The Road Home by Rhiannon Johnston

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Rhiannon Johnstone, a junior in the Photojournalism & Documentary program at Western Kentucky University tells a story of the life of a long-haul trucker, Bobby Coffey-Loy. Bobby juggles driving 8,000 weekly miles while caring for his terminally ill mother. Seeking connection and understanding on the road, Bobby turns to the LGBTQ+ Trucking Network, a support system he founded with his husband Ricky. Rhiannon built an interactive multimedia experience to help you better understand the story.

Please view the entire project at http://rhiannonjohnston.com/theroadhome

Posted in: Through Our Eyes

Losing Cherokee by Sean McInnis

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Western Kentucky University’s Photojournalism & Documentary Sean McInnis, a junior, explored the culture and language of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tucked away in the Great Smokey Mountains. While interning last summer at the Charlotte Observer, Sean learned about how the Cherokee language is quickly disappearing, and the efforts that are being taken to preserve it. To better tell story, Sean created a multimedia presentation that pulls together examples of the Cherokee language in written and spoken form and broke down a timeline of the Cherokee Nations struggle the past 200 years to hold onto their culture.  Visit the it at: https://wkuvjp430.tilda.ws/losingcherokee

Posted in: Class Work, Intro to Short Doc, Photojournalism Projects Class, Student Work, Web Narratives

Poetic Journey – Advanced Short Form Documentary

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In an assignment in the Advanced Short Form Documentary class taught by Tim Broekema, students where given the challenge of creating a video in the idea of Poetic Documentaries, a from first seen in the 1920s.

It prioritize experiences, visuals, and aim to present the world from diverse perspectives. Characterized by abstractness and a flexible narrative structure, this sub-genre of documentaries boldly ventures into unconventional and experimental forms and themes. Its primary objective is to evoke emotions rather than convey a definitive reality.

Here are examples from two of our Photojournalism & Documentary students in the class.

Rod by Sean McInnis

A look inside the underground, do-it-yourself, traveling musical duo ROD, featuring Micah Wu and Angie Willcutt.

 

Like Father, Like Son by Brett Phelps

Maya Angelou said, “Every journey begins with a single step.” For Michael Phelps, his journey with fishing began with the first cast he made as a child with his father on a dock at the Lake of the Ozarks near Versailles, Missouri. Phelps continues this father-son pastime with his sons on the pond banks and lakes of Kentucky. Phelps understands that it’s not fish he is after, it’s something much more significant.

Posted in: Advanced Short Form Doc, Student Work

Emilee Arnold

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Emilee Arnold’s first internships last summer had her covering five eastern Kentucky and West Virginia counties, while working for the Appalachian Newspapers, Inc. A Bowling Green, KY native Emilee is a junior Photojournalism major at Western Kentucky University. Here are a few of her pictures from this past year.

Dean Woods, 58, holds his wife Brenda’s hand during an eye exam at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic at Easy Perry Elementary School in Hazard, Ky. RAM clinics offer free vision, dental, and medical care to patients in underserved areas. The couple were among the first to arrive at the clinic at its opening on June 3, 2023.

Olivia Beachy, 8, chases a classmate in a game of tag during indoor recess at her Mennonite school on March 31, 2023.

Family and friends of Martin, Ky. resident Amber Spradlin mourn during a visitation at Hall Funeral Home on June 22, 2023. Spradlin was found dead at a home in Martin on June 18, with Kentucky State Police deeming her death a result of “life-threatening injuries from suspected foul play”. Her family alleged at a later press conference that she was stabbed eleven times. As of September 18, no arrests have yet been made in connection to her case.

In the weeks following her death, relatives of Spradlin made calls for justice through demonstrations, a vigil, and memorial services. Her family says that they seek to keep Amber’s story in the community’s memory and see the perpetrator brought to justice.

Posted in: Class Work, Student Work, Through Our Eyes

Eli Randolph

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WKU junior Eli Randolph discovered one of the best things about photojournalism this past year.  Having consistent class assignments pushing him into the community, Eli discovered the photojournalism joy of meeting amazing strangers every day and stepping into their lives for a brief moment. Here are a few pictures the Murfreesboro TN native took the past year at school.

Four cowboys walk through smoke while holding the American flag before a rodeo event in Bowling Green, KY, Saturday, February 11th,2023. The scene depicts a patriotic display of Western heritage and American pride as the riders prepare for the competition. The atmosphere surrounding the flag was unmatched as the bearers honored United States service members. With the smoke and dust in the air the flag was unfurled and the national anthem sang.

Landon and Millie Westbrook sit in their kitchen after returning from a funeral at 10 pm on April 20, for a family friend whose father committed suicide the week prior. “After the tornados tore down all of his barns he was never really the same,” said Landon. According to the CDC farmers are twice as likely as people in other occupations to die by suicide.

Millie walks her zebra, Marti, though the doors of her barn to get it used to being led. Although there is a lot of struggles farming and surviving doing so there are moments of peace. Over the past 4 years Millie has refurbished an old tobacco barn to be a clean, welcoming space for people to rent for anything from weddings to birthday parties. In the early days of using the barn she got increasing questions from customers to pet her animals in one of the adjacent barns. After having so much feedback she decided to make a part of the event barn package.

Posted in: Class Work, Student Work, Through Our Eyes

‘My Soul Aches’: Ukraine’s Mortal Courage

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School of Media & Communication Gallery | Jody Richards Hall, WKU

M-W 9:00 am – 9:00 pm | TH – F 9:00 am – 4:00 pm*

The School of Media & Communications invites you to explore the heart-wrenching reality, “‘My Soul Aches’: Ukraine’s Mortal Courage” exhibition of images by Carol Guzy, at Jody Richards Hall Gallery on the campus of Western Kentucky University.

