Disaster Photojournalism Workshops - The Controversy and Why The Critics are Wrong

My critics are wrong. Offering to teach photojournalists to work in difficult situations and to help to maintain their personal safety while documenting the struggles of their fellow human beings is NOT UNETHICAL. Charging them, donating half of the money to charity and using the other half to cover my expenses and fund future projects is no more exploiting the situation and the Haitian people than the staff and assignment photographers who get paid thousands by major publications for their work. If people are going to go after those that make their livings on others' suffering, then let's drag reporters, journalists, TV crews, educators and a million other professions into the mix. But before you do that, picture the world without these people.

My ability to teach is backed up by my past students, their testimonials and my 100-percent satisfaction track record on my workshops. My ability as a photographer is backed up by my client list, my bio and, most importantly, the work I produce.  

For all of you who do not believe I should be able to refer to myself as a photojournalist, you give me good reason to want to disassociate myself from a title you have muddied with your arrogance, closed-mindedness and disrespect. Until I find another name for what I do, one which separates me from the crowd of sheep I have learned to have such little respect for, I will continue to call myself a photojournalist and be proud of what it means to me. Keeping the title, if nothing else, will add a bit of diversity to the profession.

For those of you who would like to find out more about this, you can do so by visiting the sites below:

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/zoriahs-haiti-workshop-ideas-and-direction

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/victoria-fine/is-to-ethical-to-charge-p_b_451899.html 

http://j1111.blogspot.com/2010/02/learning-to-cover-tragedy-in-middle-of.html

And one coming here:

http://www.wired.com/rawfile/

Comments

[Whoriah]

I aint supporting you like you're some charity case. if you're a photojournalist make a living like everyone else.
There IS a special name for what you do: Tool, Prima Donna, Hack.....

[Joe]

Maybe I was wrong about you... Let me check: nope. You're still a douche.

[Concerned photojournalist]

Hey, I've got another name for you... How about, DOUCHEBAG? Yeah, I think that fits quite nice.

So, let me ask you this. You posted this "donation" addendum AFTER you were called out. Don't you think it would have been better to ask your participants if THEY would make the donation instead of you? So now YOU are making the donation (and receiving the tax credit, I assume) while the "students" are left with a traumatic experience of trudging through the streets of decomposed bodies and screaming people who wonder why you are there to photograph their relatives and friends for the purpose of what? To be able to have this experience? What is the goal here? Is it for them or YOU? I really think you should ask yourself this question. ANY photojournalist should ask this question. Why do I want to be in this place? To help others, or to help myself?

[Stephanie Motz]

I hate to say this, but I had a lot of respect for your work until you posted such angry responses (in lightstalkers and here). I can understand that it's not easy to take such horrible criticism and hurtful comments from so many people (especially when you personally feel that you are contributing to the world) but as a photographer who is sharing his work online (and even asking for donations) you should really learn how to take criticism.

You have pretty well trashed everybody else in the photojournalism industry in the attempt to set yourself aside as being different, yet you have proven to be as self-centered as the rest. It's a shame because I really like your work and this is the first time that I actually get a sense of who you are as a person and you seem arrogant and aggressive. I guess that is the type of person that makes it in this field.

Maybe next time you should take a moment to cool off and then come back to respond to other comments without further damaging your reputation. Keep in mind that those of us who like your work and support your efforts will do it no matter what the rest say. And as far as the industry goes...they'll always need striking images.

[A real photojournlaist]

Bro, just go away. Your career is over. Find a camera store to work at so you can sit around and talk megapixels with old "camera club" guys with Tamrac backpacks, strobe diffuser things and Fredmiranda member profiles. You're done.

[Mike DOnavin]

Forget the whole Haiti issue - It takes a special kind of person to be so full of himself to only go by one name

[Zessiah]

Ignorant, arrogant and stupid is not a good combination.
You're a circus spectacle.
Why would you want to learn from someone who has to ask for donations and gives his blog readers guilt trips about not paying up and tries to charge 4 grand when you can go to a workshop by a Magnum or VII photographer for a LOT less. Then he tries to save face and say that he's going to "donate" 2 K to charity. Bullshit. You're a egocentric nobody.

[Stephen]

Hi there,

I'm a struggling photo-j student and I really really enjoy your work. I was hoping to be able to donate to this great cause of you being a photographer. I noticed that the largest sum that I am able to donate to you is a $100 per month subscription. I was hoping to be able to pay you $5,000 per month. I'll have to go into debt to do it, but you are just SO good that I just want to donate to you all that I can. I know that my money will be well spent. You are a true pioneer. Don't let the critics get you down. They are just jealous that you are as good as Nachtwey. No, you are better than Jim. You are better than Capa and Richards and Smith and all of those fake photojournalists. I love you Zoriah. You are my hero. You are the Savior of photojournalism. I live to read your blog and learn from your photographs which are at least 700 % better than your next rival.

p.s. if you want to put my comment up on your testimonial page please do, because you are the best EVER!

Stephen Jacobson

[jeremy moore]

who is this shit for brains that wrote this, oh yeah, he didn't leave his name. {Bro, just go away. Your career is over. Find a camera store to work at so you can sit around and talk megapixels with old "camera club" guys with Tamrac backpacks, strobe diffuser things and Fredmiranda member profiles. You're done.}

zoriah, i'm sure you're not but don't let these jealous commenters get you down man, you are the bomb!!!

[Ryan]

"zoriah, i'm sure you're not but don't let these jealous commenters get you down man, you are the bomb!!!"

Is this Perez Hilton?

[Bojan]

+1
just do what you like and believe in to, and don't mess with this comment's.

[Sage Lewis]

I've got to jump in here real quick.

Getting reamed by anonymous internet commenters is something I know a little about.

These people hide behind the anonymity of the Internet and say brutal things they would never say to your face in a million years.

You would have to be a sociopath to not let these kinds of comments get under your skin. But just realize that they are all rude, unthoughtful people that don't have an ounce of empathy.

What you do is very good. Your work is good. Your offerings are good. You are good.

Bojan is right. "just do what you like and believe in to, and don't mess with this comment's."

