This week, “The Big Picture” features images from the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks.  It’s interesting to note how the Globe dealt with the graphic images.  The format allows a disclaimer to show in place of the photo, and then a viewer may click on it if they wish.  The blurb reads:

“Warning: This image contains graphic or objectionable content. Click here to view it.”

It’s kind of this reconciliation of old and new media.  I like that they choose to tell these weighty stories through a traditional still photograph.  But by putting them on the web with a disclaimer, the Globe passes the test of not spoiling a reader’s breakfast.

As a side note, the very first photo in the Mumbai series reminds me of one Portland Tribune photographer L.E. Baskow sent me of the Statue of Liberty illuminated by the lights at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks.  Both very symbolic, powerful news photos.

REUTERS/Arko Datta

L.E. Baskow/Portland Tribune

One piece of advice he offers: megapixels don’t matter as much as we think they do.  I think this would be surprising to a lot of people who think megapixels are the end all be all for choosing a camera.  But Pogue says the sensor, the small light chip inside, matters more than megapixels in terms of photo quality.  The one drawback is the better the sensor, the bigger the camera.

The NYT is far ahead of the game as usual.  And oddly enough, the Pogue-o-matic is kind of a fun shopping “experience.”  Pogue takes out his phone, stares at it, sighs and then stares back at your expectantly if you take too long to click ahead.  I actually found myself feeling a bit hurried and stressed, but then almost laughed aloud at the silliness of it.

An officer confiscated footage taken by Jane Tyska, Oakland Tribune photographer, at a student protest against immigration and customs enforcement immigration two weeks ago.  The officer alleged that Jane Tyska hit his car with her elbow and was “inciting a riot.”

The Oakland Tribunes states that the school police or Oakland School District made five copies of the tape and have only returned three copies.

It seems the lesson to be learned from this week’s examples is that there is no official set of rules to abide by when it comes to news photographers fighting for their right.  But the best advice seem to be to find a balance between sticking to your convictions and knowing when to bow out.

“As complicated as things have become I still believe in a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights. However, it seems now that the courts don’t always agree.”

Something to think about for news journalists.  It’s hard to believe that Jeffrey Sauger’s case was overturned not on the basis of First Amendment infringement, but on Sixth Amendment–his right to a speedy trial.

But Newman is right: journalists can’t expect a strict interpretation of the law in every case.  A Penn State news photographer received misdemeanor charges for not leaving a riot when asked by police.  But Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel at the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, says in an article on The Daily Collegian Online that the although the media has a “constitutional right to report,” journalists should heed the advice of police when safety may be an issue, as it was in this case.

The court overturned his conviction based on the fact that he was denied a speedy trial. In an article on the National Press Photographer’s Association, NPPA Advocacy Committee chair Alicia Wagner Calzada said she wants to see journalists stand up for their rights more and more.

“Journalists everywhere should be pleased, but should realize that the First Amendment grounds were never addressed here,” she said. “Even in recent days, we see how the incidents of journalists, especially photographers, being harassed and detained by police is far too common. It is an outrage, and puts a definite chill on photographers’ newsgathering. The charges are usually dropped, but the remaining impact on photojournalists who limit their newsgathering for fear of being arrested is great.”

I’ll try to get some reaction from news photographers I’ve been in contact with. More later this week.

By Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune---Three-year-old Hamsa Ali got his first taste of the Democratic process as he went with his parents Shamso Tahlil and Mohamed Ali to cast their vote Tuesday at Central Lutheran Chuch. It was their first time to vote.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune sent me a few election photos from yesterday that I think exemplify the major themes of this race.  The photo to the left represents a family’s maiden voyage to the poll, a sense of hopefulness and the overarching issue of race.  Artistically, you can’t help but feel you’re gaining a glimpse into the future with this young boy’s expression.

The election theme of young, expressive voters is, of course, transparent in the Central High School photo below.  When I was in high school, there were not clubs to politically align yourself with.  Nobody talked about it; nobody cared.  Moreover, I was a high school teacher for the last three years and even in recent times, the kids didn’t talk politics; nobody cared.  The photo is an excellent example of the sea change being talked about—they are faces behind the concept.

Joel Koyama/Star Tribune---Students of Central High School in St. Paul, and members of the Central Young Democrats expressed their support for Senator Obama for President outside Central High School on Lexington Avenue.

By Jessi Prois

By Jessi Prois

By Jessi Prois

I tried to get away from the typical flag-waving photos, and I got some colorful shots.  I have to say most young people at the rally were definitely into getting their picture taken!  I thought it was so interesting how many people had a camera and were shooting footage or taking photos .  A number of people approached me and asked what news service I was working for.  I guess their first clue was me sitting on a bench with my head down writing furiously while rally-goers partied on around me.

It was difficult to get all the shots I wanted when I was reporting, crafting quick vignettes and then frantically calling the story pieces in to the newsroom.  I found myself wanting to tell the story through pictures more than words tonight.  It was difficult to be a one woman band.

News organizations are offering many opportunities for people to upload photos that tell the story of this historic election day.  The New York Times’ Polling Place Photo Project is a “nationwide experiement” in which regular citizens are asked to post photos of their polling place to provide a taste of voting across the country.

Here at home, the Chicago Tribune offers a place on their site to upload election day photos.

I’m going to the rally so I’ll update by blog with photos I take tonight.

The mark of a good photographer is one who can get that shot perfect the first time–because they have to.  Those “now or never” photos are reminiscent of what it was like to shoot not so long ago–in the age of a roll of 24.  L.E. Baskow, a photographer at the Portland Tribune, exemplifies this point.  Baskow’s photos and captions are below.

L.E. Baskow/Portland Tribune

Multnomah County begins to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, some getting married just outside the offices. Steven Hansen and Rick Raymen of Portland, Oregon, both dressed to the hilt in tuxes, share a kiss while waiting in the rain for their chance to apply.

L.E. Baskow/Portland Tribune

At the cemetery, family members and friends work to revive Mejia’s widow, Paula Villacis Lopez, who fainted as her husband’s body was lowered in the ground.

In news, we’re taught to think small.  This applies to our story focus and to a photo subject.  But I love the wide-angle look partly because it’s such a departure from what you typically see in news photos.  It easily turns a boring office or street picture into a pretty eye-catching image with minimal effort.  It make for a great angle in this MSNBC photo of a crash in Utah.

17 Stunning Wide Angle Images makes a good case for this type of photo–both in words and photographic proof.

But back to the iphone…the concept seems to be antithetical to an iphone’s use: convenience all wrapped into one little device.  But, the image isn’t bad in terms of quality.  The photo below is a wide-angle camera phone shot licensed from Flickr, and I think it actually looks decent.

Source: Flickr