Step into a world of raw emotions, stark honesty, and the undeniable power of visual storytelling in this recent body of work from four-time Pulitzer Prize-Winning photojournalist Carol Guzy as we unveil a stunning collection of nearly 60 large format printed photographs that capture the essence and reality of the on-going war in Ukraine. Prepare to be moved as you journey through these captivating images allowing you to connect with the people of Ukraine on a deeply personal level and bear witness to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. Guzy’s work speaks to the unvarnished truth of conflict, offering a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the war. Guzy was the 2022 recipient of the Fleischaker/Greene Award for Courageous International Reporting from WKU School of Media.

WARNING: The content in this exhibition may be difficult for some to view, however these images were taken to connect us to the experiences of others in the hope we can better understand their suffering.

* Open only on days the University is open, parking is free after 4:30 pm on the Chestnut Street South Lot.

 

Carol Guzy: A Lens of Compassion and Courage in a World of Conflict

For over four decades, Carol Guzy has been a humble ambassador in the world of photojournalism. With an unerring eye for capturing the raw, emotional essence of human stories, Guzy has earned her place among the most celebrated photojournalists of our time.

Carol Guzy

Born with an innate curiosity and a passion for storytelling, Guzy embarked on her career in the early ’80s. Her unflinching commitment to truth and her remarkable ability to empathize with her subjects have garnered her four Pulitzer Prizes, one of only two journalists to have achieved this accomplishment.

Guzy’s recent work from Ukraine is an exemplar of her unmatched skill in documenting the human experience during times of crisis. Her photographs from the war-torn region are haunting and real, encapsulating the pain, resilience, and hope of the Ukrainian people. Through her lens, we witness the devastating impact of conflict on families, the bravery of those defending their homeland, and the indomitable spirit of a nation striving for peace.

In a world often marred by chaos and division, Carol Guzy’s work, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Kosovo War to Hurricane Katrina to the ISIS conflicts in the Middle East, serves as a beacon of truth and understanding. She reminds us that behind every headline and statistic, there are real people with real stories. Her photographs from Ukraine are not just images; they are windows into the heart and soul of a nation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to bearing witness to the world’s most pressing issues. Carol Guzy continues to inspire and educate through her powerful visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photojournalism.

 

2023 Capstone Projects

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What happens when your freshman year of college everything shuts down for a pandemic and your a Photojournalism Major? Learn to adapt. Our graduating senior class had to learn how to engage with people when the world says to distance. When events on campus don’t resume until your junior year in college. You learn invaluable skills in an always changing world. (Example electric at our senior picnic shelter would never turn on during a rainstorm)

Students in the photojournalism sequence spend the last semester of their major working on a individual or small-team 16-week long projects.  The results of their efforts can be viewed at this site:

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/2023projects

 

Survivors by Allie Schallert and Arthur Trickett-Wile

Domestic violence is a worldwide problem, but in the U.S., Kentucky leads the proportion of women who face it.

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/survivors

 

Champion of My Own World by Charlie Haynes

Despite challenges, boxing coach Josh “Rocky” Mata still manages to follow his passions and inspire other along the way

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/championofmyownworld

 

Route by Gabi Broekema and Anna Leachman

A documentation of Kentuckians who work, worship and live along the historic Dixie Highway

https://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/route

 

Stone of Comfort by Gunnar Word

Despite having overcome a rough childhood and unlikely odds, Ebenezer Griffith is on a journey to try and represent the United States in the Olympics in 2024

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/stoneofcomfort

 

Tonality by Georgia Mallett

Finding a voice in identity and music

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/tonality

 

Unbreakable Bond by Tyler Breneman and Cristina Betz

Despite their vastly different backgrounds, two sibling support one another in a way no one else can.

http://wkuvjp436.tilda.ws/unbreakablebond

Posted in: Class Work, Photojournalism Projects Class, Student Work

Scott Strazzante to present his mobile media photography

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Tuesday, March 21

Reception at 4:00 | School of Media gallery | refreshments will be served

Lecture at 7:00 | Jody Richards Hall auditorium

Shooting From the Hip, an iPhone image exhibition by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Scott Strazzante will have an opening reception and lecture Tuesday, March 21 in the School of Media’s gallery and auditorium in Jody Richards Hall. Scott, using only his iPhone, captures the whimsy and irony, struggle and strength of everyday America. His twist on classic street photography fuses his shooting from the hip style with the serendipity of life, for a revealing vision of today’s world. Start following Scott today on Instagram at @scottstrazzante and get inspired to become the image maker you always wanted to be.

Scott will be available for questions at the gallery exhibition opening and then be sure to come back to see more of his work and hear him talk about how he uses his mobile device as a powerful tool in his collection of cameras. Free parking is available after 4:30 in the Chestnut St. lot at the end of regents drive.

The Life After, By Arthur H. Trickett-Wile

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WKUPJ junior, Arthur H. Trickett-Wile looks at the challenges one faces while being a force to challenge students on a daily basis.

Dr. Craig T. Cobane built the Western Kentucky University’s Mahurin Honors College from the ground up, working tirelessly and enthusiastically around the clock. But during an exploratory shoulder surgery last year, the surgeon found something that would change his life forever.

Posted in: Advanced Short Form Doc, Student Work, Through Our Eyes