Photography Exhibition - Contemporary Chinese People's Livelihood

The China Photographers Association is presenting a photo exhibition opening Dec 11 and on view Dec 12-14. Information and press release below-

Event Announcement and Invitation to Interview Visiting Artists and Dignitaries of the China Photographers Association during a special exhibit at Castelli Art Space, 5428 West Washington Blvd, LA 90016

Please join us on Wed. Dec.11, 6-9PM for a special reception highlighting A Photo Exhibit of the China Photographers Association, co-hosted by the Los Angeles Center of Photography.

6:00 check in, 7:00 Ceremony starts – 7-8:00 -Opening Remarks by China Photographers Association & LACP representatives, followed by Official Address by Chinese consulate, and other local and visiting dignitaries. Reception Continues through 9:00. (Refreshments available outdoors throughout the evening.)
Exhibit On view Thurs. – Sat. Dec. 12-14 from 11-6.

The China Photographers Association, established in December 1956, is the first national photographic organization in the history of People's Republic of China. It is a professional association composed of photographers of various ethnic groups nationwide, a group member of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC), and a major force of promoting Chinese photography, as well as establishing the Advanced Cultural Construction of Socialism.

The upcoming exhibit at Castelli Art Space is highly unusual and provocative, as it highlights the incredible societal changes that occurred in China from the mid-70’s to current day. From images that depict young women at the “beauty parlor” experiencing the first “perm” to today’s very contemporary malls, from factory workers to fashion models, to housing and transportation trends, the exhibit is both poignant and dramatic in its’ then-and-now coverage of this powerhouse country. Stunning black and white images of yesteryear appear in bold contrast to brilliant colored scenes of today, making the lifestyle and economic changes even more pronounced. This exhibit features 40 works from 40 artists, one of whom will be visiting for the opening night festivities, along with six visiting dignitaries and board members.

About the China Photographers Association-

China Photographers Association’s mission is to unite professional photographers, casual practitioners and photography lovers from various ethnic groups, provide training, and promote the development and prosperity of Chinese photographers. At present, China Photographers Association (CPA) has 50 group members (photographers associations) in different provinces, cities and autonomous regions, and more than 15,000 individual members. It is the most influential and authoritative photographic organization in China.

CPA’s focus is to connect, coordinate and provide professional guidance to its group members by organizing exhibitions, photographic creations, theoretical researches, academic symposia and forums, assessment, personnel training and external exchanges. The organization coordinates 8 exhibits annually, and has brought 2 exhibits to the US since 2015 with programs such as this one featured in Los Angeles.

The organization manages a number of prestigious photographic programs, such as Golden Statue Award for China Photography, National Photographic Art Exhibition, China International Photographic Art Exhibition, and the China Photographic Art Festival. By promoting all these events and its traditional and modern medias, China Photographers Association pushes forward the academic research and technique communication, the construction of photographic group and the contemporary photography of China. For more information please visit http://www.cpanet.org.cn or contact May Lin at may.lin@mesnew.net

Ernie Chacon 1930-2019

From GIOVANNA CHACON:

Ernie Chacon was born Ernest Richard Theodore Chacon in Los Angeles, California on September 4, 1930 to Fern Ellen Baker Chacon and Ernest Chacon. He died on November 27, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona.
Ernie had a full, creative and extraordinary time on this plane. He lived in North Hollywood through his school years. He graduated North Hollywood High where he played the equivalent of tight end on the Varsity Football team. He was proud to have played “both ways”. He was also on the Varsity team at what is now LA Valley College. He loved football and was an avid fan. He was also a keen student of the sport until the kneeling shenanigans in pro-football made him turn his back. A uncompromising man of his word, he never watched another pro game after that.

He was married young and a father at 21. He had 2 sons and 2 daughters. With a family to provide for, he left Valley College to work in air freight and other fields-- sometime holding down 3 jobs at once to support his family.

