Franklin and Rosenthal's photographs define photojournalism

On August 20, 2006, 1945 Pulitzer Prize winner Joe Rosenthal passed away. While a larger body of his photographs are not as visible, his "Iwo Jima Flag Raising" has transcended America's consciousness. The power of the photojournalist in our digital age remains far reaching. When the world first saw Mt. Suribachi in the pages of LIFE magazine, the full frame of the photograph was shaped to fit the pages and format of LIFE. Modern photography collectors are actually able to include the image as it appeared in the forties, in full frame as released by the Associated Press in conjunction with the Pulitzer organization or as re-interpreted by modern photojournalists like Thomas R. Franklin. Franklin's Bergen Record image of "Fire Fighters raising the flag at Ground Zero" has it's roots in Rosenthal's influence. Photo editors decide on content based on how the visual tie-in will relate to the audience. Franklin's photograph pulled in America's past pride, symbolized the grief matched with hope of a country and the free world, and as a photograph continues to resonate and invoke emotions.

Follow your Heart

Collecting fine art, sculpture or photography is much easier than you think. Allowing your emotional side to guide you to the beauty of collecting is a key to the joy of collecting. First time collectors question how to justify a decision without traveling "the world" to make sure that 'this' work is the right one. Ironically, as you become more tuned into your emotions, you will realize that 'this' work is the right one for today. Tomorrow you will add another work, which will complement your developing collection. What about the pricing of a work? Do you allocate a certain amount of dollars per quarter or per year towards collecting or are you spontaneous with your decisions. Probably a little of both will do you the best. Being rigid in collecting only hinders your creative side. Let the historical significance of the work or the sheer beauty of the photograph drive your decision. Engage yourself in collecting.

September 11 and Joe Rosenthal

With the 5th anniversary of "9.11 upon us, how ironic is the fact that the photographer of Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima just passed away at the age of 93. Because of instant awareness, 9.11 is ever embedded into our psychic. Times were different sixty-one years ago. It took days and days for the citizens of the United States to learn of the victory on this barren island. For those marines who were there that day, Joe Rosenthal's epic photograph brought home the moment the flag waved over the island of Suribachi as the United States declared victory over their enemies in the Pacific Corridor of WWII. Today, we relive the moment 9.11 occurred. Where we were. Who we were with. The photograph, "Flag Raising at Ground Zero", is remains available for your collection . Likewise, "Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal is a photograph which has stood the test of time.

Charles Dwyer, Jr. Releases New Works

Captivating female forms with autobiographical elements or hidden elements distinguish the work of Charles Dwyer, Jr. from other contemporary figurative painters. Now, he has just released several elegant pigment prints derived from his larger original works. Truly unique, each pigment print is overpainted in mixed media pastels and collage. Each image is limited to 24 variations on archival watercolor paper and is signed by the artist. What a joy it is to own a work by this artist. The beauty, the elegance, and the determination of his forms come through with his strong yet gentle strokes of natural talent as he weaves a personal history into each work.