There’s no question that the New York Times photo of James Comey during his Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, where he detailed his uncomfortable and suspect dealings with President Donald Trump, is going to be one of the iconic ones of our time. There’s also no question about who overwhelmingly seems to dominate the photojournalism field based on this photo: white men.
Doug Mills, the photographer who carefully planned and shot the photo, used a monopod from above the gaggle of photographers. If you read this detailed write-up about it, you’ll see another photo that has an even clearer view. Counting the photographers, about 32 seemed to be white males, and only two women in the group. There may have been a few minorities, but it’s hard to tell.
Take a look:
Regardless of what the exact count was, it’s stunning that news organizations don’t consider this when sending out photographers. Yes, news outlets have hit tough times, and those tough times disproportionately affect minorities in newsrooms, but it’s still something an editor should think about. This is even more important when it involves a president that specifically targets minorities when crafting policy.
The Comey photo reveals that there’s still a huge gender/race gap in photojournalism. If you look at the list of New York Times reporters in the White House Press Corps (or at least the ones listed here), there’s a lack of diversity across the board. It’s a similar situation for the board of the White House Correspondents’ Association. Fox News, according to that same list, seems to be doing better on this front.
Many commenters pointed out this issue not only in terms of the photographers, but also in terms of the people in the room who controlled the levers of power in government:
Some of the comments on the New York Times story about the photo.
When photographs disproportionately carry the collective consciousness and culture of a specific group, they in turn disproportionately bias their consumers toward that group's ideas on anything from sexuality to social habits. Culture feeds into art feeds into culture. Culture feeds into advertising feeds into culture. Culture feeds into journalism feeds into culture.
This particular photo from the Comey hearing reveals that no one’s listening.
slow news day at stoppers ?
F Stoppers are you trying to piss off your base or just being stupid today? Here's a strong suggestion for you guys at Fstoppers...Don't post crap like this. It serves only to hurt your business.
Stupid article by an annoying person who is biased against President Trump and has a problem with white people. Look at this ignorant, sour statement "a president that specifically targets minorities when crafting policies." What a load of crap. Sounds like nonsense garbage from CNN. I say DRAIN THE SWAMP and MAGA!
Screw white people! Aren't there enough of them already?
But aren't you white?.....
yeah but wait.... aren't you me?
Wow! This just got really deep!
whiteception..:P
Fstoppers trolling.
Silly article. Best written on April 1st.
Hmm, all new posters on the racism in photojournalism article.
Please, share your conspiracy theory ....
Maybe the minorities were the ones willing to go get another job when the industry was cutting jobs, pay, and shrinking. In which case the overwhelming presence of white dudes denotes a greater lack of initiative. Of course, if they are freelancers it could demonstrate more initiative in the white dudes or a greater tolerance for risk and a reluctance of minorities to assume risk. I don't know, and neither do you - which makes speculation without investigation nothing more than cheap race baiting.
For the record:
1. The photo of Comey is mundane. The same image has been shot innumerable times by other photographers in like circumstances ie it is not "iconic."
2. The author posts his URL, so out of respect I took a look. If there is a question as to how photographers are chosen to be, "sent out" (in this case given columns to write) we can legitimately wonder about this author being hired for this column. It was certainly not on the strength of his portfolio, which (shocking to me) would not earn above a weak C grade in a decent fine arts program at an average college. http://wasimonline.com/photography/personal-art/ judge for yourself. (A drill down of the short CV posted under the author's photo would be interesting, there has be less there than is implied by the job list.)
3. One can write up intellectually stimulating observations of hiring bias in journalism, but this piece is not that. The author's politics here is run-of-mill PC stuff more typical of a naive college student than a pro journalist, and written as though for naive college students who nod in unison at that level (head count with presumptions) dreck without thinking. Poorly proposed racial politics only lowers the quality of this online photography magazine.
~~
Maybe new readership demographic studies by this publication shows it to be mostly PC kids? You simply can't post poor image judgement AND cheesy fad politics and retain the respect of adult readers.
Oh please, one who left Photojournalism and experienced the falling of the traditional media, now writing to pushing more none-white people to go into this profession? How much does Wasim Ahmad hates non-whites?
The poorly written prose is not sufficient to support the unfounded enmity.
Maybe if photographers took the same critical approach towards inequality [in this field] as they do for the photos they create, there'd be more of an open discussion.
Maybe not. I would hope in fact that an artist or craftsperson keeps a higher level of criticality toward his product than what is common in knee-jerk PC value judgments.
News flash...life isn't fair. There is no inequality in this field. Only those that work and put in the time to be good and those that try to degrade them because they refuse to do the work and be good.
Thank you for proving my point. Is it that difficult to believe that someone would not be given a fair shot or the opportunities to prove themselves because of the color of their skin or gender?
Because anytime that point gets brought up, people (and in this case, photographers) are quick to dismiss and write off as people not putting in enough work. In case it isn't known, some people work twice as hard to be recognized...versus the mediocre colleague next to them with a different skin color or gender. I guess only in a perfect world can you be judged by your actions.