In 1963 a friend help him break into union work in the entertainment business and he began taking daily calls through the IATSE sound local. His ambition in high school where he reported on sports for the school paper had been to work as a newspaper journalist. He was thrilled to be hired onto the staff of NBC News in Burbank in 1964. He worked as a soundman for the network and then for the local station from 1964 to 1975. In 1976 he joined the Burbank EJ (electronic journalism) staff as a camera man. The very first story he shot for the station won a Local Emmy for the editor. He would recount that when the editor accepted the award she thanked everyone in the building but him!

Ernie left NBC News in the summer of 1989. He was going to work on a six months off – six months on plan when he left, but accepted a buyout in January of 1990. By then he was hard at work building a house in Philo, California --the heart of the North Coast wine country. The home he built -- almost single-handedly -- was based on the design of a 16th century Japanese Farm House. The finished project was stunning example of his artistic soul.

Ernie road dirt bike desert enduros on a Greeves bike and commuted to NBC Burbank from Glendale on a street Harley. He and Giovanna made a cross country motorcycle trip from LA to New Jersey in 1980 on a Honda Goldwing to move Giovanna’s parents to California.

Ernie and Giovanna were avid campers and had been RV and motorcycle camping in every state but Hawaii. They loved bird watching and hiking and Ernie loved his pets – especially a succession of dogs. There wasn’t a toddler or dog or cat who didn’t like Ernie at first sight.

A voracious reader he was an omnivore and never forgot what he read. He loved opera and all classical music – particularly Wagner’s Ring Cycle. In 2008, Ernie and Giovanna sold their home in Philo to move to Tucson, AZ.

He had a sly wit and was a great raconteur. He always found a ready audience for his tales of “being there” --up close and personal -- at momentous times with some of the most noteworthy personalities of the second half of the 20th century. In his eighties, as a legacy for his family, he began writing these experiences down. The family plans to these pieces as a book in the near future.

Ernie is not a man you’d soon forget if you ever had the pleasure of meeting him. In the words of his son, Michael: “The only way you get to live a life like that, is if you chase it!” The chase is done now. Ernie. It’s time to rest in peace in the presence of your Lord and Savior.

Ernie is survived by his second wife, Giovanna M Nigro Chacon, son, Michael E Chacon of Boise, ID and daughter, Lisa Seberger of Las Vegas, NV, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; a sister, Cathryn Valenzuela, of Napa, California 3 nieces, and 5 great grand nephews. A son, Stephen and a daughter, Natalie, predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, Ernie would have liked donations in his name to St Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tn.

Photo Membership Card

An optional enhanced ID will be available starting Jan 2, 2020 for professional members only at a $10 fee.

Orders will be open Jan 2 and end Feb 2. Expect a two week turnaround for your card. We are doing just one print run a year to keep costs at $10.

All orders contingent on confirmation of professional membership.

Members will be able to order the card starting Jan 2 at www.ppagla.org/photo-id

Final design subject to change

Photojournalist Avi Adelman to Recieve Settlement of $345,000 After Unlawful Arrest “For Taking Pictures” in Dallas, TX

On February 9, 2016, Stephanie Branch of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) arrested photojournalist Avi S. Adelman on unlawful charges while he was photographing the Dallas Fire/Rescue paramedics treating a K2 overdose victim. The event took place at the Rosa Parks Plaza in the West End Transit Center.

Now, more than three years later, Adelman is finally receiving a long-awaited settlement on his case of $345,000 to be paid within the next ten days. This is a big win for photographers who advocate for the right to photograph in public places, regardless of law enforcement in the area.
- https://www.slrlounge.com/photojournalist-avi-adelman-recieves-settlement-unawful-arrest/

Come Saturday, October 26th for our Ethics in Photojournalism panel

WHAT: PPAGLA will be presenting a panel discussion regarding Ethics in photojournalism as part of the NABJLA Media Summit and Career Fair.

WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 2019 during the hours of 10:30-11:30 A.M.

WHERE: USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
3502 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0281

You must RSVP if you plan on attending.
RSVP Here - https://forms.gle/1hV3F9gKKcJH7X5m9

Space is limited. Please do not sign up if you do not plan on attending.

