DGMD E/s-10

This course explores three discrete yet related genres of photography: photojournalism, documentary, and art photography. The instructor's background is in conflict and documentary photography, so this course also explores that world a little, with emphasis on narrative photography—storytelling.

photo essays

My Son, My Sun. Photo essay by Gigi cowan-bondick

"In this essay, I set out to capture My Son using alternative sources of light, or artificial “suns,” in an effort to push my imagination and creativity, all the while seeking to capture the things that my son loves about his life - his passion for the mountains, his love of tennis, the tenderness with which he cares for his dogs, and his ease with always being the center of my life."

A Boy No More

Remembrances of things long gone, but not forgotten.

For Love of the Game

Of all his tools, he treasures his racquet and skis the most.

Puppy Love

Without a sibling to dote on, it is his dogs who are on the receving end of his big heart.

Game Face On

HIs best attempt at looking fierce...and trying not to laugh.

Star Light, Star Bright...

Looking wishfully up to Mt. Mansfield, his home away from home, under a cold, starry, windy night.

Rabbit on the Moon

Americans see the Man on the Moon, Mexicans see the Rabbit on the Moon; he sees both.

Aquarius

Always at peace in the water, it seems fitting that a droplet managed to freeze his reflection on the outer edges.

Of Nitrates and Oxidizers

The scientist in him is more fascinated by the chemistry behind the sparkler than the sparkler itself.

Thor

A devoted Marvel Comics fan, this is his version of Thor, the Norse god of thunder and lightning.

The Man in the Mirror

A humble nod to the man he is becoming.

Capturing Loss. Photo Essay by Sung Cho

My father‐in‐law, Chinsoo Kim, recently died from cancer and I thought it offered an unique opportunity to document an event most people say they would like to not remember, but try hard not to forget.

Chinsoo Kim, is terminally ill from lung cancer and is on the final stretch of the three week timeframe given by his doctor for end of life. He is taking a break from lunch to enjoy a playful moment with his favorite granddaughter, 1 year old Evelyn Cho who is sitting on her mother Sally Kim’s lap. September 10, 2017. Chinsoo Kim’s apartment in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Terminally ill Chinsoo Kim is spending time with family visiting from out of state. He is sitting in his living room with his niece Celeste Pretzel (left) and his oldest daughter Nancy Kim (right). September 2, 2017. Chinsoo Kim’s apartment in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Terminally ill Chinsoo Kim is spending time with family visiting from out of state. He is sitting in his living room surrounded by some of his children, grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. The parents of the children are looking on and taking pictures, enjoying an upbeat moment.

The two surviving siblings of Chinsoo Kim, older brother Sukjun Kim and younger brother Suksoo Kim, discuss funeral and burial options with Miwha Kim (Chinsoo Kim’s wife) as Chinsoo Kim and his son Justin Kim listen in. This was a tense discussion with a lot of contention between the older brother and Mr. Kim’s wife, who had a huge amount of pent up disdain for the older brother which was finally reached the breaking point. September 10, 2017. Chinsoo Kim’s apartment in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Sally Kim is bedside by her father, Chinsoo Kim, who moments ago died after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. He is laying on a rented hospital bed in the living room of his Crown Heights, Brooklyn NY apartment. The roll of paper towel that was placed under his chin to keep his mouth closed while rigor mortis set in, is now resting on his side. September 14, 2017. Photo by Sung Cho.

Suksoo Kim, who Chinsoo Kim had the closest relationship with out of his surviving siblings, looks at his older brother’s face for the final time before the casket is closed. A picture of Chinsoo Kim looks over the scene. Chinsoo Kim died on 9/14/17 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. September 19, 2017. Calvin Funeral Home, Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Family and friends of Chinsoo Kim, who died on 9/14/17 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer, attends the burial service at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Left to right: Kevin Kim, Justin Kim, Anthony Kim, Suksoo Kim, Scott Glenn, Nancy Kim, Janice Kim, Sonya Pretzel, Miwha Kim, Keunuma Kim, Morgan Kim, Sally Kim, Anne Yarnal, Pastor John Choi, Nancy Hunte. September 19, 2017. Photo by Sung Cho.

The Kim family returns home from a long day that ended with the burial of the family patriarch Chinsoo Kim, who died on 9/14/17 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. They sit at the dining table with a small cake to lighten the mood and share memories and thoughts. Left to right: Mason Cho (grandson), Janice Kim (2nd daughter), Justin Kim (son), Miwha Kim (wife), Evelyn Cho (granddaughter), Sally Kim (3rd daughter). September 19, 2017. Miwha Kim’s apartment in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Miwha Kim and Mason Cho at a fund raiser event for lung cancer research in memory of Chinsoo Kim, the late husband and grandfather, who died on 9/14/17 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. October 28, 2017. Hudson River Park, Pier 63, New York, NY. Photo by Sung Cho.

Sally Kim, drives through 4 hours of Thanksgiving Day traffic with two small children to visit her father, Chinsoo Kim’s plot in Pinelawn Cemetery, Farmingdale NY. He died on 9/14/17 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. Although born and raised in Brooklyn NY, she follows the Korean tradition of leaving out some food for the deceased’s spirit to come and enjoy. Her father’s favorite meal was sashimi accompanied with soju, a Korean liquor similar to vodka. Flowers and a card round out the setting. November 23, 2017. Photo by Sung Cho.

The Evolution of my photography - Photo essay by alan lum

Before I dive into the assignment, I’d like to share some thoughts.

I had a narrow view of photography, just recording and preserving the past. I wanted everything to resemble what I saw, to be in focus, and with the widest possible view.

I still favor recording life, but I see the value of aesthetics and I learned the techniques to achieve it. That is the most valuable take-away from DGMD E-10.

Good photographs make the viewer pause and examine the details. The viewer can also step back and feel the mood or the moment. Whether you call it a hook, a selling point, or something else, this quality draws the viewer in. Going forward, I will strive to add just a little more spice to my shots.