Chapter 10: Photojournalist Profile of Gordon Parks
Interview with Gordan Parks;
https://leilaibrahim.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/gordonparks.jpg
Hello Mr. Parks: My name is Sharon Monts and I would like to ask you a few questions if that's okay? This will not take long.
Sure Miss Monts , not a problem.
Ok Mr. Parks Let's get started.
Question #1.Career Path: Who did you work for? Also how were your images disseminated? I was a self taught photographer, I purchased my first camera which was a Voigtlander Brilliant, at a Seattle pawn shop for the price of $12.50. During that time in the late 1930's $12.50 was considered a lot of money. This was still around the Depression Era. I also worked for Life magazine, Vogue, and a few others. I was the first African-American man to have such a position with a major "White magazine". Mr. Parks it appears that you were self taught in a lot of other careers as well. Yes I was. Mr. Parks your first photos were seem by Marva Louis, the wife of Joe Louise from: America comes Alive! newsletter by, Kate Kelly. she said " It's a site I created to share little-known stories of America's past. These stories are about Americans-people like you who have made a difference and changed the course of history". Mr. Parks do you agree with this statement? Yes it's important that we know what many Americans have done within their lifetime to make a small difference in this world. Mr. Parks, let's talk about how your was disseminated or disperse if you will. During your time as a photojournalist was your work put out there? Working for "Life magazine" gave my work of images platform for others to see. Mr. Parks because you worked for magazines that mostly white readers saw did this showcase your efforts to get the understanding that you were trying to bring forth the right ideas for the humanitarian causes? You must understand Miss Monts that during the "Depression Era" and shortly after from the "Doll Test" (1947) or some my other work being broadcast was important to me . But I had to remember what era of time that I was in, this wasn't the 1960's when it became more free to do your work as a freelance and hope someone or magazine would pick-up your story. So yes Miss Monts I did get some broadcast but not enough.
Thank you Mr. Parks, now let's move on to Question#2 Era: What era did the photojournalist work in? What was the state of photojournalism as a profession at that time? Mr. Parks in what era would you say as being a photojournalist did you work in ? The era's that I worked span from 1940-2005. However it seems you are concentrating mostly on my earlier work which still spans with "Life magazine " Living in Chicago I remember taking all kinds of pictures on the Southside of Chicago" in 1941 from the "Gordon Parks Museum" site and how my work was recognized and earn a" Julius Rosenwald Fellowship for Photography". I decided to work for the "Farm Security Administration" This is also where I had seem "Dorothea Lange " who had worked for FSA and made a difference with her images. So to get it straight Mr. Parks you appear to be very proud of your early work, not to take away the work you did in the 1960's and 1970's. Mr. Parks your span alone with "Life magazine" 1949-1972 was just truly amazing. Mr. Parks you have truly given a lot to photojournalism as a profession. Thank you for you wonderful contribution. Now Mr. Parks what would you say was the state of photojournalism as a profession during the era of which we are concentrating on? For me I would suspect that there were many challenges by just be the only black photojournalist at the time. However used the color of my skin as an excuse. With the purchase of my first camera, I said," I bought what was to become my weapon against poverty and racism". So for me the profession for photojournalists or the state of it was an open window for all to see. Thank you Mr. Parks for that
insightful conversation. Question#3 Motivation: What motivated you, Mr. Parks, Well from 1935-1975 was considered the "Golden Age" of photojournalism according to "Time magazine: also coming from the best of photojournalism. Mr. Parks how do you feel about that statement ? I can agree with such a statement because the technology of the camera was advancing and most photojournalist had been given the opportunity to take better photos which I believe give the chance to tell great stories though the lens of the camera, like I did to show the social injustice of people here in the United States and across the world. Mr. Parks looking more into what motivated you what would be your biggest motivation? It could be first for the blacks in America , but also for what I have said,: no special black man's corner" this is from "Life magazine". Mr. Parks your images was related to poverty, and social justice your biggest motivation. Mr. Parks for me just looking at your work through photos and your words in shows that you wanted justice for all. Social realism, Social documentary, and Social justice was your motivators to see that America saw the truth in what was going on in this country after WWII and beyond with the poor and African-American as a whole. Thank you for that. Now Mr. Parks let's talk about technology.