Panel Content:
Join members of the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles for a discussion about how to get the shot, while keeping within today’s ethical guidelines. Is it ever ok to set up a shot? If so, when? What makes an image fair to the subject? Is digital manipulation ok? What are the boundaries of what is “ok” and what isn’t? Is it “ok” at all? Understanding the difference between photojournalism and advertising / PR photography is also important - and knowing how to keep those lines from becoming blurred. Bring your questions and be ready for a good conversation with the pros!

PPAGLA Members Speaking at JACC at Cal State Fullerton Oct 19, 2019

PPAGLA members Hector Batista and Davis Barber will be speaking at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges SoCal Conference on Saturday, Oct 19, 2019 at Cal State Fullerton.

Members interested in going can RSVP for one or both talks here. https://forms.gle/d1VHPrNUtwDj4TKK6

Why Good Storytelling Matters

With the advent of the internet and social media everyone is competing for your attention. Be it on social media, television or even at the gas pump, storytelling is constantly around you. Today we’ll look at how this skill transcends careers in the digital age and why compelling storytelling matters now more than ever.

Presented by Hector Batista, Video Producer – Wells Fargo
Hector is a Video Producer currently working for Wells Fargo. His career started over 20 years ago working in the advertising production space in New York City. After advertising, Hector worked in film production with an emphasis in the camera department. His next job is where he was bitten with the journalism bug working for New York City’s CSPAN equivalent. For the next 15 years he worked for most of the major television news organizations including ABC, NBC, CBS and Telemundo. Moving west seven years ago to Los Angeles, he has worked for Univision, Fusion and ABC News. He is a fan of beautifully designed things, especially architecture and furniture.

Saturday October 19, 2019 3:30pm - 04:30pm
Cal State Fullerton Titan Student Union
800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831

Who are you working for? Earning what your photojournalism is worth.

The workshop will cover the importance of shooting photos that make a difference, why copyright is still king, and how to step up from the bad offers of "You're just a student, think of the exposure you'll get!"

Davis Barber used to tell people he was born in Saudi Arabia to a family who bred camels in captivity. In reality, his first daylight came in sunny California where he got over the hump of childhood and became a newspaper photographer. He served time as a photo editor at the Daily Breeze in Torrance, Ca, and the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester, New York.

As a self employed photographer, video producer and publisher, his work has appeared in publications ranging from Life and National Geographic, to shooting weekly Pet of the Week feature at the Carson Animal Shelter.

Davis also teaches the required-for-all digital foundations class in the Communications program at Cal State Fullerton. His mission is to help students launch successful careers without giving up their soul.

Saturday October 19, 2019
11:45am-12:45pm.
Cal State Fullerton Titan Student Union
800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831

California’s new 35-story limit for freelancers

CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 5, in its original language, seemed as though it could end freelance journalism in the state. The bill, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law September 18, codifies and expands on a 2018 California Supreme Court decision that made it harder for companies to classify workers as freelancers rather than employees. As employees, workers are covered by state laws on the minimum wage, worker’s compensation coverage, workplace discrimination and other protections. As freelancers, they are not.
- https://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/california-assembly-bill-5.php

Jack Perkins, NBC newscaster who became host of A&E’s ‘Biography,’ dies at 85

“Jack Perkins, a longtime NBC newscaster who later served as the urbane, deep-voiced host of “Biography” on the A&E cable network, died Aug. 19 at his home on Casey Key, Fla. He was 85.

He had Parkinson’s disease, said a son, Eric Perkins.

Early in his career at NBC, Mr. Perkins was a foreign correspondent in Asia and helped cover many notable stories of the 1960s, including the Cuban missile crisis, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War.

Five years later, as a California correspondent for NBC, Mr. Perkins covered the killing of the president’s brother, Robert F. Kennedy, at a Los Angeles hotel. He went without sleep for almost 36 hours, describing the chaotic events of June 1968, while Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency. Mr. Perkins later obtained a two-hour jailhouse interview with Kennedy’s assailant, Sirhan Sirhan.”

