In the early modern age, photojournalism was a new and exciting way for photography to reach worldwide audiences. Technological innovations and advances in photography and film spurred a change from what had previously been cumbersome, and expensive. This new photographic technology allowed for relatively easy mass-market capabilities. One of the most popular photojournalists to emerge during this time, and one of the most famous women to dominate this field, was Margaret Bourke-White.
Margaret Bourke-White was a woman of many firsts. She was a forerunner in the newly emerging field of photojournalism, and was the first female to be hired as such. She was the first photographer for Fortune magazine, in 1929. In 1930, she was the first Western photographer allowed into the Soviet Union. Henry Luce hired her as the first female photojournalist for Life magazine, soon after its creation in 1935, and one of her photographs adorned its first cover. (http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/bour-mar.htm) In addition to utilizing the technological advances in photography, she was the premiere female industrial photographer, getting her start in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Otis Steel Company around 1927. (http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/bour-mar.htm)
In researching her works, I found one of her pieces particularly striking. Margaret Bourke-White took DC-4 Flying Over NYC in 1939 in New York City, New York. What is notable about the plane in this work is that aviation experts have identified that this specific DC-4 was unique because of the 3-wing tail. (http://www.gallerym.com/work.cfm?ID=99) In working with the advancements in photography, Bourke-White was able to capture a technological advance in aviation.
I find DC-4 Flying Over NYC to be particularly poignant given our nation’s history from 9/11. When taken, this work was nothing more than a purely beautiful view of aviation set in the skies of a budding metropolis. Today, the meaning is different for each of us, as we make connections to our memories, and view it through our own lenses.
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July 8, 2010 at 2:40 am
Jessica
You did an excellent job of tying together technological advances and art. It’s amazing to see this image of the DC-4 flying over NYC because it must have been really hard to capture that moment. I also really like the work of Bourke-White because she was so daring. Here’s an awesome shot of her at work. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R6JL1J_O4rw/SbpPIsPHjnI/AAAAAAAAAYY/7h4Xf9qQ8ac/s400/MargaretBourkeWhite.jpg I wonder if she was setting up for the DC-4 shot in this picture.
July 8, 2010 at 3:26 am
michellefelix
Amazing! I wondered the same thing too when I saw this shot, there are some great ones of her looking totally fearless – I love it!!
July 12, 2010 at 3:23 am
tara
Great job on your post! This was very informative. Yes, Margaret Bourke-White was an amazing photojournalist – I remember learning about a lot of her photographs in one of my American history classes. I really found it interesting that you chose this picture, which I had never seen before, simply because most of her pictures I have seen generally tried to illustrate the poverty of the Great Depression. However, I really like that you chose this, because I agree completely that seeing a huge plane flying so near New York’s buildings is scary to us now. Moreover, I agree with both you and Jessica – this photograph must have been a huge achievement in the art of photography – and its connection to technology (apart from being a technological art in itself) is indeed there and important! Great job, Michelle!
July 12, 2010 at 1:55 pm
adamjohnmiller
Another great post! I greatly enjoyed your choice in artist. I must of skipped over the name because I did not recognize her at first. The capture that the photo holds is extravagent and very appealing to emotions. There is a sense of watching over the crowded streets that brings life to this photograph. Great job noting the important parts of the photograph. You’re detail is easy to understand and appreciate.
July 12, 2010 at 6:03 pm
lbschlutt
Your post was great. Had great information. Great job.
July 13, 2010 at 7:26 am
Nicholas Lynch
I like this post very much. For one thing, photographs were just about the only thing out of the early modern era unit that I enjoyed. I like this photo for the same reasons you mention; the simple, beautiful view of aviation over the city. It seems to show progress and a hope for a bright future.
I was also very interested in the information you provided about the photographer, particularly the bit about being the first western photographer in the Soviet Union. That alone makes me want to look into her work more.
August 13, 2010 at 9:50 pm
meganiumsmummers
It’s amazing how much beauty can come from such pain. I remember learning about Van Gogh’s life in Third Grade and being saddened as well. I really like that you included The Rose painting. It is one of my favorites, yet sees to be one of the lesser know works. I think you did a wonderful job with this blog!