Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents War Comes to the American People
November 1941
The Photo League project, War Comes To The American People, is off to a good start. The members who were present at the meeting of October 10, participated in the selection of the subject and are familiar with its purpose and aim. The editorial in October Photo Notes introduced it briefly to the rest of the membership. The importance of the project should be recognized by every member of the League, and inspire them to get to work at once and produce pictures that will make up the greatest exhibit that the League has ever had. The project with its unlimited and tremendous range of subject matter will prove invaluable in increasing the recognition of the League. With world conditions as they are, and everyone constantly aware of the effects of war about us, the possibilities for obtaining strong and exciting pictures are great. The strongest pictures we make are those about things which effect us most strongly. War has come to the American people. How thru the medium of the camera can you reflect what is going on today? What is your personal conception of what we are defending? Who are the people who make up a democracy? These questions can lead to unlimited possibilities for pictures today. The emotional reactions of people are heightened in every phase of their lives. The observant photographer will be able to go out and find numerous evidences of the war--the crowds around newsstands anxiously scanning the headlines--war rallies--soldiers and sailors on leave. Many photographers may wish to portray the selectee at home with his family, or being entertained by various organizations. Others will be more interested in workers in defense industries, or the unions within the industries doing militant work for defense. The work of the USO should provide excellent material for photographs. Many groups for Fire wardens, Air raid wardens, Red Cross training, etc. have been formed, and their work can provide a good source for pictures. Educational and religious institutions are actively participating in defense preparations. Anti-Hitler rallies occur regularly with posters, crowds, speakers. This is only a small part of the existing scene today. Everyone should be able to find enough interesting material to make this project a success. The project will continue for three months. Special project meetings are being held once each month devoted to discussion of the project and criticism of prints brought in. At the last two meetings, Arthur Rothstein of the FSA led the discussion and offered suggestions to the membership. Every Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. a Project Clinic will be held for more personal discussions of problems encountered by individuals. It is important that members should bring prints to all meetings. We look forward to the active participation of every member of the League. The importance, and timeliness, of this project, to ourselves, and to others who will see it, cannot be stressed too greatly.
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