— https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/jack-perkins-nbc-newscaster-who-became-host-of-aandes-biography-dies-at-85/2019/08/20/3260b24e-c359-11e9-9986-1fb3e4397be4_story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/jack-perkins-nbc-newscaster-who-became-host-of-aandes-biography-dies-at-85/2019/08/20/3260b24e-c359-11e9-9986-1fb3e4397be4_story.html

Celebration of life for Victor Anastasia Sr

The celebration of life for long time news videographer Victor Anastasia Sr. will be held at the Earl Burns Miller Garden at Cal State Long Beach On September 15, 2019 at 5:30pm. There is a parking fee, appetizers and beverages will be served.

Earl Warren Dr, Long Beach, CA 90840

Updated with program PDF

To Build 5G-Enabled Tools for Times Photojournalists, We Studied How They Work

“Our mobile system will send high-resolution photos to the newsroom instantaneously, but it needs to fit our photographers’ workflows.

We’ve all felt the frustration of trying to post a photo or video to social media from a crowded event. When thousands of people are sharing the same cell networks, even a photo with a relatively small file size can take a while, or not upload at all.
For New York Times photojournalists who are tasked with transmitting significantly higher resolution photos (with much larger file sizes) on a deadline, slow uploads are not an option.
Seven years ago, The Times developed the ability to live-stream photo thumbnails from the field to our newsroom editors, who could then select which photos they’d like to receive from the photographer’s camera in full. This system is powered by a small computer, a cellular router for internet connectivity and a cellular multiplexer, which can combine the power of multiple internet and cellular data connections to send photos. (You can read more about this system, called the Backpack, in our last post.)
This year, The Times’s 5G Journalism Lab has been exploring how increased speed and bandwidth could unlock new storytelling capabilities for our newsroom. As part of our research, we dug into the workflows and needs of the photojournalists we work with to explore how we might leverage advancements in media transmission technology to make the Backpack an even better tool for our newsroom.”

— https://open.nytimes.com/to-build-5g-enabled-technology-for-times-photojournalists-we-studied-how-they-work-99f7298ca587

https://open.nytimes.com/to-build-5g-enabled-technology-for-times-photojournalists-we-studied-how-they-work-99f7298ca587

Noisy cameras make trouble in NBC debate hall

“Whirr doesn’t mix well with “Medicare-for-all!”

That’s what some photojournalists learned at NBC’s Democratic debate on Wednesday night. As noted previously in this space, this “pool” of mainstream-media shutterbugs — from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, Getty, the New York Times, NBC and the Miami Herald — shot the debate from a perch on the second level of the Knight Concert Hall of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.

However, the photojournalists requested at least momentary access to the side of the debate stage, where they could capture photos of the candidates stacked sideways. NBC agreed to the request, though it spotted a slight problem with the arrangement.”

— https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/06/28/noisy-cameras-make-trouble-nbc-debate-hall/?noredirect=on

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/06/28/noisy-cameras-make-trouble-nbc-debate-hall/?noredirect=on

New York Times Using Blockchain to Tackle Fake News in Photojournalism

“The New York Times is stepping into the blockchain space as it just announced a new project aimed at fighting fake news, leveraging IBM’s blockchain technology. The project will first experiment and tackle the area of photojournalism, because with the highly advanced technology of today, it is extremely easy to manipulate photos.

The new project was initiated by the publisher’s research and development team and is dubbed “The News Provenance Project”. According to the website for the project, the news media may not be directly responsible for creating the problem of fake news but a recent Pew Research Center study suggests that audiences are looking up to them to fix it and help navigate through the confusing landscape of misinformation.”

— https://blockpublisher.com/new-york-times-using-blockchain-to-tackle-photojournalism-in-fake-news/

https://blockpublisher.com/new-york-times-using-blockchain-to-tackle-photojournalism-in-fake-news/

PPAGLA Friends and Family Free Bowl

A chance for our members, friends and families to come together and bowl a few games for FREE! 