Question#4 Technology: What type of photographic equipment did the photojournalist use ? What affect did this technology have on the manner in which the photojournalist carried out his craft? Mr. Parks I know your first camera was the "Voigtlander Brilliant" that you purchased in 1937 but from there what other film/camera technology did you use? I was not attached to any particular type. Over the years I have used several, from shooterfiles.com/2016/09/master-profiles-gordon-parks/ I have used the of course my first camera being fascinated by "Dorothea Lange" Voigtlander Brillant" I have used the Rolleiflex TLR which is the double lens camera. This was a cool looking camera but from what ProfessorNordell said " a difficult camera to use because you would have to look at both lens and it look like two different images". Mr. Parks do you agree with" Professor Nordell " ( this is not a direct quote) , I used this camera for many of my photos with no problem. Mr. Parks I see you also used the Nikon F line camera which you used for most of your images throughout the years. This technology appears for you Mr. Parks to show your community work as getting the word out through these pictures that put a whole new take on what was happening to others in this country. Between WWII , Civil Rights for all , Segregation, and poverty this really did manner on your craft. I notice Mr. Parks a lot of you work is in black and white film was this due because of the era or did you think by using this form of technology you could see your images in a more complex way? Black and White to me gives that look of grit and natural lighting to the image. Thank you Mr. Parks let's move on to Question#5.
Question#5. Ethics: What ethical dilemmas did the photojournalist encounter? Mr. Parks what ethical dilemmas did you encounter? Like I said before " I use my camera as a weapon". Using this phrase may have been a ethical dilemma just think the word weapon sounds like attack on someone or something. Mr. Parks you also said " It refers to a form of activism and the struggle for the social equality". Mr. Parks said " if I had chose my camera as a tool for social consciousness common sense told me I had to have a sufficient understanding of what was right and wrong otherwise that camera could eventually become my own enemy". Mr. Parks I take that sometimes your ethics was on the line because you came from a place of humanist concern that sometimes had you take a image that compromise your position and did what was necessary to get that image. Mr. Parks can you answer that question for me. Yes I do believe I took images to shock the mind or at least make you think. Mr. Parks said" I played a beggar in Portugal to get the story and other devices to get the picture. Mr. Parks you have said "In your early years in your career you di allowed the camera to pass judgement upon people without first taking the time to understand them. Mr. Parks said also "I took the refuse in the erroneous adage that a photographer never lies". Mr. Parks you seem different now? Yes I have sense learned that what a man is doesn't show on his face he wears. Usually there is a deeper truth submerged inside , often imprisoned by his most constant enemy-himself". Thank you for that answer Mr. Parks you seem to always searching your soul or someone else's. Let's move to Question#6, Great lets.
Okay Mr. Parks Question #6, Bias: What biases did the photojournalist have? So Mr. Parks do you have any biases? Not so much me but magazines that I worked for such as "Life magazine which I had the longest relationship with." The Making of an Argument" about a gang leader where I wanted to show the softer side of the leader from the "Harlem Gang". I wanted to show the young being with his mother and his brother. However I did take pictures of the fights and the gang life form which he was a part of. Life magazine wanted the edger side of the man , his gang activity. They were looking for the stereotypical side of the black youth because that was what America could relate at the time about black males. This for "Life magazine" and others who read it what they had already decided about black males and violence. But remember the condition and the situation at the time with being in Harlem, NY and after WWII. So Mr. Parks are you saying that only :Life magazine" have the problem with bias and not you. Yes after being in this business for as long as I have you must learn to take a image that will your story but also tell the people story.
https://americacomesalive.com/2015/02/11/gordon-parks-extraordinary-photojournalist/
http://www.gordonparkscenter.org/biography/gordon-parks-timeline/
https://time.com/4200148/gordon-parks-photographs-black-humanity/
https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Richard+Round+Is+Back+In+Iconic+Shaft%22&qpvt=richard+round+is+back+in+iconic+shaft%22&FORM=EWRE
Hello Mr. Parks: My name is Sharon Monts and I would like to ask you a few questions if that's okay? This will not take long.
Sure Miss Monts , not a problem.
Ok Mr. Parks Let's get started.