[Fredrik Berg]

While I don't agree with bringing in amateur photographers to Haiti; I get the feeling that this is irrelevant in the discussion. This issue is being used by some despicable individuals as an attempt at character assasination, presumably because of Zoriah's earlier choices in relating to other photographers. It's directly nauseating to see the small minded raw hate that rears its ugly head in some comments (especially over at Lightstalkers, altough obviously not all). If these photographers represent the "community", then I'm truly glad I'm not a photographer.

Some people desperately need to grow up and do something worthwhile with their lives.. (although I know that is not likely, and that my comment will be followed by more flaming and namecalling)

(so I guess I might as well invite some more..)
By saying: thank you for your pictures, Zoriah, for what its worth they've made me a bit more compassionate in relating to other people. And that's definitely more than I can say for this discussion..

[meh]

It is pretty obvious that you are in your own little world in that big big head of yours Zoriah. It is one thing to be stubborn, but it is another thing entirely to just ignore the hundreds and hundreds of real photojournalists telling you that what you are doing is just plain wrong.

Not that any of your work gets published anyway (well at least not in 'traditional corporate media' as you put it, you know the companies that pay you) but as of now I am pretty sure you will be persona non grata with everyone. So you may want to ramp up those donations. Maybe have your assistant set up a Zoriah telethon. How else are you gonna afford that Photoshop upgrade so that you can dodge and burn the crap out of your photos even more.

[Roxy]

No matter what people do, it will always piss other people off.

I believe in you and your work. You have our full support, no matter what!

[Tyler Westbrook]

Well I will chime in:

Do yall know the cost of just the body of a good camera?

Have you seen Zs work? and half the money goes to charity?

I can not afford this, nor do I have that level of equipment,(wish I did) But if someone could afford this, imagine the direction this would send some budding photographer, and one with resources to boot.

I happen to be going to Haiti myself next week doing my own thing like I do, however, To potential students.... Look at the mans work, imagine what it took to get those shots... Somebody has to do that, The world must see.
You would never again look at the world in the same way.

The education of a life time, and half of the expense goes to charity.

As to "Not a photographer?" Please. Again I implore you to look at his body of work..... or step aside.

This is also proven by the facts, not a man, whom shies from discomfort or danger to show us the truth. If he was in it for the money, I am sure he could find easier ways.

[Ninette]

Zoriah - You are one of the best photojournalists I know. You portray the pain of humanity in a very sensitive and unique way that captured my attention from the first image. You are the only one I actually bother to follow.

Regarding your critics: the price is high, but no more than anyone else at your level of expertise might charge. Everyone has the right to ask what they wish. I would pay and go if I could. You might also notice from their poorly written comments that they are also not the most highly educated.

In my own research I have discovered that there is an undercurrent of jealousy among many mediocre artists and photographers who think too highly of themselves and don't accomplish much. Many in this field are also out of work and don't have anything better to do than sit around trashing the work and efforts of someone else.

There is no need to explain. Save your energies and attention for your excellent work. There are more important things in this world and these critics are not one of them. Express your gift and keep moving forwards!

~ Ninette

[Kristi Peterson]

Zoriah,

It is unfortunate that there are so many people ragging on your work. I am currently a photo student and studying to be a journalist, possibly a photojournalist and I am extremely inspired by your work. It seems like part of the reason people are criticizing your work because it speaks the truth. Your images capture the real life issues that are in the world today. It is hard for people to see the photos of what is really out there, but I can only imagine what it must be like to actually see these things in person and talk to the people that you photograph and truly feel the pain that you capture. It makes the average American or anyone who has the privilege of buying a Starbucks a day, or sitting in the comfort of their own furnished home uncomfortable. The world is a selfish place and it is hard for people to step outside of themselves to see the REAL world around them. Just because they can't physically see the truth doesn't mean that it isn't out there. I want to thank you for taking the initiative and doing the hard work in order to bring justice to the world. If we all cared a little bit more, then maybe the world would be different, and maybe the photography wouldn't have to be so painful to see. All in all, I am envious of your work and anyone would be truly blessed to take a workshop from you and donate to the cause you support. Keep taking the hard photos, the ones that make people uncomfortable. I once heard a saying that I think applying well here... "Insanity is doing the same thing but expecting change." I would like to thank you for not doing the same thing, but for rattling the comfortable! Keep on keepin' on!

Kristi

[stan]

How come every post defending Zoriah in this blog comes from Typepad accounts with no posts other then defending him?

[stan]

Here I'll save everyone 4k

"In this type of situation your want to follow along, and ah, make sure your aware"

-Zoriah
In Harms Way pt 4, YouTube

[stan]

also if you "instantly heard bullets ricocheting of the trees" do you hear faster then the speed of sound super journalist?

[James Rhodes]

"hundreds of photojournalists" HA !!!! I only see about 20 people who are bitching at Zoriah, and they are the same 20 bitter, jealous dipshits from Lightstalkers.

Its a testament to your own ego that you call yourself "a real photojournalist" like you even have the slightest clue what that is.

[chris]

This whole idea just FEELS COMPLETELY WRONG to me...
I can't help myself, you can rationalize it in many different ways but it doesn't change the fact that this kind of approach is lacking of respect for the Haitian people. That has nothing to do with your own photojournalistic skills or expierence. I simply can't understand what autorizes you to call yourself 'humanitarian photojournalist' when you make money out of this to raise funds for your own future projects. Just as if you were just the one saviour the whole world was waiting for. I myself am not a photojournalist but I am deeply interested in the topic. I couldn't imagine in ANY way that anyone of the established photojournalists like Nachtwey would come up with such an absurd idea.
Now I'm really convinced that photojournalism is dead. But it's people like you that killed it. The fact that you spend 50 % to charity seems like a justification for all of that. But still people are paying 4.000 to enjoy theirselves photographing the suffering of other people and for what? For showing the pictures to their friends or putting them on facebook? You can't seriously assume that people that would pay for such a workshop are interested in a humanistic approach to people rather than sensationalism.
It's a pity that you are not able to show even the smallest sign of self-criticism and just attribute every negative comment to the jealousy of others.