Plenty of free parking at Ocean View and Florencita. Be aware that the Farmers Market is happening on Sundays, and Honolulu Ave. is closed. But plenty of free parking can be found south of Honolulu as well. 

Lots of great places to eat within walking distance of Montrose Bowl, but we will have free pizza! The Bowling Alley has a counter where you can order from a limited menu.

Where: Montrose Bowl
2334 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, California 91020

When: Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 3 PM – 6 PM

Register here if you would like to attend - https://forms.gle/nJz1qi86iz2ndwtY8

NYT - We're Helping Times Photojournalists Deliver Images to the World Faster

“When New York Times photographer Doug Mills covered the State of the Union address in February of this year, he took 1,000 photos in under an hour. On the whole, Times photographers will capture anywhere between hundreds and thousands of photos for a given event. Taking tons of photos is part of the job: sometimes photographers need to shoot a lot to get that one perfect image. But once the event is over, getting those photos from the field to The Times newsroom is tedious and time consuming — two things journalists like to avoid during live news situations.
Typically, once a photographer is done shooting, they will go to their laptop and transfer the images from their camera. From there, they’ll select just a handful to crop and tone, add captions and upload the selected photos to the newsroom’s servers. This process takes time, which is a problem for things like sports events or natural disasters that we cover live.
Over the last few years, we’ve experimented with ways that leverage mobile internet technology to transmit our photos and get the story to our readers faster.”

— https://open.nytimes.com/were-helping-times-photojournalists-deliver-images-to-the-world-faster-2d04dea5acd0

Richard Turner 1927-2019

Richard Turner passed away on March 16, 2019, two months shy of his 92nd birthday.

Richard was a member of the PPAGLA for more than four decades. In his early career he worked for AMCE Newspictures, which in 1953 became United Press International. Richard was UPI’s regional photographer covering Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. He also worked at the Oxnard Press-Courier, the Hollywood Citizen News, the Los Angeles Examiner, and the Los Angeles Daily News.

Richard’s career as a public relations specialist, writer, photographer, and educator spanned 55 years.

In his early career, Richard headed the photographic department of a Los Angeles public relations agency. One of his PR projects was the 1971 reconstruction of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu, AZ. Richard left the agency to start his own freelance photography business specializing in PR work, feature and editorial writing, and accompanying photography.

In 1975, Amphoto Publishing published his book “Focus on Sports: Photographing Action.” The book is still available on Amazon today.

Richard wrote over 500 articles on an array of topics including sports photography and travel feature stories.  One highlight of his career was covering the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.  He enjoyed gymnastics and track and field events.

Richard was a contributing columnist for the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Westways Magazine for more than a decade.

He was also a long-time supporter of PPAGLA’s Past Presidents and Retired Members Scholarship Fund. 

Richard’s love of photography led to instructing photojournalism and basic photography at Pierce College, California State University Northridge, and UCLA Extension. He helped launch many of his students in professional careers as photojournalists in the print media field.

Richard was an old school film shooter, retiring in the mid-nineties just as digital was becoming popular.

Richard was born on May 29, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois to Maurice and Rose Turner, and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He went to LACC between 1947-1949 and received his AA in Journalism from LACC in 1949. Richard took classes through UCLA Extension from 1976-1978 to earn credit for his BA in Journalism from I.H. He went to Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles from 1978-1980 and received his BA in 1980

Richard is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters, Janet and Nancy; and son, Michael. He was the grandfather of Laura and Ryan, and great grandfather to Alice and Lucy.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Richard Turner’s name via PayPal to the Richard Turner Student Scholarship Fund at www.ppagla.org/donate, or by mailing a check payable to PPAGLA Richard Turner Scholarship Fund, 861 Brown Drive, Burbank, CA 91504-1838.

NAB 2019

Photo Feature Hunt on May 18 - Cancelled

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the Feature Photo Hunt previously scheduled for Saturday, May 18th has been cancelled.

Please stay tuned for future events.

