Alex Krynsky

Alex Krynsky
Joe Mcnally, unknown
2017

Joe McNally (born July 27, 1952) is an American photographer who has been shooting for the National Geographic Society since 1987. McNally was born in Montclair, New Jersey. McNally is an award winning photographer with international recognition. His work is quite popular in more than 70 countries.. He is among the rare breed of photographer who has bridged the world between photojournalism and advertising, amassing an impressive commercial and advertising client list including FedEx, Sony, ESPN, Adidas, General Electric, Epson, MetLife, USAA, New York Stock Exchange, and many more. The reason I found this image so significant is due to the fact of how well positioned everything is placed in the photo. The image makes you feel as if you're right there in the action. I am not positive whether or not the men in the picture are some sort of army or " air sea-rescue." The subject is well-focused, the background looks beautiful especially, with the city and sunset coming in, even the helicopter throws you off looking as if it's coming for you... but personally I think the most significant thing is Mcnally diving into action and having to travel with the men in the picture to take this shot. He had to physically jump in the water, position himself to get in the right spot, and manage to float and get the right shot.

Yaelin Calderon

Yaelin Calderon
"The history of a picture that changed the world"// Zbigniew Religa

Rain Bernal

Rain Bernal

Kyle Thompson, "Untitled (Ghost Town)"

2014, Digital

This image was taken as part of a series called "Ghost Town". This picture was actually taken on a set constructed in the artist's backyard. I believe this image represents the impact of childhood and the expectations that are placed on you at an early age, specifically in families where children are expected to be winners. Here, I think the artist is able to convey the weight of perceived failures and the pressures of success through a flooded childhood home. I love the soft lighting and the colors in the composition. The colors seem desaturated, but they still pop. The gold contrasts against the blue very nicely. There is a clear separation of dark and light elements. In these kinds of families, kids are often taught to ignore themselves, and their needs are neglected as well. I believe the choice to have the subject in blue against a blue background is representative of this idea.

Jessica Rivera

Jessica Rivera
Michelle Frankfurter "Destino"
January 16, 2014

I selected this image because it reminds me of my parents' migration story, how they were with about another 400 people and only about half of them made it through the trip. In this image Frankfurter captured the migrants hustling to board the cargo train that would bring them closer to their destination. This train is know as "La Bestia," which means The Beast. It is given this name because of how big the train is, and how many people board it. Some unlucky migrants would get caught under the train and be severely injured and ended up staying in migrant shelters, or unfortunately would die. Frankfurter followed these migrants through this journey across many countries like El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. She used her platform to spread the story of what immigrants have to deal with like, gangs, the environment and the law just to make it to the U.S, and that it is a necessity for most to leave their beloved homes.

Eleseia Viverette

Eleseia Viverette
Stacey Tyrell, "Ismay, 44,"
2016

I chose this image because I could really relate to it's message. You shouldn't judge a person you should take the time to observe all aspects of an individual. This image is about how we as a society go no further than skin deep, we don't think about whats on the inside sometimes. This is actually an African American woman; but from first glance we assume it's a Caucasian woman. Sometimes I feel as if I'm being judged by the color of my skin and not as a whole.

Alexis Ramos

Alexis Ramos

Dulce Pinzón, "Catwoman"

2006

The image I chose was Catwoman from Dulce Pinzón's work called "The Real Story of the Superheroes" which shows immigrants who sacrifice their lives for others. She captures hardworking people dressed up in superhero costumes to show that Mexican immigrant workers in New York are heroes who go without being noticed. I selected this image because it reminds me of my grandmother. She was a Mexican immigrant who was a nanny just like the woman in the photograph. She was always sacrificing herself in order to send her family in Mexico money because they desperately relied on her to pay for things back home. Not once have I ever heard her complain about how she struggled to send money and as I get older I strive to be even half as strong as she is. The moment I saw this image I was reminded of my superhero, my grandmother whom I love and appreciate so much.

Dominic Leis

Dominic Leis
Philip-Lorca diCorcia
"Brent Booth; 21 years old; Des Moines, Iowa; $30"
1990–1992 Photographs, Ektacolor print

This image by Philip-Lorca diCorcia was from a series called Hustlers or Hollywood. He traveled to Hollywood and took portraits of transvestite prostitutes around Santa Monica Boulevard. He titles his work with the name, age, and price of his subject. His use of light and shadow adds a sense of loneliness to the overall photograph. The subjects gazed looked makes it seem like they are in deep thought. I like the product placement of the Pepsi that diCorcia uses which makes the entire piece an ad for Pepsi.

Charlie Ehrman

Charlie Ehrman

Bill Baggart "Untitled" 

2001, 35mm film

I chose this photo because it speaks to my upbringings. Here I see a familiar subway station in my home city of New York. A subway station which I myself have hopped on many times with my camera, snapping photo's as I go; of the iconic New York City which I luckily grew up 30 minutes from. However, this is not any normal day in the city; this photo was taken on September 11th, 2001 by a photographer Bill Baggart, who rushed to the scene as the North Tower was hit. What deeply saddens me, is that not too long after this photo, the North Tower collapsed and buried him. His roll of 35mm film was later recovered, and his photos can be found in the Newseum in Washington DC. This photo hits me so deeply because Manhattan is the city which showed me my passion for filmmaking and capturing moments through the medium of a camera. My Dad was only a few buildings down from the world trade center on 9/11 and luckily survived. 9/11 will always have deep roots in my family and friends. 

Leslie Mercado

Leslie Mercado

Robert Berger and Anne Conser, "Auditorium"

1995, print 1997

The image I chose is the Auditorium of the El Capitan Theater in which signifies a moment in time where live theater used to present audiences of all ages a real or imagined performance on stage. Now this 1,500 seat house owned by Walt Disney Company is a movie palace that premieres multiple movies throughout the years. The photograph reminded me of my visit to El Capitan and how mesmerized I was with its design. It also reminded me how looking into a photograph, you can find art within its form, shape, and space. Once inside, you can look around and find sharp, breathtaking details. Looking at the photograph, the light fixtures inside the theater give a soft golden color look onto the ceiling. The architecture of the theater can set anyone into emotional states and mood to enhance it design as art does. Overall, the ambiance of the theater takes you into the heart of Hollywood.

Brenda Juarez

Brenda Juarez

Gregory Crewdson , Untitled "Insect Window" 

1994

The reason I selected this photo is because this how I kind of see the world with my own eyes. Everything is dark and mysterious to me no bright colors around. Not an enthusiastic fan of bright colors. The reason I look at the world like this it's because I don't leave my house that much and I kind of have to blame it on my negativity and fear. The moths for me represents people exploring around while I'm stuck inside the dark room. But in a different point of view this picture it also shows me happiness. I like the way everything is mysterious with the color blue popping out trying to make me figure out what is going on. The photo could mean many different things for me but the main point is to try to escape the house and follow the moths and head to the bright blue light. A big adventure is waiting for me outside in the world.