Trip Recap

Initially I took this trip as a means of networking and an exploration of what jobs within my career path could be applicable in my future. We visited several different places (all of which were interesting), but the most memorable for me personally included NPR, National Geographic, AP, the Washington Post, and the White House. Basically, the more compelling and important the work, the more excited the employees were, and the more exciting the environment. As you can tell in any work environment, this trend tends to be linear.

I've been trying to focus on the precise career path I wish to pursue; music or shooting or editing. From this trip, I realized I really can't pick between the three, I love them all equally in my life. Several people we met up with, however, talked great volumes about the importance of having other things in your life you value and enjoy, whether it be reading or music or biking (I don't think anyone mentioned that, but I love biking so it should apply). In the line of editing and shooting, you need a break to be refreshed so as to not loose sight of your story.

Storytelling. That's what we do. Through images and interviews and video we can communicate events and stories people would otherwise not hear of. Pessimistically, most of the nation doesn't keep up on current events, but does that make what we do less important? I would say that someone out there will learn something from our work and make a change, and that makes it valuable.

Another theme with career paths included the sacrifices involved. With photojournalism, you typically don't work a 9-5, instead the hours and locations are unpredictable, there are intense demands on your time and energy. However, this might sound like a nightmare for some people, I think it's worth it. Personally, I don't like to sit still too long, and travel and crossing paths with others is what makes life so interesting. Many of the people we met with managed a balanced home life, while others chose to marry their stories instead. Both types of personal lives have pros and cons, and it clearly depends on your priorities and drive.

Overall, I learned more about the news wire, news rooms, and periodicals. All were helpful and informative, but I would ideally want to work with a publication with more freedom to explore long-term stories that facilitate genuine caring and learning. I was very impressed by the stories National Geographic sponsors, what beautiful, poignant imagery!

Now, I need to work on telling more stories and listening to more music!

If anyone from the trips reads this post - thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy lives to share your perspectives with us. It was a great trip filled with incredible people :)

DC Day 5

Final post of the DC trip. Going to Newseum was wonderful, and it was surreal to see the historical moments and to be able to say "that's Carol Guzy's photo, and there's William Snyder's over there." The alumni dinner was also pretty sweet, a lot of people showed up to reconnect with old friends and mingle with us students.

Overall, this trip has helped me focus on my next steps, as I'm oh so close to graduation. NPR here we come!

Bye DC, I miss you!

DC Day 4

Dear Blog,

Today we went to USA Today all the way in McLean, Virginia (fun transportation, love you William!). Incredible architecture and informative talks. A lot of the work they were proud, I know how to make from RIT classes (like the VR panoramas, video editing, multimedia, ect.) - if I hone in on those skills perhaps there's a decent job out for me. heh. heh.

And Education Week was cool as well, they have great day rates! :)

Sorry for the short post, I'm beat.

<3 Juliet

DC Day 3

Inspired conversation at AP, and an appreciation for the wire press. "You have to be hungry." McLatchy was educational, but the real highlight of the day:
The Woman. The Heart. The Skill. Carol Guzy.
Yes that might come off a bit dramatic, but honestly, Carol is a hero. A registered nurse before she started her career as a photojournalist, her priorities are clear; she cares about people and she cares about telling their stories. Her work in Kosavo, Haiti, Sierra Leone illustrates that, but also her demeanor and honesty. Aside from her commitment and obsession for storytelling, she also has three wonderful dogs and a cockatoo. :) love you trixie and grace.

DC Day 2

Today we started out at National Geographic with Ken Geiger. I found the work environment to be focused and creative, with a life-sized Neanderthal figure in one office and an M&M dispenser in the hallway. I could see the relative freedom they have with long-term stories. Although economic hard-times dampen their budget they still manage to leave photographers in the field quite awhile. The quality of the work is incredible, very good opportunity.

The afternoon we spent with the photo staff of the White House. Photo editor Jen Poggi had many good points and an endless wealth of enthusiasm and appreciation for her job. What I personally grasped of her advice was the observation that it is vital, even in a stressful work environment, to find pleasure in the little things and supplement your work with reading and music. Otherwise, it will leave you "feeling like a dried-up well." I hope someday to be in a work environment like the photo department at the white house, where documentation and respect are paramount.

DC Day 1

Here starts my expedition into possible internships and opportunities in the political, sprawling Washington D.C. I started my day walking several miles to Massachusetts Avenue, where NPR is stationed (pun intended). I started listening to NPR on a regular basis three years ago, when my excessive commute to RIT made Morning Edition and All Things Considered a highlight in my day. Working at WITR, I learned more about radio, so NPR was SO SWEET. The equipment and resources are incredible, and the staff seemed great as well.

Then the Washington Post in the afternoon. Very impressive staff and resources. Typical buzz of a newsroom. However, there was an incredibly optimistic video producer that reminded me, through his presentation of work, why I love communicating and storytelling, although I am still figuring out how I plan to do so.

And so ends day 1 in D.C.!

In transit... Dublin to London to Berlin

Isolated Island

The Last of the Viper Sessions

Cheers Dublin

Hello NYC

I noticed this couple while waiting for the R train to Astoria. This is the Look of Love if I've ever seen it, eat your heart out Diana Krall.


While waiting for a bus near Bleaker Street, I saw this woman in the doorway. This look of general exhaustion mingled with apathy seems to be contagious in NY. And yet, there's something so beautiful about this woman.

Journey Begins, Goodbye Pittsburgh!

More Moments

Immigration Rally, DC March 21st, 2010

STUDIO!!!

Detroit Auto Showwww part deux