going on without needing to read a caption. What makes the photo even more powerful is how each of the photo's layers or levels add to or can tell the story on its own. For instance, on the lower level you have the victims lined up, sitting very close to each other as if they're saying "we'll get through this together" or something, as they look at the damages. Then you have the fallen tree and the damaged buildings (signs of devastation) in another level and then the mountain tops in another. Also, looking at the horizon in the picture made me wonder "what's next or what else does the future have in store for them?" I also like the light from the sun in the photo. I think it adds to the story as well by giving that "there's hope" feel as the victims wait for the helicopter.
2.21.2007
Bouldering - why this photo stands out
NPPA: Best of Photojournalism 2006: Still Photography Winners: Sports Picture Story is a great shot for a couple reasons.
It gets across the giant, unforgiving nature of these rocks and the relatively small, malleable humans who climb them.
The cloud pattern is abstract yet threatening, almost like a neutral density filter may have been used.
Technically, the few branches at the top right corner of the frame could be considered a mistake, but I think they provide a nice mild counterbalance to the forboding rock structure.
- Ted Sawchuck
It gets across the giant, unforgiving nature of these rocks and the relatively small, malleable humans who climb them.
The cloud pattern is abstract yet threatening, almost like a neutral density filter may have been used.
Technically, the few branches at the top right corner of the frame could be considered a mistake, but I think they provide a nice mild counterbalance to the forboding rock structure.
- Ted Sawchuck
Favorite Photo, Rachel Mauro
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/70197/139753.html
This photo was taken by Andrea Bruce of the Washington Post and is entitled "Widows of the River," as it depicts Hindu widows washing by the Ganges River in India. I like how, even though it is shot in black and white, you can acutely see the sunlight shining from behind the woman who is such a prominent figure in the center of the frame. I also like how the details and shadows are clearly visible in the folds of the womens' clothes and the waves in the water. The basket, which obscures the kneeling woman is a source of mystery though it is explained in the caption.
This photo was taken by Andrea Bruce of the Washington Post and is entitled "Widows of the River," as it depicts Hindu widows washing by the Ganges River in India. I like how, even though it is shot in black and white, you can acutely see the sunlight shining from behind the woman who is such a prominent figure in the center of the frame. I also like how the details and shadows are clearly visible in the folds of the womens' clothes and the waves in the water. The basket, which obscures the kneeling woman is a source of mystery though it is explained in the caption.
Laura's favorite photo
Hi everyone,
I love the photograph called "Local Portrait and Personality." The lighting on the child's face really brings out her emotions. The color and light on her beautiful eyes reveal the shock she is experiencing. The focus of the photo is directly on her with no background images to make out. This is important because the photo is about her and nothing else. She is the focus because she represents the aftermath of the earthquake. The picture is cropped well to focus only on her.
This picture can be found at http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/LPP/69456/137740.html.
Thanks,
Laura
I love the photograph called "Local Portrait and Personality." The lighting on the child's face really brings out her emotions. The color and light on her beautiful eyes reveal the shock she is experiencing. The focus of the photo is directly on her with no background images to make out. This is important because the photo is about her and nothing else. She is the focus because she represents the aftermath of the earthquake. The picture is cropped well to focus only on her.
This picture can be found at http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/LPP/69456/137740.html.
Thanks,
Laura
Shipbreaker
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPS/62299/120474.html
This photo, in addition to excellent use of shadows and the available lighting, coveys how large the ships are relative to the men who work on the reclamation/demolition projects, usually with little more than hacksaws, sledgehammers or, very occasionally, a blowtorch. The man pictured is dwarfed by one of the blades of one of the ship's propellers, which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the ship itself. The use of black and white enhances the viewers' sense of the bleakness of the scene as well as the ships' mass.
This photo, in addition to excellent use of shadows and the available lighting, coveys how large the ships are relative to the men who work on the reclamation/demolition projects, usually with little more than hacksaws, sledgehammers or, very occasionally, a blowtorch. The man pictured is dwarfed by one of the blades of one of the ship's propellers, which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the ship itself. The use of black and white enhances the viewers' sense of the bleakness of the scene as well as the ships' mass.
No words are needed
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/UPS/47971/91357.html
This photo is great because it immediately shows the contrast between nine-year-old Edward, who was born without legs, and other children. The school setting, the expression on Edward's face and the row of tennis shoes all help set a tone for the package, too. Wish I could take photos like that.
Another really cool thing: Paul, the photographer, is one of my former co-workers (and still a friend). I was writing about schools when we worked together and I was always glad to find out he would be my shooting one of my stories.