Thank you

William B. Knight 1931-2019

Bill Knight (right) and Ben Borok, LA Mirror 1952

Bill Knight died on January 17th, 2019, 87 years of age. He had been sick for a long time and was, quite frankly, bored with it all. He had spent a rewarding life as a husband, father, and news photographer of the highest caliber doing what he loved with those who he loved.

Born in Los Angeles on September 3, 1931 to Bert and Viola Knight, Bill grew up as the quintessential Angeleno, graduating from Dorsey High with only one goal in mind to be a press photographer in Los Angeles. His first decade was spent as both an outdoor and general assignment photographer for the Daily Mirror, the afternoon edition of the Los Angeles Times. He then graduated to television news, and after a freelance stint at KCOP, found a permanent home as a news cameraman at KTLA. Over the next 35 years, Bill was definitely Old School. He started his career as a still news photographer and migrated to the new kid in town, TV. Bill made the transition from still to movie film to Electronic News Gathering.

Bill’s career was a mirror of the history of Los Angeles. From the assassination of Robert Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel to the Rodney King Riots and more, he was there. A vigilant witness for the people to the happenings of his city, he often said that the camera was the only honest observer, never lying and always optimistic. He was proud of both his work and his colleagues. His association with the Press Photographers Association of greater Los Angeles (PPAGLA.org) was profound, serving as President three times while spending over 60 years supporting efforts of news photographers in Los Angeles. He was the consummate and concerned professional.

Bill Knight and Ferddie Olmo

He was President in 1971,1990 and 1991. Bill served as Vice President in 1970 and 1976 and as Director from 1977-1982. He spent nearly a dozen years on the Board of Directors in some capacity.

Bill won the annual TV Spot News category so many times that the Association lost count.

When Bill retired he funded the Bill Knight Endowment which funds the Video Spot news category. Bill was part of the effort to move the monthly Board of Directors meeting from the Press Club Bar to a more suitable location. As is turned out alcohol-free meetings actually were more productive. He even hosted meetings at his home with his wife,  Betty providing the meals.

Bill always showed encouragement to the youngsters coming up the ranks. He made friends with still photogs as well as video shooters. Former Los Angeles Times staff photographer Rick Meyer says that “Bill pigeoned-holed me in to running for the Board of Directors and then told me I was to be the Treasurer, even though I was just a year out of college. This was back in 1975 and I’ve been really involved with the organization ever since.” Bill was the cornerstone of the organization.

Retired Fox 11 reporter Tony Valdez says, “Bill Knight taught me most of what I know about being a broadcast journalist.” In the late 1970s, Tony was the reporter assigned to KTLA’s Photo 5, one of only two news crews the station had during that era.  With soundman Bob “Zimmy” Zimmerman, they covered stories all over Southern California.  Bill, with his CP16 camera, loaded with Kodak color film, made every shot count.  Film was too expensive to waste on shots that would never make air.  Back then, most TV news reports were about a minute and thirty seconds long.  Bill never shot more than five minutes on any story.

Wherever they went, Bill had his scanner on, monitoring police and fire frequencies.  His ears were tuned to anything that might turn into a Code 20 event. Code 20 was LAPD’s term for a newsworthy event. 

Tony said “When KTLA decided to let me go, Bill called me that night with condolences, encouragement and advice that I needed to move on. I recall being surprised that Bill, always reserved and much admired, would take the time to help me.” Years later, when I discovered that Bill had endowed a PPAGLA award, I was reminded of what a great man Bill was. I am grateful that he was a part of my life.”

Bill was an exemplary husband and father. Married since 1965 to his partner and soul mate Elizabeth (Betty), they raised two children, Kathyrne and Christopher. Bill had a love of the outdoors and nature that he shared through both his work and in his private life. In his retirement, his great joy and partner in all things silly was his six-year-old granddaughter Lily, the perfect foil for an 80-something who never stopped being a kid at heart. In addition to his other grandchildren Sean and Maegan, Bill is survived by daughter-in-law Susan and son-in-law Don.

