The Power of Photojournalism

On Sunday, December 4, the history department hosted the third Lyceum of the year in the Seidule History Center.
“The Power of Photojournalism” lyceum program was presented by social studies teacher Heidi Huntley and photography teacher David Douglas. Huntley provided historical context and current information on the topic while Douglas demonstrated and presented different types of cameras.

“Empathy is only fostered when individuals and the public better understand the unique experiences of other people,” said Huntley, who serves as chair of the EHS History Department.

“How do images aid in this understanding? How do photos affect people's understanding and response to events covered in the news? What makes some photos more effective than others? In an era when we are bombarded by images daily, it is important to remember how to truly look and learn from images.”

Douglas enjoyed the opportunity “to explore the camera obscura and the origins of photography through the lens of the photojournalist.”

“The power of the photographic image and how it tells our human story has never been more relevant,” he said. “Coincidentally, 1839, the year EHS was founded, is also the year of the invention of photography. We all walk past the history of photography everyday as we pass through Hoxton House.

"My first assignment is always to have my students stop and really look at the photographs and to think about what they are seeing. I have always found it very intriguing that our history parallels the history of the photograph, and what better place and time could there be to explore this powerful tool than with our students,at this time, at this place!”

The goal of the EHS Lyceum program, currently in its second year, is to provide our community a time and place to learn more about the historical context of topics in the news and a structured forum for discussion to better our understanding.
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