[Doug Finger]

If charging $4,000 a head for your workshop helps you to stay away from editors and working for media outlets, I can understand why. Your work is soooo over-toned and over-saturated. You get too caught up in your toning you forget is all about the moment. It's very sad. All that post manipulation doesn't make a good photograph. Hope you get really rich, not.

Doug Finger

[James Rhodes]

I am interested to know what if anything, have any of you who are criticizing Zoriah done to help Haiti, you may have donate $5 dollars to the Red Cross, you might have gone and taken some pictures, but what have you actually done to help the people of Haiti ??

[chris]

I think it would be more helpful to the Haitian people if anyone who would be interested would donate the WHOLE 4.000$ rather than getting there and trying to make a mark as a newby unexperienced photographer on the cost of some individuals. Apart from that I deeply feel that not everything in our world is about dollars and finances. There are also other costs that can't be expressed in financial terms.
But assumend we are reducing everything to dollars, what is the benefit for the people of Haiti when Mr. Miller and his students are fidgeting with their lenses in front of their faces? These people most probably won't publish any of their images in any mass media and therefore wouldn't contribute anything to raise international awareness and help - yet there are many many others that will or did. I mean, is this really necessary? Aren't there other ways to raise funds for future projects? This, in my opinion, is the real question in this issue. It refers to what the motivation and aim of concerned photojournalism should be. It makes me very sad when I read comments like 'we all are profiting from the suffering of other people... so what? all this is pathetic shit ... et cetera et cetera'. I mean, how far have we gone? Are we really that detached from humanity?
It's not that I wouldn't gramt Mr. Miller a nice profit from his workshops to finance his next projects. I am honestly happy for everybody in photography or photojournalism that can make a living from it, but this particular approach makes me feel sick. What is this then? The end justifies the means?
Yet it motivates me to get into that business and try to do it in another way, that I would consider more ethical or humanistic. And for that I thank Mr. Miller.

P.S. There is a nice workshop for preparing for war zones: http://www.coveringconflict.com/Covering_Conflict/Introduction.html
As ridicoulos as it might seem, it at least can't do any emotional or ethical harm to anyone.

[meh]

James,

Try reading that again, I never called myself a real photojournalist. And I certainly would never call myself a 'humanitarian photojouranlist' what ever the eff that means.

Secondly, yes, hundreds. Check sportsshooter, lightstalker, and now facebook. Yes there is a facebook group called "Responsible Photojournalists against Zoriah's $4k Photo Workshop in Haiti". I'd say that adds up to hundreds pretty easily. But whatever.

What the hell is the savior to modern 'humanitarian photojournalism' doing to help Haiti? His photos aren't getting published (not counting his 5 websites/blogs/flickr pages etc) so he isn't helping to get any stories out there. Kind of the point of going to these places things no? So instead he looks to capitalize on the tragedy by holding a workshop for a group of GWC's (Guys With Camera's). Real humanitarian.

You enjoy the workshop though James.

[Troy Freund]

Good luck with all this Zoriah. I don't think you're in the wrong.

[James Rhodes]

you still neglected to tell me what you are doing to help Haiti. Let me know where you dream up an answer....

[James Rhodes]

Oh wow I just checked the facebook group, a whole 82 people. Jeez you guys a starting a movement here, maybe you should team up with the Tea Party douchebags, and maybe you'll have some real numbers....

[wtf?]

@Troy Freund @Doug Finger:
I don't see what exactly you want to proof with your question of what WE do to help Haiti!? What does this mean? That if you don't provide workshops that are 4000 US dollars you are not allowed to have an opinion on this?
I myself do not have much as I'm still studying and working hard for the stupid money but I donated as much as I can (even if it's only a few hundred dollars and not 2.000$) to M.S.F.: http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/donations/ - which I believe is an organization that really deserves support for their work. I couldn't imagine to pay 4.000 dollars for workshop of a few days. The expenses for sleeping in a camp in Haiti seem to be REALLY huge if Mr. Miller has to keep AT LEAST 2.000 dollars per head.
I'm working as a press photographer in Europe and I'm paid 50-100 dollars per image in major newspapers. That's about the normal fee for press photographers around here. There is a couple of interesting workshops of Magnum and VII photographers I wanted to attend in the next few months but maybe I will postpone this to further support the work of really concerned individuals or organizations.

[Brian Blanco]

For the record, I'm the one who started the Facebook group. It was not intended to be, and is not, an anti-Zoriah group. I have nothing against Mr. Miller on a personal level and, in fact, I believe his work has likely done a lot of good over the years.

I also respect his, 'go-it-alone' attitude and, while I agree that his work is over toned, I believe he has soome very strong images in his portfolio.

That said, I do, however, whole heartedly disagree with his decision to turn the country, and the disaster victims into a photo workshop. I would have sent him an email to that affect if I thought it would have done some good. After reading his comments defending himself and the workshop and attacking those that take issue with the premise of the workshop I felt that the best way to show Mr. Miller how the photojournalism world feels about his decision was to allow him to look at the numbers, and names, of those who take issue with this.

The Facebook group allows people to just join using their real names, and hopefully, shows Mr. Miller that there are more than just a handful of loud, nameless, internet trolls taking issue with this proposed workshop.

When I write something I sign my name to it. That's why I'm the administrator of the group. Mr. Miller, if truly feel a need to teach aspiring photojournalists how to operate in conflict or disaster areas there certainly can be a better location and circumstance to accomplish this. Give me a call and we can bounce some ideas around. I'm willing to help in any way I can, but this workshop, as it is proposed, is exploitative and, in my opinion, has the potential to cause these victims more hardship than help.

Respectfully, -Brian Blanco

[Sandro Franchi]

Zoriah, just don't listen to the stupid crowd. Do your job, be independent
and show your vision of the reality to the world, is something they can't
understand... That's why they're so angry... not because the 4K :)

Go on my friend, I admire you.