This photo is great because it immediately shows the contrast between nine-year-old Edward, who was born without legs, and other children. The school setting, the expression on Edward's face and the row of tennis shoes all help set a tone for the package, too. Wish I could take photos like that.
Another really cool thing: Paul, the photographer, is one of my former co-workers (and still a friend). I was writing about schools when we worked together and I was always glad to find out he would be my shooting one of my stories.
My photo - Eric
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/61729/119109.html
I especially loved this photo by David Guttenfelder of the Associated Press because it has a wonderful contrast of color from the fading bleak colors in the background of the houses in the alley and then the brightness of the dye that is in the air and on the Indian boy. It really show the action and surprise in this boy's face when he is pelted with dye in celebration of this holy holiday.
I especially loved this photo by David Guttenfelder of the Associated Press because it has a wonderful contrast of color from the fading bleak colors in the background of the houses in the alley and then the brightness of the dye that is in the air and on the Indian boy. It really show the action and surprise in this boy's face when he is pelted with dye in celebration of this holy holiday.
Joey's photo
My favorite photo off of the poynter website was a photo from an NFL game that received first place in the Team Sports Action category in 2003. The link can be found at javascript:makewin('http://www.poynterextra.org/NPPA2003pj/sat.htm', 790, 650, 'scrollbars').
I thought it was a great photo because it captivated the intensity of the game being played, and it focused in on the action even after the play had ended.
I thought it was a great photo because it captivated the intensity of the game being played, and it focused in on the action even after the play had ended.
Good Photo - Lisa
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00009837-OPY-61729/119109.jpg
I liked this photograph because it has a very strong point of entry. The colors of the person and his background combined with the more normal scenery to the left gives a visual surprise to the viewer. The lighting is really good and it is a dominant foreground with an informational background, giving us a sense of place. Finally, it's almost a little graphic with the buildings in the background, and the man and the colors almost flowing perfectly covering up one building.
-Lisa Seaman
I liked this photograph because it has a very strong point of entry. The colors of the person and his background combined with the more normal scenery to the left gives a visual surprise to the viewer. The lighting is really good and it is a dominant foreground with an informational background, giving us a sense of place. Finally, it's almost a little graphic with the buildings in the background, and the man and the colors almost flowing perfectly covering up one building.
-Lisa Seaman
Heads up!
What's up guys? Mike, here. The photo I'm writing about was in the "Best Sports Enterprise" section (take a look)
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/SPE/61778.html
I think this picture is just great. You probably all heard me laughing out loud in class when I saw it. The photo is great because it really captures the emotion of the moment -- I think most of us can agree we would exhibit similar emotion with a splintered piece of lumber flying at our heads at high speed. Aside from that, the lighting is great, the photo is tight and all of the faces are in focus. My two favorite fans are the old guy in the lower right corner (who would have stood no chance at getting out of the way should the bat have came directly toward him) and the guy in the top left who looks like he really think's he's about to die (he might if he chokes on that big wad of gum).
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/SPE/61778.html
I think this picture is just great. You probably all heard me laughing out loud in class when I saw it. The photo is great because it really captures the emotion of the moment -- I think most of us can agree we would exhibit similar emotion with a splintered piece of lumber flying at our heads at high speed. Aside from that, the lighting is great, the photo is tight and all of the faces are in focus. My two favorite fans are the old guy in the lower right corner (who would have stood no chance at getting out of the way should the bat have came directly toward him) and the guy in the top left who looks like he really think's he's about to die (he might if he chokes on that big wad of gum).
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00009837-OPY-61729/119109.jpg
This is a picture taken by 1st place winner David Guttenfelder from the Associated Press. It's a picture of an Indian man apart of the Hindu festival of colors in the old city of Dehli on March 26, 2005. I really like this shot, first and foremost, for its use of color. The sharp constrast of the vibrant red and green really makes this photo eye-popping. Also the background image shows a typical image of the city, while the foreground shows an example of a very important ritual to these people. The festival is meant to celebrate fertility and Hindu gods and this picture represents the importance of this event. In this way, it is fascinating for how it looks and what it means.
This is a picture taken by 1st place winner David Guttenfelder from the Associated Press. It's a picture of an Indian man apart of the Hindu festival of colors in the old city of Dehli on March 26, 2005. I really like this shot, first and foremost, for its use of color. The sharp constrast of the vibrant red and green really makes this photo eye-popping. Also the background image shows a typical image of the city, while the foreground shows an example of a very important ritual to these people. The festival is meant to celebrate fertility and Hindu gods and this picture represents the importance of this event. In this way, it is fascinating for how it looks and what it means.
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