Somehow I missed this photojournalism controversy last week. Jill Greenberg, aka The Manipulator, was hired by The Atlantic to shoot a portrait of John McCain and she posted photoshopped outtakes (a few shown here) from the shoot on her website (all since removed). The editor of The Atlantic released a condemnation of Greenberg’s actions as well as an apology to the McCain campaign. The whole controversy has spawned some lively discussions (here, here, and here) on photojournalist ethics. Though I find her actions unprofessional and childish, I don’t see why Greenberg can’t publicize her strong political views. Of course, she won’t be working for The Atlantic again, but so what? Maybe she’ll have to give up her title of photojournalist, since she can’t remain impartial. But that’s okay, she’s not documenting reality anyway, she’s an artist illustrator.

Artists can and should take stands; too often they end up only making slick PR advertisements for the subjects they shoot. Even if McCain’s image was made into propaganda, it does not change the fact that he’s a Bush lapdog, a man who has totally lost his principles, and someone we should really fear running this country.

For an interesting read on how a real pro dealt with photographing a subject he considered evil, read this about Arnold Newman posing Alfred Krupp.

Not a stadium crowd, but a fun night at the U.S. Custom House for LMCC’s final reading of our residency. Me, John Talbird, and LuLu LoLo read pieces from work created while in residence. Photos courtesy of Sean Carrol of LMCC.

The first intentional smile is supposed to make its appearance at around 4 weeks. In my book, Max’s expression counts as a subtle smile.

The view of the lights from Flatbush and Bergen, a very similar view I had of the towers when I left for a photoshoot and the first plane had just hit the north tower...

An Araki+Moriyama spread on the sofa...

Ralph Gibson crotch shot...

Screwing around with fingers and lights...

A series of waking photos. A video of his expressions and contortions will be coming shortly.

I’ll be reading fiction with two other fellow residents, LuLu LoLo and John Talbird.

Click to RSVP.