Question #1.Career Path: Who did you work for? Also how were your images disseminated? I was a self taught photographer, I purchased my first camera which was a Voigtlander Brilliant, at a Seattle pawn shop for the price of $12.50. During that time in the late 1930's $12.50 was considered a lot of money. This was still around the Depression Era. I also worked for Life magazine, Vogue, and a few others. I was the first African-American man to have such a position with a major "White magazine". Mr. Parks it appears that you were self taught in a lot of other careers as well. Yes I was. Mr. Parks your first photos were seem by Marva Louis, the wife of Joe Louise from: America comes Alive! newsletter by, Kate Kelly. she said " It's a site I created to share little-known stories of America's past. These stories are about Americans-people like you who have made a difference and changed the course of history". Mr. Parks do you agree with this statement? Yes it's important that we know what many Americans have done within their lifetime to make a small difference in this world. Mr. Parks, let's talk about how your was disseminated or disperse if you will. During your time as a photojournalist was your work put out there? Working for "Life magazine" gave my work of images platform for others to see. Mr. Parks because you worked for magazines that mostly white readers saw did this showcase your efforts to get the understanding that you were trying to bring forth the right ideas for the humanitarian causes? You must understand Miss Monts that during the "Depression Era" and shortly after from the "Doll Test" (1947) or some my other work being broadcast was important to me . But I had to remember what era of time that I was in, this wasn't the 1960's when it became more free to do your work as a freelance and hope someone or magazine would pick-up your story. So yes Miss Monts I did get some broadcast but not enough.
Thank you Mr. Parks, now let's move on to Question#2 Era: What era did the photojournalist work in? What was the state of photojournalism as a profession at that time? Mr. Parks in what era would you say as being a photojournalist did you work in ? The era's that I worked span from 1940-2005. However it seems you are concentrating mostly on my earlier work which still spans with "Life magazine " Living in Chicago I remember taking all kinds of pictures on the Southside of Chicago" in 1941 from the "Gordon Parks Museum" site and how my work was recognized and earn a" Julius Rosenwald Fellowship for Photography". I decided to work for the "Farm Security Administration" This is also where I had seem "Dorothea Lange " who had worked for FSA and made a difference with her images. So to get it straight Mr. Parks you appear to be very proud of your early work, not to take away the work you did in the 1960's and 1970's. Mr. Parks your span alone with "Life magazine" 1949-1972 was just truly amazing. Mr. Parks you have truly given a lot to photojournalism as a profession. Thank you for you wonderful contribution. Now Mr. Parks what would you say was the state of photojournalism as a profession during the era of which we are concentrating on? For me I would suspect that there were many challenges by just be the only black photojournalist at the time. However used the color of my skin as an excuse. With the purchase of my first camera, I said," I bought what was to become my weapon against poverty and racism". So for me the profession for photojournalists or the state of it was an open window for all to see. Thank you Mr. Parks for that
insightful conversation. Question#3 Motivation: What motivated you, Mr. Parks, Well from 1935-1975 was considered the "Golden Age" of photojournalism according to "Time magazine: also coming from the best of photojournalism. Mr. Parks how do you feel about that statement ? I can agree with such a statement because the technology of the camera was advancing and most photojournalist had been given the opportunity to take better photos which I believe give the chance to tell great stories though the lens of the camera, like I did to show the social injustice of people here in the United States and across the world. Mr. Parks looking more into what motivated you what would be your biggest motivation? It could be first for the blacks in America , but also for what I have said,: no special black man's corner" this is from "Life magazine". Mr. Parks your images was related to poverty, and social justice your biggest motivation. Mr. Parks for me just looking at your work through photos and your words in shows that you wanted justice for all. Social realism, Social documentary, and Social justice was your motivators to see that America saw the truth in what was going on in this country after WWII and beyond with the poor and African-American as a whole. Thank you for that. Now Mr. Parks let's talk about technology.
Question#4 Technology: What type of photographic equipment did the photojournalist use ? What affect did this technology have on the manner in which the photojournalist carried out his craft? Mr. Parks I know your first camera was the "Voigtlander Brilliant" that you purchased in 1937 but from there what other film/camera technology did you use? I was not attached to any particular type. Over the years I have used several, from shooterfiles.com/2016/09/master-profiles-gordon-parks/ I have used the of course my first camera being fascinated by "Dorothea Lange" Voigtlander Brillant" I have used the Rolleiflex TLR which is the double lens camera. This was a cool looking camera but from what ProfessorNordell said " a difficult camera to use because you would have to look at both lens and it look like two different images". Mr. Parks do you agree with" Professor Nordell " ( this is not a direct quote) , I used this camera for many of my photos with no problem. Mr. Parks I see you also used the Nikon F line camera which you used for most of your images throughout the years. This technology appears for you Mr. Parks to show your community work as getting the word out through these pictures that put a whole new take on what was happening to others in this country. Between WWII , Civil Rights for all , Segregation, and poverty this really did manner on your craft. I notice Mr. Parks a lot of you work is in black and white film was this due because of the era or did you think by using this form of technology you could see your images in a more complex way? Black and White to me gives that look of grit and natural lighting to the image. Thank you Mr. Parks let's move on to Question#5.
