Old News Assignment

On October 1, 2012 , I had the pleasure of attending the opening of photographer Jeff Sprang's exhibit titled "Old News". This collection was

on display in the OSU-Mansfield Pearl Conard Art Gallery.The photographs

were framed black and white silver gelatin prints that Mr. Sprang shot from

1970-1997 while employed with the Mansfield News Journal, The Lantern, 

and the Associated Press.

A few days later during the Artists Lecture, Mr. Sprang described in vivid

detail, some very interesting stories behind each of the 34 pieces. Although

the subjects varied greatly, the photographs all shared a strong ability to

draw the viewer into the scene and visualize the moment in time as if you

were there. This is something I think is a lost art in today's modern world

where newspaper photos are shot much more hastily, with a lot less attention

given to the artistic value.

Although I would have a hard time finding any of the photographs uninteresting,  I must say I was very taken in by #29-Fire in Galion, shot 

March 22, 1986. The photo itself was so visually griping with the smoke

billowing out of the collapsing structure as a fireman races towards the building.

It gave such an immediate sense of urgency to the viewer as if you were wondering how much time is left before it all collapses. I believe this shot captured the perfect moment and what is so amazing is that it was done

with a manual film camera without any light metering used. 

I found this exhibit to be much more interesting than I think one

would imagine at first. It is refreshing to go back and enjoy the feel of ,

in some ways, a simpler time.  It is a great testament to Mr. Sprang that even 

though he has a great eye for the composition as well as a gift for recalling verbally the scenes he has captured, the images themselves can stand alone as

beautiful pieces of art.

This is a photo of Mr. Sprang from the Spring 2012 Quarter.

I had the privilege of his instruction in Black and White Film 

Photography. We had a wonderful time learning from him

the lost art of darkroom film developing and printing!