[Kristi Peterson]

I feel like the people who are posting in anger need to calm down. I mean WOW! Seriously! What ever happened to the saying our parents taught us... "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it at all." If you think you can do better, then why don't you? Don't b*tch about it, just do something! People don't make a difference by doing that, they just make others annoyed.

[Doug Strickland]

I think people are missing the point because of all the "outraged" photojournalists who are simply flaming Zoriah. If you want a very reasoned view of this, without the unnecessary criticism, take a look here:

http://dougstricklandphoto.com/blog/?p=51

[chuck liddy-staff photojournalist-the news & observer]

I think one should step back and consider several things. The truth is Mr. Miller, your work is about the same as most other conflict photographers. However, it would be interesting to see if your photos would hold up to the image manipulation ethics guides of most media outlets. Having looked at many of your photos I would have to say no. Much of it is over toned beyond reality. Dodged, burned and over saturated. This seems to be "your style". I understand your disdain for the so called "mainstream" media, but how are we, or the general public, to trust a photo that is not the truth? Also, it was quite disturbing that you have changed you story about the price tag of your seminar. You only made the donation change after a firestorm erupted on the internet. How are we to trust you? I think that your real problem now is not people calling you names and the like....I think the problem is one of trust. And that sir, will doom you in this business.

[Kevin]

The top photojournalists in the world:
1. Robert Capa
2. Henri Cartier-Bresson
3. Robert Frank
4. Dorothea Lange
5. James Nachtwey
6. Zoriah Miller

The only thing more ridiculous than this list is you believing that you belong and putting it on your CV. I mean, come on, you're not THAT ignorant, to think that you belong on that list. Get over yourself. You're a good photojournalist, on par with thousands of others, but you haven't made any lasting body of work that warrants your position on that list (and you exploiting it) and deep down you know it. Stop trying to fool ignorant amateurs into thinking that you're the shit when you're just average.

[Jimmy Rhodes]

how long until the Zessiah obliterates all of these comments that represent the collective opinion of all his contemporaries?

[James Rhodes]

all of his contemporaries ? You people are a joke, nothing more, nothing less.

[James Rhodes]

I think Krisit put it perfectly, all you people can do it bitch, thats the only thing you are good at. You certainly aren't good at journalism, because I've never seen your work. I've never seen your face on any news source, and I certainly haven't read anything you've wrote.

I asked day before yesterday, what if anything, have any of you done to actually help the people of Haiti. I haven't got one sigle answer other than "stayed at home"

So come off your fucking self righteous soapboxes, stop being complete wastes of oxygen in this world, and actually get the fuck out there and do something to help. You don't even have the balls to use your real names on here and people reading this are supposed to take you seriously ?

Lets see your work, your reports. Lets compare them to Zoriah's and see who is actually out there doing it, and who is posing like they are. I'd be surprised if any of you make more than two trips a year to produce work. You are the people who are frauds, you pose like you rub elbows with the best in the business, and you speak as if you have the authority to dictate what is and isn't ethical. It only goes farther to prove what absolute ego manics you really are, and how bitter, jaded, and ridiculous you people are that you carry on with this campaign, to try and sully Zoriah's name, long after Zoriah has stopped responding to any of you.

If you want a good reason why real journalism is dying, start by taking a long look in the mirror, then re-read all of your comments in the past week.

[Fredrik Berg]

Doug Strickland: Thanks for providing one of the few balanced comments on this issue. I think that it is problematic to bring students to Haiti at the present moment, not least because the situation seems so very unpredictable, and that issues such as these always need a dialogue.

But this whole thing is still very much hijacked by some people with truly rotten attitudes; I mean the kind of verbal abuse, and methods, that some of Zoriah's opponents have used in this are truly despicable! I have never encountered anything like it. It's like watching a mob at work. As can be seen on lightstalker and other places. Just look at the attempts to use slander, loose rumours and obvious lies to remove the guy from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Zoriah_Miller

You can never stand on the side of people like that, people to whom truth is just a word, and the goal is the only thing that matters. Pardon if I sound harsh, but there are very few things more despicable than when the many and strong gang up on the few and weak.

Kevin: have you even read what the guy has written about these things? He's never claimed to be better than any other photographers, read the post where he writes about it. And the reason he has it in his cv is because that's the way you advertise yourself; who among you would not list an award such as that? Hippocrite..

James Rhodes: well said. I couldn't agree more.

[jeremy moore]

So come off your fucking self righteous soapboxes, stop being complete wastes of oxygen in this world, and actually get the fuck out there and do something to help. You don't even have the balls to use your real names on here and people reading this are supposed to take you seriously ?

woohoo!!! thats what i'm sayin! i cant stand commenters with no names, if you're scared say you're scared.

[clark kent]

well... if i enter james rhodes in google... i don't get the portfolio of a well-established photojournalist, but I get this...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Machine

cite: "War Machine (James Rupert Rhodes) is a fictional character, a comic book superhero from the Marvel Comics universe."

sorry for not listening to an authority like you that actually IS to judge what is ethical and what is not.

[Kristi Peterson]

Can we put away the violent voices? It's amazing to me how people are so angry in these posts! Is it really necessary? Have we really lost sight of the fact that Haiti is going through a crisis? Are we truly focusing on what the media and what critics are saying instead of doing everything we can to support this tragedy? Zoriah, with his photography, is playing his part in helping a cause that really deserves it. Photography is his God given gift and I am so glad that he is! If we all do that, then we may actually be able to better the problem, instead of taking steps backwards by arguing over something ridiculous and petty. I challenge you to think about the real problem; people are hurting. Human beings. They have fallen into harm and we can help. So instead of bantering back and forth about nothing, why don't we think of ways to jump on the band wagon that Zoriah is on (doing photojournalism, fundraisers, whatever) in order to help Haiti. So, on that topic... any ideas?

[Justin]

Strange, when I Google "James Rhodes" I get a warning about him threatening bodily harm to fellow photographers.......