Question#5. Ethics: What ethical dilemmas did the photojournalist encounter? Mr. Parks what ethical dilemmas did you encounter? Like I said before " I use my camera as a weapon". Using this phrase may have been a ethical dilemma just think the word weapon sounds like attack on someone or something. Mr. Parks you also said " It refers to a form of activism and the struggle for the social equality". Mr. Parks said " if I had chose my camera as a tool for social consciousness common sense told me I had to have a sufficient understanding of what was right and wrong otherwise that camera could eventually become my own enemy". Mr. Parks I take that sometimes your ethics was on the line because you came from a place of humanist concern that sometimes had you take a image that compromise your position and did what was necessary to get that image. Mr. Parks can you answer that question for me. Yes I do believe I took images to shock the mind or at least make you think. Mr. Parks said" I played a beggar in Portugal to get the story and other devices to get the picture. Mr. Parks you have said "In your early years in your career you di allowed the camera to pass judgement upon people without first taking the time to understand them. Mr. Parks said also "I took the refuse in the erroneous adage that a photographer never lies". Mr. Parks you seem different now? Yes I have sense learned that what a man is doesn't show on his face he wears. Usually there is a deeper truth submerged inside , often imprisoned by his most constant enemy-himself". Thank you for that answer Mr. Parks you seem to always searching your soul or someone else's. Let's move to Question#6, Great lets.
Okay Mr. Parks Question #6, Bias: What biases did the photojournalist have? So Mr. Parks do you have any biases? Not so much me but magazines that I worked for such as "Life magazine which I had the longest relationship with." The Making of an Argument" about a gang leader where I wanted to show the softer side of the leader from the "Harlem Gang". I wanted to show the young being with his mother and his brother. However I did take pictures of the fights and the gang life form which he was a part of. Life magazine wanted the edger side of the man , his gang activity. They were looking for the stereotypical side of the black youth because that was what America could relate at the time about black males. This for "Life magazine" and others who read it what they had already decided about black males and violence. But remember the condition and the situation at the time with being in Harlem, NY and after WWII. So Mr. Parks are you saying that only :Life magazine" have the problem with bias and not you. Yes after being in this business for as long as I have you must learn to take a image that will your story but also tell the people story.
Question #7. Photographic Style: Quality of Light. The lighting in this image by Gordon Parks show a woman using a broom to clean her floor. It not much light except for where the woman is standing and makes the image surprising because it either that she has only a small window or really poor lighting because she can barely see to sweep her floor. Even thought the woman may be sweeping the floor she seems to have papers that a displaced on her desk. There is a small degree of light shining in that direction.
Question #7. Photographic Style: Subject Expression, Photo image by Gordon Parks the subject of overly posed. I don't think Mr. Parks was after that but when he captured the laborer dreaming of a better day maybe. However the body language does fit the facial expression of the subject because using his body as a side lean shows to me that the subject just needs a different way to go.
Question #7. Photographic Style: Keep It Simple, Photo image by Gordon Parks, this picture is the composition of cluttered. There are no people in the street so this could be early in the morning in Harlem, NY. This is a isolated and disserted street. The image is sad to me because no one has come by to clean the street and pick up the trash. Is the sanitation department on strike or is it this neighborhood in particular that the trash stays around until weeks on end. Keep it simple is the combination of the trash cans in a straight line just like the apartments. Look there is a truck in the background do you think it's for trash pick-up or something else?
Question #7. Photographic Style: Use of Shadow, Photo by Gordon Parks, this image has of shadow, I see the granddaughter with more light on her as she sits there perfectly straight and back to the building, whereas her granddad id shadow on his face but you see his cane and his leg extended out. The building appears to have a window and dust or dirt on the ground. I think Gordon Parks was showing how neither the granddaughter or her grandfather expression are very happy.