His son Christopher Knight said, “He was as honest as the pictures he took and his love and respect for the outdoors is why I’m a naturalist and scientist today. He was a hunter, fisherman, and objective witness to the changes in the ecology of California and I was there to learn from that. It was good stuff. I will miss him surely but he will always be there when I’m in the field, under the water, or being a father. I will definitely see him out there. 

Interment will be private as per Bill’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed care of the William Knight Endowment Fund at the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles. 

Bob Zimmerman and Bill Knight early 1980's

Joe Kennedy

On January 1, 2019, Joe Kennedy passed peacefully in his sleep, one week shy of his 81st birthday.

Joe was a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times for more than 40 years. He was also a PPAGLA member for over 40 years, serving as secretary in 1972. Additionally, Joe was a past president of National Press Photographers Association.

Joe saw it all at the Los Angeles Times. His dispatch call sign was CAR 4 but he preferred his nickname, TUNA. He was responsible for photographing many great events and the notable people throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. He covered the LA Riots, JFK and Bobby Kennedy, a slew of Presidents from Kennedy to Reagan, and Sunday Dodger games—hangin’ with Lasorda, Garvey, Yeager, enjoying Fernando Mania.

The Kennedy home was a museum of daily news events. Every wall had a picture on it…none greater than his picture of Kirk Gibson hitting the World Series game winner for the Dodgers. It was his most famous picture that lives to this day in Dodger History.

His son Greg said, “He was a great dad and lived a great life. He did some amazing things and met some amazing people along the way. My dad always did it his way until the very end, with his dogs right by his side.”

Outside of family and work, Joe had a love for the outdoors. He spent several summers as a Camp Director for the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Oljato and at Camp Radford for the 4H Club. He loved snow skiing at Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear, as well as spending time with his beautiful Aussie dogs.

After retirement, Joe continued to stay busy. He was an usher at the Anaheim Angel’s Stadium where he was assigned to the Diamond Club.

Joe mentored many young photographers, giving them their “early break” just las he was given early in his career. Joe was humble…he never wanted to be the news, he wanted to cover the news. 

He gave out some great nicknames. Lori Shepler became Ms. Clear. Tammy Lechner was Pooh. Tom Kelsey was 10-speed. Reed Saxon was Reedorootor. John Barr was The Candy Man. Marsha Gorman was Mush. Genaro Molina became The Doctor of Light. Rob Gauthier’s handle was Robster, and Jayne Kamin Oncea was Kaminsky.

According to fellow staffer LA Times staffer Rick Meyer, Joe had some quirks. For example, when Joe lived in Whittier, he would paint one-quarter of the exterior of the house every year. That way the house always looked good with a low work load. Joe never met an expense report that he couldn’t massage in his favor. A three-dollar lunch became a $25 meal receipt almost like magic. Joe loved to work the assignment desk on holidays when the pay was double time and a half. He was also a great multitasker running the Boy Scout and 4H camps while on company time. While on the road, Joe knew who to bribe, and for how much. 

With the LA Times radio system, the proper way to end a radio transmission was to say “KRJ233.” Joe always ended the radio calls with “KRUD AM and FM.”

He is survived by his son Greg and dozens of photogs that he worked with over the decades. The following photogs attended Joe’s funeral mass:Wayne Kelly, Jim Caccavo, Larry Gus, Axel Koester, Hyungwon Kang, Rosemary Kaul, Bonnie Burrow, Keith Birmingham, Alex Galardo, Bob Lachman, Mark Boster, Don Kelsen, Raleigh Souther, Scott Harrison, Bob Chamberlin, Iris Schneider, Reed Saxon, Lori Shepler, Mel Melcon, Jayne Kamin Oncea and Rick Meyer. 

Board Elections - Vote now up until Dec 31

Board Elections

Professional members can vote now up until Dec 31 for your 2017 Board of Directors. Ballots are cast online only and will only take a couple of minutes. Click on this link to start the voting process. The election is only open to Professional Members. Associate and student members cannot vote.

Your vote is important to all of us - Please VOTE by December 31st!

https://goo.gl/forms/WJgCTdb9uYK9zwhl2