Baseless accusation without a stitch of proof... The entire article was based on a lie and was set up to be a hit piece of Trump and white America by a writer that has been found to promote hate fill rants previously.
I'm trying to understand which part you consider a lie here. I said that most of the photographers here were white. And male. There's a photo that shows just that. I also looked up the press corps and pointed out that, surprisingly, FOX News has more diversity then the New York Times in that area.
I also would like to challenge your assertion that I've promoted "hate-filled rants" in the past. What in the world are you talking about?
Wasim, I don't think you really know anything about Photojournalism as a profession. When digital media started destroying print media, the majority of the papers could no longer afford their photography based staff, and most positions / employees were cut between 2005-2010. Since then, all PJ roles were full, and people are applying with 10-40 years working for other outlets.
From a demographic perspective, to be a photojournalist at one of the papers to begin with you would have needed to be at least 30 years old with at least 10 years experience to be seriously considered for a PJ role. That means PJs, would have need to have started photography in the 90s at least. The cost of a professional camera, photography education, film, chemicals, travel to and from events was quite staggering during that time.
Not a lot of immigrants in general could afford the startup costs of photography, especially when in the immigrant pool, photography was never considered a real job. Minorities cherish doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants - no more, no less. The overall percentage of immigrants who wanted to pursue professional photography was much much lower than the percentage of those from established families who had the capital and time to get into it. If you look at professional photography from when the DSLR and digital photography became available, as cameras became significantly cheaper, it became more available to minorities, you'll see that the professional photography demographic has shifted overall to minorities and there are in fact more immigrants than 'white' people pursuing the field. It has a low cost, doesn't require education, and can be under the table.
The only reason you are not a PJ is because you have a terrible portfolio as someone already pointed out, you have no relevant photojournalist experience, you probably have no formal photography education, and you're easily outgunned by former PJs who have been shooting for papers for 10-20 years and are out of jobs.
Right there in the bio ... I've worked at three newspapers and have a master's in photography from Syracuse University.
Wasim, Since you teach photography, please let me know what you tell your white male students when they apply for jobs in photojournalism. Do you tell them they should be judged more on their skin color than their photographs?
I thought Alex did the humorous articles!?
Just out of curiosity, are you going to use everyone's comments to try to prove your point?
"...Stunning..." Really ? What's stunning is Fstoppers would allow a racist journalist to post this. Look up the definition online of racism, it doesn't apply. Diversity... equally inapplicable here. Are you shocked by the lack of diversity of an American Football or basketball team ? Are you shocked by the lack of diversity in American rap music ? Are you shocked that most all of Thai restaraunts are owned by Thai people ? I want to visit FStoppers for photography, not shock journalism, most of which appears to be biased opinion from disgruntaled or baggaged individuals attempting to elevate thier own popularity or dirty those more successful than themselfs... i.e. 'Fake News'.
Hey Fstoppers-I know this digital rag needs ad hits to make some dough....most of us old timers want a break from all this diveristy crap. Could you pick this up in September when the brats go back to college ,
".most of us **old white guys** want a break from all this diveristy crap" Fixed That For You
So now you're a political news outlet that covers diversity? Call me checked out.
BTW, I'm a female sports journalist. When I started photography school, my classmates was mostly all males. So I'll get straight to the point, we are less instrested in it. Simple as that, its not rocket science.
Great news I am a democrat pony league sports journalist. All my 5 years old love my coverage. My age groups get discriminated all the time. No one covers these 5 years like me.... I just never get the attent6ion these female do.....just not fair guys.....Lets send these female photographers back to food photography in the kitchen where they belong....... I love satire too, wink wink
Na Na, that's awesome you're a sports journalist! Where can I see your work?
AMEN
White male photographer here: fStoppers is a great site that I check daily for tutorials, techniques, gear reviews, and to see the work of many great photographers. I don't want to see this crap. This crap is everywhere else. Don't push it here. Let this site be about photography, please, and nothing more. Don't cheapen the site with politics. Please.
<sarcasm>Yep, as a white male I make sure that no one else can pick up a camera and shoot, except of course for other white males. I've tried really hard not to disclose my evil plans but I guess you've caught me. Well done. Now all sorts of people are going to be able to simply pick up a camera and start shooting images. All embargoes have been lifted. Darn you for foiling our plans!</sarcasm>
Seriously though it takes a special type of person to judge people solely based on their gender and colour. You complain about inequality but judge people based on nothing more than characteristics they were born with. Instead of worrying about ratios why don't you focus on your own photography? No one is stopping you. Not even straight white males.
