bn23: Joseph Rodriguez - East Side Stories July 4, ‘92 The photo agency asked for more violence in my pictures. Violence sells magazines. One picture ran today in The New York Times: the two and a half year old in the coffin at the funeral. I was really depressed. I can’t understand why one must always show violence or famine to be recognized as an accomplished photojournalist. You’re always questioning yourself. One of the things you realize is that you are always are missing something; you can’y photograph everything. Who am I talking to? It gets hard to gain perspective. Weeks go by and I get these contact sheets (of the previous weeks’ work), and they look like shit to me. I know now that I must go back to continue with the families. Have to get closer.

bn23:

Joseph Rodriguez - East Side Stories

July 4, ‘92

The photo agency asked for more violence in my pictures. Violence sells magazines. One picture ran today in The New York Times: the two and a half year old in the coffin at the funeral. I was really depressed. I can’t understand why one must always show violence or famine to be recognized as an accomplished photojournalist. You’re always questioning yourself. One of the things you realize is that you are always are missing something; you can’y photograph everything. Who am I talking to? It gets hard to gain perspective. Weeks go by and I get these contact sheets (of the previous weeks’ work), and they look like shit to me. I know now that I must go back to continue with the families. Have to get closer.