The Chicago Sun-Times made the news by laying off its entire photography staff last week, leaving 28 people without a job. While we all need to move with the times, the real heart-breaking twist for the photojournalists is that they are to be replaced by reporters who will be taught how to take pictures and videos using iPhones. The story made news around the world, in part perhaps because one of the photographers who lost their jobs was veteran photojournalist - and Pulitzer winner - John H. White, who is featured in this audio: Over the years John White has photographed, among others, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, President Barack Obama, and doubtless thousands of ordinary people around Chicago. [caption id="attachment_15854" align="aligncenter" width="485"] World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali in 1974.
John H. White[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15855" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Vote Registration Drive 1973, for the EPA project DOCUmerica.
John H. White[/caption] "We're part of, and we cover, the heartbeat of humanity," he says. "My life has been dedicated to others, telling others' stories... Ordinary, everyday people, these are the treasures, that's what's important. Everybody's got a story. It's not the breaking news, but it's the everyday human..." White is still positive, and his work and attitude are a great example. He says that he lives by three words: faith, focus, flight. "I'm faithful to my purpose, my mission, my assignment, my work, my dreams. I stay focused on what I'm doing and what's important. And I keep in flight — I spread my wings and do it." I think what makes him such a remarkable photographer is that he truly cares about people. And it shows in his work. Anna PS Also worth a look is this blog by Rob Hart, a fellow Sun-Times photographer of John H. White. It documents his own life after being laid off … all done with his iPhone! http://laidofffromthesuntimes.tumblr.com/