[Ashley Guerriero]

As a 3rd year university journalism student, one phrase that has been drilled into my mind is “everyone is a critic”. This is blatantly true when it comes to the public’s opinion of Zariah’s workshop in Haiti. Yes, bringing aspiring photographers to Haiti to document the disaster stricken areas and those who are in desperate need for help is a tad extreme and unethical, but journalism isn’t always ethical. Storytellers, this includes photographers, need to tell stories. It is what they are paid to do, it is what the public wants, and it is what they love. Without storytellers, the invasive public, such as yourselves, would be lost and scrambling to find information to fulfill your empty lives. Zoriah is simply preparing the next generation of great photographers for what is in store for them in war zones and disaster stricken areas, such as Haiti, so that they will be able to do their jobs safely and accurately. After all, this is what the average consumer wants. And for those thinking that this is not what the American population wants, then why do newspapers and magazines send photographers out to these places to uncover these horrific photos and stories? For their own pleasure? I highly doubt it. When the 9/11 terrorist attacks took places, millions fled to the Internet to view photos of the catastrophe; the same thing took place during the Haitian earthquake. How would you get your information fill if it were not for the people to put their own safety on the line to satisfy your needs? It is photographs, like those of which Zoriah takes, that persuade people to send money to Haiti relief organizations. So before you judge the ethics of Zoriah, and photojournalists as a whole, rethink your own needs for information and media as consumers because you are the ones fueling the fire of unethical journalism.

[Kristi Peterson]

wow, this girl Ashley hit the nail on the head! way to go girl!

[meh]

James, you keep saying to go out and do something. So tell me what are you and Zoriah doing? Your photos are not getting out there to be seen by the public. You are not getting people's stories out there. So what are you doing besides padding your portfolios and your bank account? I've tried to find your work James, and I have tried to find Zoriah's. And I can't (NOT counting Zoriah's 5 websites). So if you are going to get on the soapbox yourself and claim to be holier than thou, well then put your money where your mouth is. Let's see some of those clips. Let's see some stories that you have told that have helped people.

And talk about ego maniac. Christ man, look at some of the garbage claims that your messiah has on his website. Seriously.

And taking a trip to tell a story does not a photojournalist make my friend. A good photojournalist can find a good story that needs to be told right in his back yard. But that's not as glamorous as having photos of Hatian people with dodged and burned corners in the portfolio I guess.

Like I said before, enjoy your workshop. Hope it really helps that portfolio of yours.

[James Rhodes]

First of all, Meh ( person who doesn't have enough balls to use his real name) I went to Haiti on my own, no safety nets, I knew absolutely nobody going in, and I slept in the tent cities along with the Haitian people. Not behind barbed wire fences and guards with assault rifles like most of the other journalists I saw, traveling in UN Caravan.

Let me tell you meh, I really lived the glamorous lifestyle in Haiti, Pina Coladas by the pool. Carnival, it was the life !!!

Thats how fucking disconnected you actually are, you think that going to document these things is in some way glamorous. Jesus man, to you realize what people go through just to be able to be there ? I for one have no intention of selling my images, just the desire to raise money to go back in May and help rebuild two schools in rural mountain towns, ( Kenscoff and Dulatte ). That is why I shot, not for glory, and certainly not for any fucking portfolio.

I took a workshop with Jim Nachtwey and David Alan Harvey this year, and after that workshop I knew I wanted no part of so called professional photojournalism, or professional photography. All you people come in and do is "observe" then you leave never to return again. You don't get involved because "that's not what you are there to do" well how fucking convenient for all of you. Thats not how people like Zoriah or I operate. We aren't fucking observers there to snap some powerful pics and say thanks, see ya ! We are involved in the places we document, we aren't just transient parasites, which is far more than I can say for most so called photojournalists.

So take your ethics, and your "photojournalism" philosophies and sod right the fuck off. Just because the rest of you are standing around jerking each other off as to what is and isn't ethical. People like Zoriah and I are blazing new trails, not paying attention to your silly fucking rules and ethics, we want action, not a bunch of people standing around discussing what is ethical. If that takes a little exploitation to actually get some help for these people, believe me the Haitian people are all for it. Let me tell you right now they don't give fucking two shits about exploitation, all they care about is a home and food & water. Period. I mean lets be real about it, the Haitian people have been exploited for more than 50 years, at least this time it will be for some fucking actual help. While all you do is feed them lip service.

[Mike Bergen]

Zoriah,

You have my support and respect. Keep up the good work!

[sad]

james, thank you for your words. i wish you a lot of fun at the workshop with your good friend zoriah.
zoriah, i hope you can get something out of this as well...
sorry james, i don't want to post under my real name because i don't wan't any psychos from the internet that i never met before to google me and do physical or psychological harm to me or my family and my children.
for explanation: http://thomashawk.com/2009/10/photographer-james-rhodes-thinks-its-ok-to-threaten-people-with-violence-on-the-internet.html
p.s. i actually found this a few days before but as you keep asking people for their real names i found it important now to post it.

[James Rhodes]

Wise you are to fear The Viking, he will come to your house, rape your wives and daughters, and burn your house to the ground. If I were you I would steer well clear of the The Viking, he seems like a nasty fellow, not one you would want to cross paths with.

Stay in your dark corner hiding, its what you are best at. The internet gives you the only voice you have, because you don't have the balls to stand up and speak your mind like an adult.

[Ken Fox]

James has been playing a little too much World of Warcraft....
Nice, Zooriah has a runt sidekick.

[James Rhodes]

Just because I'm a level 41 Viking Class axe wielder, with +92 stamina, regenerative spells, The sword of Odin which gives me first blood attack and +25 Damage, don't be hatin'

Your jealousy is transparent, but you are right to be jealous. The Viking is a virtual god among mortals, what lay in his wake is the misery and destruction of myth.

Be wary.... be varry varry warry ......

[Hannah Cohen]

James, I'm sorry to say that, but you seem to have a serious psychiatric problem. As this topic is just not a plausible one to post such crap about like you do, you are most probably in a very critical mental condition. All I want to say to you is: Please go and see a doctor or a therapist. What you are experiencing right now are probably symptoms of PTSD. I don't know where you are living exactly, otherwise I would try to provide you with some addresses you could refer to.