Wow, Wasim is getting slammed on this! I think if we back up from some of the clunky blanket statements about race, we can agree that politics aside, our chosen art form is at its best when it is created by and visible to people who look and think the way we do AND when it's created by people who look differently and have been shaped by different experiences, whether those be race, socioeconomic status, disibility, gender -- any differences. I can't speak to racism in the field, but I haven't been in this game long enough to have an opinion one way or another. My whole life I've seeked a passion in a field where I could be judged on the quality of my work alone, and so far (maybe I'm naive) photography feels like it can be that field. If increased diversity is important to someone, I feel like rather that criticizing the current state of affairs at the mountain top, an examination of where the path for minority photographers breaks down. I'm all for fostering diversity, but not at the expense of taking anything away from that room full of photographers with Comey who I'm sure worked their rears off to get to that level of opportunity. Hope this all made sense..
Also, this was my first comment on fstoppers ever so if the goal was to spark dialogue through vitriol, congrats ;) joking aside I'm happy to be a member of this community and I look forward to interacting with you all more as I continue to focus on my (our) craft!
I'm glad I've spurred you to comment (and I appreciate the thoughtfulness of said comment) welcome to Fstoppers!
lol. Post an article about race and the watch mayonnaise drip across the comments. I LOVE how anytime anything about race is mentioned, as it relates to photography and the rallying cry for commenters is "I don't wanna see this crap!"
First of all...it's an entire article based on a lie. Second, of all, it has no relevance to photography. It's nothing more than racism against whites and a thinly veiled accusation that somehow White people are keeping minorities or women out of photojournalism. Strangely though, have never seen anyone refused a sale of a camera or the ability to photograph an event based on race or gender... The article is bullsh*t and the author a race baiter just as you are...
Most of the replies were based on the substance of his arguments and not on the subject matter. I like Wasim and most of his articles and comments. I've noted, and liked a lot of your comments in the past. If we can't critique each other, regardless of race, racism will never die.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journalism
Definition of journalism.
1. a : the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b : the public press
c : an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2. a : writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b : writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c : writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest
Wasim Ahmad... it seems you can't call yourself a Journalist legitimately by this article.
He is a race baiter, mediocre photographer, and one who believes pushing minority towards a failing career is a good idea.
So many complaints about this article, but it's true. It is visible in every photographic forum: post a picture of a provocatively-posed beautiful white woman, with the subhead of "boudour" or "glamour", and expect applause. Practicality no women of color and almost no "fashion" photos of men, either. Post semi or full nude white women only, or don't bother to post at all.
For sure the stylistic leanings of published photography is tilted by the largest number of users, that being middle and upper-class white males. You must have both the funds and time to practice the craft; you must enjoy a base level of success in order to afford the equipment that allows you to participate in the hobby. That hobby eventually can turn into a career, if you are both talented and fortunate, with practice and education, again both of which take time and funds to acquire. Since white males make up the majority share of the middle and upper classes, they are more prevalent at the professional levels.
But we shouldn't discount typical hiring practices, the Old Boys Club pattern, in our analysis, and the author brings this out.
Which is why he earns the ire...of the while male majority that reads online photographic articles.
Surprise!!
What a load of crap... Please point out for us where minorities and women are refused the ability to post an image of the above-mentioned subjects. We will wait while you flounder. Your entire diatribe is false from beginning to end.
You're in complete denial
.
Read it again. I never said that alternative images and views are being denied a voice. This is the internet, you are free to post anything you want. But that doesn't mean that everyone will be quiet about it.
What I SAID is that the majority of photographers, white middle and upper class males, are creating the accepted norms, that images and conversations that meet to their singular tastes are often and sadly the most you'll see. I dare you to post an even slightly homoerotic image and NOT get massive, hard-core flack for it. But post an erotic image with a sexy white woman? Exactly how many positive comments can we count?
And would a photo of a beautiful, erotic woman of color get the same accolades, never mind the negative comments that will infiltrate the discussion.
So your refusal to accept reality doesn't change it. Sorry. But, sadly, all too typical.
I completely agree with your comment on the general consensus of 'beauty' here, it is very unilateral and in general far from what is internationally perceived as editorial.
Well, it is what it is, I chose to be a part of this community and in general enjoy the articles every day.
I do think people of color or different ethnicities should be represented more in press, but I am convinced that if a black photographer creates great images he or she will be hired just like any other (which might not be true for jobs in front of the camera unfortunately)
I am truly a believer of supply and demand.
Whatever the reason is for a lack of ethnic photographers in press, I don't think it's because of the press itself, i agree with you it probably has to do with money, opportunities and perhaps interest
There are several photos of beautiful women of color on this site. They have received numerous accolades, including from this white, upper middle class white guy. Homoerotic images? Not a chance!
I'm not in denial about anything. I simply don't dream up garbage to say with zero credibility and numerous falsehoods to push a racist agenda. Anyone that wants to have more images seen should do the work and pay the same price the rest of us did instead of crying like entitled children and making baseless accusations because they lack representation in a field they refuse to work in.... NO ONE is keeping anyone out of photojournalism or any photography job. I have no respect for pot stirrers, race pimps or those that tell lies for the purpose of pushing hatred and racism against any race.
beauty is in the eye of the beholder, has nothing to do with photography. That's the thing about art, you don't have to like it.