All of these photos came from the "Library of Congress" which Gordon Parks wanted so that his work could be preserved for all to see after he is long gone.
Question #8. Impact: How did the photojournalist's images affect society? Mr. Parks now to question #8, do you feel that your images affected society in any way? I hope so my mission was to show the injustice that society had plague on the poor and blacks through out. The images for examples from "Life magazine" about the family in Harlem in 1968 or the image with the black youth looking at the black doll and the white doll. Of course he chosen the white doll should have had a impact about black and white and what blacks saw of themselves in 1948. So Mr. Parks you do feel that your images overall made a large difference in how we as African-American think of ourselves now compared to back then. Remember this was 1947. Another image that was profound to me was with the woman holding the broom in one hand and the mop in the other with the "American flag" behind her. This image I think should have send shock waves of how the rich saw this country and how the rest of us saw America. Therefore Mr. Parks you must feel that your images had a huge impact on how America had to start coming around and to change some their thoughts on how the blacks and the poor wanted justice and equality as well. I have taken these images for all to see. Thank you Mr. Parks I am on to question #9 which involves my major and how it relates to your career. I will return shortly for my final question. Okay I will take a water break.
Question #9. Your Major at AIC: What aspect of the journalist's career relates in some ways to your major? I would probably think in regards my major being "Social Science" there would be a few. First I would like to say that "Social Science is a very broad degree to have. It can cover such areas as human services, which Mr. Parks really touch upon in his images , Parks said," I brought what was to become my weapon against poverty and racism". Human services does try to help the poor with knowledge of services to others that may not be aware of what available. Also there anthropology the study of humans in earlier times and how we have evolve to what we are today. This goes in before Christ and after Christ. There are other areas to which this major covers but after all has been said about the social sciences it all comes back to the importance of helping our fellow human being who may be unable to help themselves . Therefore for Gordon Parks and his images on the human conditions in America in some small way being a "Social Science" could help remove some of the ills that America even in 2019 still have.
Question #10. Viewpoints: How was the photojournalist viewed by different people in different ways? Gordon Parks being a self made photojournalist may have been seem as a genius to some not just with his photojournalism background and talents, but also his musical and film producing which he could add to his collection. From "America comes Alive" it said that never received his high school diploma, but he was presented with over 50 honorary degrees, and in 1988 he received the "National Medal of Arts". This here explains how much he was admired throughout his life. Gordon Parks was celebrated for his work but was also misunderstood. Sometime when a person is out of the ordinary they may come off as being misunderstood. Parks opened the door for black actors by doing what "Hollywood" called Blaxploitation films. But you have to realize that Parks always had an angle to make things better if he could through some type of media. Parks also did many documentaries more true to life films later in his career. Anderson Cooper said, "attested to Parks presence in his life, Cooper noted that his choice of his career was influenced by Parks. He was the first journalist I knew . He gave a voice to those who voices had been silence by poverty and injustice".
When Parks got hired by the FSA in 1942, His first instinct of the black photojournalist that he would be incapable of maneuvering around Washington, D.C. This was an article by Kate Kelly from "America comes Alive'! So he got Parks to spend some time with Emma Watson and that how the picture of the woman with the broom and the mop came about. Richard Wright a author who wrote the book the "Native Son" told Parks " you have to write cold hard about" Blacks in America" and not allow whites to face the words with consolation of a few tears. Richard Roundtree (Mr. Shaft) himself in 1971 said he was surprised to get a phone call from the director, Gordon Parks. Roundtree said, that Parks said" we want someone who looks like this, it happen to be a picture of Roundtree" "and the rest as they say is history. As for Gordon Parks the man was of many talents but at the end I think most people really admired him and was inspired by him as well. He was born to become the man he became and I do believe that his parents would have been very proud. At the end he was a man who cared about the injustice of people and all who cared this was Parks impact on others .Mr. Parks it was a pleasure talking with you today and Thank you for all that you have done for us in giving these images that "America" will never forget.
https://americacomesalive.com/2015/02/11/gordon-parks-extraordinary-photojournalist/
http://www.gordonparkscenter.org/biography/gordon-parks-timeline/
https://time.com/4200148/gordon-parks-photographs-black-humanity/
https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Richard+Round+Is+Back+In+Iconic+Shaft%22&qpvt=richard+round+is+back+in+iconic+shaft%22&FORM=EWRE
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