You can find some information here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posttraumatic_stress_disorder.
http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/information/
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
http://www.ptsdinfo.org/

If you really were in Haiti, it is quite likely that you are right now very angry and indignant about all the suffering you saw and your reactions here and especially at the lightstalkers forum would be perfectly understandable.

That's probably the reason why Zoriah tries his hand at psychologically evaluating his 'students' on the phone before taking them there. I doubt that he has the qualification and knowledge to decide who is in risk of being traumatized from such a situation and who not. He has some personal experience about working in such areas, but that's it. Even for a psychologist who has worked with traumatized patients for many years it's practically impossible to decide who is resilient against such mental strains and who not - and anyone who has worked in the field of psychology of psychiatry with traumatized patients wouldn't dare to make such an 'expertise' based on some phone call.

Anyway, wish you all the best, and get well soon.

[James Rhodes]

Thanks for the assessment doc :)

[Irene]

Just a typical girl who loves photography as a hobby.

I don't normally comment, but I've been reading your blog. There's always people who loves your work, and people who don't. I love your work, so just keep doing what you believe in. :D

[Zoriah]

When I read the first set of posts on Lightstalkers I was very angry that instead of people taking the time to speak to me about my intentions and my ideas, they made assumptions and began the name calling. I responded harshly and of course that did not help me get my ideas across and proved to only exacerbate the situation. I have received a lot of concerns from a lot of people I very much respect and have decided to make myself open to new ideas and consider changing certain details in my Haiti workshop plan.

I would kindly ask that all of those who post here offer constructive ideas and thoughts and accept that you got all of your hostilities expressed loud and clear in other posts.

Before we go further I need to clarify a few things: I personally screen every applicant for my workshop program and have never had, nor would ever accept someone who I believed would make a mockery of of others suffering, use a workshop for building a portfolio for the benefit of their ego or in any way offend or be rude to a group of people who already have far too many problems. If I ever ended up with a student like that, they would immediately be asked to leave.

Please understand that in the past I have never taken on a workshop student under the age of 27, with the median age being mid thirties and several have been in their 40’s and 50’s. Picture college sophomores running around with their cameras out is not an accurate assumption of the way this would workshop would play out. I am not saying I would not accept a college level student, I would let their personal character dictate whether they are ready for an experience like this or not. All of my past workshop students have had significant photographic experience and many have had experience within the aid sector or at least as volunteers and are very socially conscious individuals. All have gone on to make their documentary work public, seek representation and move towards careers and paths in the photojournalism world. Thinking of my workshops as adventure travel is extremely far from reality.

As far as the workshop price goes, here is a little more background: In the past I have always offered one-on-one photojournalism workshops, this will be the first group workshop I have ever offered. Most students plan months in advance and my assumption was that I would get one, maybe two students, to sign on for the Haiti workshop with a maximum set at four students. I priced the workshop so that I could still afford to offer it even if only one student signed up. The donation of 50% of the profits going to Hospice Saint Joseph was always the plan, but I did not want my friends there to be excited at the prospect of getting much needed funds when there was a chance the whole thing would never happen. Because of this I did not want to publicly mention the Hospice and intended donations and would have told workshop students after they submitted the workshop application. Had I known that there would be such a public debate on this subject, I would have obviously put more thought into it.

So, I would like to ask all of you for your advice and suggestions regarding this workshop. I have spoken to several of you privately (those who have not been hostile and have seemed willing to have constructive debates) and have come up with a few ideas so far. I firmly believe that this is an important and needed direction in the photojournalism world and for the development of new shooters as well as a way for established shooters to do work they believe in even if that work may not be what editors are looking for. I also believe that showing individuals in devastating situations that we care (myself, my students and those we show our work to) is vital and important.

Ideas so far:

1.) Since I never intended to get rich from this workshop, I realize I need a way of making that clear. I do believe I should be paid for my time, and that teaching is just as important as shooting for publications. However, I understand that the idea that if I got four students to sign up I would gross $8000 is unsettling. So, what if I was paid a standard industry day rate for my teaching time and then all of the remaining money goes to my friends at the hospice? This would insure I get paid whether I have one student or four and would hopefully show that my intentions in hosting this workshop are not opportunistic or greedy.

2.) Obviously photojournalism needs to be seen by people to do some good. What if there was a way to guarantee that the work shot by students would be seen, and hopefully even published. At the very least, a website could be created to showcase the work and the student’s thoughts and experiences. Maybe someone with connections at one of the agencies could offer us support, marketing the students images to editorial clients?

3.) Because I dont believe that photojournalism, nor anything else in this world, should be available only to the rich, I will take two additional workshop students on scholarship. Each student would be required to pay their transportation and expenses but would not pay the workshop tuition. I will select the scholarship grantees based on their portfolio and a short essay of what they believe they can do to help Haiti with their photography as well as their future goals in the photojournalism industry.

4.) One other idea before I open this up to all of you: I would like to offer to take one member of the photojournalism community to teach with me during this workshop. Hopefully we will get more than one student to sign up so this will not cut into what I donate to the hospice.. I will take someone I have never met and someone that I have never spoken to before this debate, just to make everyone comfortable with the fact that I do not plan on taking a friend. I will pay all of your expenses and the same day rate I have proposed paying myself. After the workshop you will be free to say whatever you like about me and my teaching abilities on this site as well as anywhere else you please.

Please let me know what you think of the ideas I have proposed as well as any other thoughts you may have about this workshop and the idea of training students in the field in difficult and controversial situations.

[CRS]

Zoriah,
I google “disaster photojournalism,” your name comes up third on the list. In this day and age, little things like that mean something. The following blog:

(http://politicstheoryphotography.blogspot.com/2010/02/disaster-photojournalism-and-group.html)

does bring up a valid point though: the controversy should really not be on the way the photos are produced, but rather, what the end result is. A lot of pictures from Haiti underplay the significance of this tragedy. In some minds, this event is no longer newsworthy and many gloss over it. But such a profound event needs to be documented properly – thus the need for informed photojournalists with not just the passion, but the talent and a proven track record: i.e. you. When I look over your Haiti pictures I don’t see crumbled buildings. I cringe at the trenches of bodies, and my heart goes out to those dying outside an overflowing hospital. That’s not always what people want to see, but it’s what they need to see. If you can help other overzealous photogs in any other way, then all the better for journalism, Haiti, and history.

