As we were preparing this issue’s biennial coverage on photojournalism, Hurricane Katrina was, unfortunately, right on cue, providing one of the biggest stories for photo coverage since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
One of our features already in progress was to profile three of the leading independent photo news agencies in the business — Polaris Images, World Picture News and ZUMA Press — and concentrate on the most notable news stories since our last photojournalism issue. Their cooperation was key to making this story possible.
When Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast and left New Orleans underwater, that cooperation extended to helping us present our four-page pictorial of the biggest natural disaster in American history. We reviewed more than 4,000 images on short notice to select the final 20, which is one of the most powerful collections of images of the event that you’ll find anywhere. We could not have accomplished this without their assistance and professionalism, and are extremely grateful to them. My special thanks go to J.P. Pappis of Polaris, Seamus Conlan of World Picture News and Scott Mc Kiernan of ZUMA Press.
Katrina and the Southeast Asian Tsunami at the end of last year are, by far, two of the most terrible natural disasters I can remember. Having occurred within just nine months of each other, they provide two humbling reminders of the fragility of life and the vulnerability of our security and comfort. They prove that our circumstances can change dramatically in an instant and illustrate why we should live life to the fullest every day while we have the chance, and not take things for granted.
Sadly, these stories will fade from the headlines in short order, as all stories typically do, but the plight of the survivors will live on for many years. Photojournalism provides a graphic reminder of the intensity of historical events and keeps them fresh in the public’s consciousness. By publishing these images a month after the fact, we hope to keep you thinking about the importance of such events well into the future.
Also in this issue, we profile three photographers — George Steinmetz, Adriel Heisey and Lindsay Hebberd — who have taken to the skies in unconventional aircraft for unique aerial perspectives. Their stories and photos will intrigue you.
We also are pleased to report that PhotoMedia recently was honored with our third consecutive Apex Grand Award (our fourth in six years) for the overall publication (Fall 2004), as well as an Award of Excellence for the profile on Greg Gorman, written by my editor, Randy Woods’ (Spring 2004).
As always, please let our advertisers know that you noticed their ads in PhotoMedia. Their support is critical to our continuity and being able to bring you in-depth coverage of the world of photography for free. In this struggling economy, our advertisers need to know, more than ever, that their advertising dollars are being well spent. We welcome your opinions on our coverage and encourage you to share PhotoMedia with others who love photography.
Happy holidays ahead!
Sincerely,
Gary Halpern, Publisher