[Smith]

After reading the Huffington Post article found in the link posted a few thoughts came to mind...maybe not a clear, set opinion....but definitely some thoughts...

The fact of the matter is that whether the public realizes it or not, they need the media to some degree. Where else would they get their news, their connection to people and places outside of themselves and so on. But what I think is important to remember is that (as the Huffington article points out), those in the journalistic profession are human beings first and then journalists.

As a journalist, whether it be in print, visual, or broadcast I feel that the priority of the storyteller is two fold. Reporting the story to the fullest without a bias and also maintaining a respect and for the people the story involves.

The exploitation of people in the media is not something to be encouraged or practiced.

Personally, I am not bothered by the idea of holding Journalism Workshops in the midst of the great Haiti tragedy (although I am not completely comfortable with charging students for the experience and in turn benefiting from another mans heartache and loss) . It is unspeakably unfortunate what grief this nation has been brought to in the past month. That is undeniable.

But isn't the beauty of journalism the art of storytelling? Don't we need journalists to brave unsafe conditions to bring us the news and stories of the world around us?

[sarah]

After reading several comments, I can't help but think many people don't realize the place there is for photojournalism. While I understand it becomes easy to think why aren't these people HELPING Haiti, one must realize that they are. People need to learn about the need in Haiti somehow. As people have mentioned before, how else would we know what was going on if not for the news. And photographs are incredibly powerful. I am sure that the photographs that people have taken in Haiti have moved others to rush to the help of the hurting people in Haiti.
There is, however, a fine line between helping and exploiting when it comes to a situation such as photojournalism in Haiti. I don't even know if one can define it perfectly.

[Mariella Furrer]

Hi Zoriah, I think you are a wonderful photographer and as you know I am a photojournalist too. We do similar work to show people what is going on in the world.

I just came across a site talking about your workshop in Haiti and I have to be honest it is NOT okay to use a disaster zone such as Haiti as a learning ground for photographers. Can you imagine if I had taken students with me to cover the genocide in Rwanda?? It shows a complete lack of sensitivity to be thinking about photography and money at a time that people are barely managing to keep themselves alive?

Photojournalism is about documenting life, the world etc, so that other people who do not have the privilege of being on location can gain a better understanding of what is really happening. But, the most important aspect of being a photojournalist is sensitivity to the people we are photographing. As professionals we have a way to get our work out to show the masses - there is a reason for us being on location and documenting the pain and suffering. This is absolutely not the case for a student.

There is something deeply insensitive about workshops being held in any disaster area. There are so many other locations that students can learn how to become photojournalists without being completely insensitive to what is happening around them. These kind of ideas just ensure the forming of insensitive photojournalists - we really do not need that in the industry.

Just a thought...

Mariella Furrer

www.mariellafurrer.com

[cheapest generic viagra]

That revelation left some observers disappointed, and led critics to promptly begin whacking for not fulfilling their expectations of a simple and easily digested smack-down of controversy.

[asd]

asdasdddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

[Ugg Boots]

Boy! What have I done? What luck!

[Corporate Logo Design]

A lot of the information in this post has been very useful. I can definitely agree there are great needs for having or developing organizational, writing, and marketing skills.

[female viagra]

Zoriah, just don't listen to the stupid crowd. Do your job, be independent
and show your vision of the reality to the world, is something they can't
understand... That's why they're so angry...

[viabEffolla]

Addensegepe www.kin8.com/sources/guccidogtagsformensale.html raksAssaulp www.troiss.de/module/jayaprada-profile.html
Isotsgonygope

[officiel air jordan basket jordan]

Ça va être End de la journée mien, toutefois avant end Je lis ce impressionnant message et améliorer savoir-faire . |
officiel air jordan basket jordan http://www.bkjpasd.com/officiel-air-jordan-basket-jordan/

[Pootenlarenue]

たパケットを販売するために、道路側のお店をオープン。 代わり [url=http://artegenital.com/wp-content/moncler.php]モンクレール トラベル[/url] り良いボディランゲージを理解する上で果たすべき重要な役割を持 [url=http://www.auto-ecole-angevine.com/category-3.html]バーバリー 財布[/url] 嫁で2週間規定した場合、患者は回復するとリラックスすることが [url=http://www.ctmb1990.com/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8A%E3%82%B9%E3%82%A4anna-sui-%E9%9B%91%E8%B2%A8-c-8.html]アナスイミニ ソックス[/url] 、スーパーの食品、食事との専門家によって行わ医学研究の年によ [url=http://www.diadmz.com/category-3.html]tumi 26127[/url] または毎月の支払いを命じている。 一般的には、かなりすぐに支 [url=http://www.triplehconst.com/celine-%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%90%E3%83%83%E3%82%B0-c-12.html]セリーヌ バッグ 斜めがけ[/url] す。 グラマーの写真はいいですが、彼らは本当のあなたを示して態で8番目に人口の多い状態となっています。 多くは、その様々

[Pootenlarenue]

をかなえるために必要な信仰の飛躍を取ることはありません。
[url=http://www.aboveboardadvisors.com/%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B7%E3%82%AA-c-6.html]カシオペア[/url] に含めるために、いくつかの赤ちゃんアイテムの考えることができ [url=http://www.annuaires-search.com/-c-21.html]サングラス[/url] ために出席されることを保証する、アーンソンとゲフィン、PPL [url=http://www.chapmaro-andre.com/%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B7%E3%82%AA-babyg-c-3.html]カシオ Baby-G アナログ[/url] す。 一年のうち1？の寿命はスピリチュアリズムに完全に専念す [url=http://www.hnsjjh.com/]MCM 通販[/url] るかをよく見てください。 それは下り坂大きな時間を行っている [url=http://xinchuan.njnu.edu.cn/dkyxlj/newbalance8.html]ニューバランス 新作[/url] されるべきである。 野生動物とあなたの家の特別な世話をする私た返済計画の問題または関連事項を有したら債権者があなたの計画

[Pootenlarenue]

なくても、珍しいことではありません 彼らのピアが対象となる影 [url=http://stevegellerfacts.com/adidas.php]アディダス サンダル 2013[/url] ている場合、車両が押収されています。

そして、その証 [url=http://www.alnasr1945.com/%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E7%94%B7%E6%80%A7-%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9-993-c-1_10.html]ニューバランス 993 メンズ[/url] む住宅市場に影響を与えていけない。

アラスカ世論調査で [url=http://www.cheapguccihandbagjp.com/-c-5.html]グッチ バッグ アウトレット[/url] ら、限り彼らの中性的性格が関係しているように、発散であると自 [url=http://www.fbzz.net/-c-9.html]ファッション メンズ[/url] 利用するためのファミリーレクリエーションルーム、ゲストルーム [url=http://www.gyikom.com/]グッチ 公式[/url] 択され購入し、時間がかかることがストアに配信されなければなら場合でも、私たちがステージに到達します、我々は無料で利用でき

[omissinunse]

fしようとして、犯罪記録の検索を実行できます 要求は状態事務 [url=http://www.1000flames.com/]カシオ 時計 Gショック[/url] その愛が衰退し始めている、視覚化again.Let通過は永遠 [url=http://www.bigstars4u.com/ugg-%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BA-c-14.html]UGG メンズ サイズ[/url] 質を使用して、それが自己防衛のために使用することができますa [url=http://www.dfzk120.com/category-4.html]バーバリー マフラー[/url] 緒に来て、あなたが言っているのか聞くことができます、非常に良 [url=http://www.gzxrbj.com/category-6.html]バレエフラットシューズ[/url] ？チャンスによって？ 古き良き時代についての議論に火をつける [url=http://xinchuan.njnu.edu.cn/dkyxlj/newbalance5.html]ニューバランス レディース1400[/url] らバックポリシーを保証するものではお金を提供する必要がありまらパーティ動物にガジェットオタクに誰もがすべての我々はガジェ

[jwacbakd]

This year, they traveled from Asia to Chattanooga to sell some other counterfeit airbags along with other car regions. [url=http://yazh.co/15qtm]Moncler jakke[/url] {There are actually|There can be|There are|You can get|You will find} {various kinds of|different kinds|types of|many types of|several types of} {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {equipment|hardware|gear|accessories|products} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags} {standard|usual|regular|traditional|common} {design|develop|style|model|layout} {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags}, {squad|team|group} {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags}, {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {back pack|backpack}, {batting|playing baseball|hitting} {only|basically|just|primarily|simply} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags}, roller {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags}, duffle-style {baseball|ice skating|football|tennis|hockey} {equipment|hardware|gear|accessories|products} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags}, {coaching|instructing|training|lessons|instruction} {gear|apparel|equipment|machines|products} {bags|purses|totes|plastic bags|hand bags} {etc|and so|and so on|. Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged typically the Set up to get growing typically the naff bag exclude, which unfortunately she described as "a excellent triumph for our atmosphere. [url=http://1931.be/1kag]Parajumpers Magasin[/url] Back pack Patterns contains plenty of hyperlinks to help you a multitude of models of totes, the actual possibilities feel numerous! From cute seatbelt back pack patterns, diaper handbag instructions, bows night bag through crazy quilt furnishings, ruffled tote at a pretty textiles, possibly even establish the actual ruffles on organizing components. Shopkeepers are banned coming from producing no cost plastic-type provider luggage except healthy and also cooked properly healthy foods. [url=http://macp.ro/mb]Moncler Sito Ufficiale[/url] Typically the bag needs to be covered. Several have perhaps even long been compelled because of internet business. [url=http://rgurl.tk/49j]Moncler Outlet[/url] Cheap airbed carriers, as a minimum the best ones yow will discover could secure a person's mattress model out of all kinds of different things. 88, slightly below Gilead's present expense. [url=http://988a.tk/lMY]Moncler Outlet[/url] Take away temptations in the living space as well as work with it meant for sleep.

[hgrmgqpo]

That could be a clear mistake mainly because healthy manure for all kinds could be too "hot" and even assign your factories. [url=http://www.samhydro.eu/]moncler[/url] Decorative mirrors in addition to Clinging Accessories: These matters could be bandaged with cheap bubble place together with located indoors huge plastic-type carriers. Shoppers glimpse good on corps that are concerned for any conditions.Precisely what perform oughout consider vinyl luggage along with sizes? Are able to many of us can free of all of them? [url=http://www.kerstgeschenkenshop.eu/]moncler pas cher[/url] com|Amazon online|Amazon marketplace} You might also prefer... Those of you that were travelling throughout the world this pay out price tag is definitely thought at $640 per travelling bag. [url=http://www.monclerpascher2013.eu/]moncler pas cher[/url] Many are this woodlands and even timber many of us rely on to produce much of our breathable air plus process techniques unwanted gas. With each other we are able to change lives.Less expensive Getting to sleep Bags pertaining to People [url=http://www.kerstgeschenkenshop.eu/]moncler[/url] Nowadays, you canfind bean hand bags available in the market in which enters in completely different shapes and colours together with wild patterns. Infant RestraintsChild fatalities together with wounds will be prevented together with the accurate consumption of toddler safety seats and seat belts. [url=http://www.fronhoff.eu/]moncler[/url] {While|Despite the fact that|Even while|When|Whilst} {97|ninety-seven|ninety seven} {percent|p .

[krista graham]

Hello,
My name is Krista Graham, I tutor middle and high school students and have recently been helping a student with a drinking and driving

awareness project.
I was looking for some information, and noticed that you list the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (responsibility.org) along with

a few others on your site.
Honestly, thank you for mentioning them. I, along with many friends have been on their site, and love it.
My student, Emma, also found this page http://www.quitalcohol.com/dangers-of-drinking-and-driving.html, and thought it would be a nice

addition to your resources.

Please let me know if you decide to add the page to yours! I would be excited to show Emma that we were able to give something back!

Best Wishes,

Krista Graham