[EV +/-] Exposure Compensation of photography and photographers

© Jon Orlando

Jon Orlando is committed to raise a voice on behalf of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who oppose the wars. His most recent project called  ”Warriors for Peace,” was selected by the non-profit organization The Blue Earth Alliance, an organization that focusses on the promotion of photographic projects that can make a difference in the world.  

I run few questions with Jon so that we can learn more about this interesting project.

How did you come up with the idea for this project? What inspired you to start it?

The project was started on a bit of a whim.  I had ideas of a portrait series I wanted to do focusing on individuals that were creating change in their world.  I had access to a studio one day and was looking for someone to do a portrait of that might fit into that series.  A friend suggested I contact a guy named Jared Hood who was an Iraq war vet opposed to the war.  So I did and I set up the portrait of the soldier in uniform soluting the peace flag.  After talking with Jared more I realized there was a story to be told about a lot more veterans like him.  I also noticed that that image did not necessarily represent Jared and his sentiments.  So I met with him at his home and created the image of him clenching the dog tags with the upside down American flag behind him.  That was how it started.  I did not know where it was going to go or that I would be traveling around the country working on it 2 years later.  From him, I networked to other veterans in Colorado.  After a bit I started to see a pattern that was focused on portraying the emotions behind their transformations.  For the first 2 or 3 portraits that happened almost completely subconsciously.  After a while though, it became the conscious focus of the series. 

As for inspiration- I am amazingly inspired by radical self-transformation.  I personally have gone through a major transformation in myself.  At one point in my life I was highly nationalistic, racist, angry and would have been the first one to sign up for a war of aggression.  So I am inspired by other individuals” transformations, maybe because I know a bit about where they are coming from.  And for this case in particular, I am blown away by the courage of anyone that can stand up in the face of a culture of war and aggression and say no, there must be another way.  That someone that is within the confines of the most powerful military force in the world, and a member of a society that seems all to willing to wage wars of agression, that they could stand up and speak their conscience in the face of all that.  And not only speak their conscience but to first hear their conscience.  To allow themselves to hear their conscience- that is inspiring.  

© Jon Orlando

How did you approach to the first subjects? 

I was somewhat active in the peace movement here in Colorado and a friend of mine that was very active got me in touch with Jared.  I then networked through Jared.  I started going to events and making my presence and curiousity known.  I approached the whole thing more as a friend and supporter than a journalist.  That allowed and has continue to allow me a lot more access than most would be able to get.

Do you get to interview and know about them, the reasons behind the opposition to the war?

Yes certaintly.  Almost every one of them was interviewed ( I have audio from about half that will hopefully become part of the series) or at least I had a conversation or two and got to know them a bit before the image was created.  What I learn about them becomes the basis of the image.  I really want to focus on the emotion behind why they have transformed.  To me that is an integral part of the series.  It is what connects the viewer to the subject and hopefully allows each viewer to see a bit of themselves in the subject.  I also want to say that I have spent alot of time with many of the individuals, often times before I create an image at all.  On the recent 45 day trip I always stayed with the veterans I was working with.  I attended their retreats, their actions, slept on their couches, went out for beers with them etc.  I feel that is what has allowed this series to capture such emotion.  

How do you find your subjects? How open are they to be photographed and shared their story?

I find them through continuous networking and research.  I go to a lot of their events locally and nationally and get to know them. I listen to their stories in person or read about them online. I ask other veterans I have already worked with who might be good.  Sometimes I will be going to another part of the country for another photo job and I will schedule an extra couple days there to try and work on a couple portraits.  If I do not know any veterans in the area, I ask some that I know well from elsewhere to put me in touch.  That is  becoming easier and easier as I meet more and more of them.  It can be dificult though and sometimes you come home empty handed.  Sometimes they are hesitant and usually if they are I just do not work with them.  I show them the work I have done and chat with them about why I am doing it.  If they are not into it, I do not push.  I just have not felt a need to push at all.  When at all possible I try to get another veteran to ask.  In terms of sharing their stories- Usually the more trust you gain, and the more time you spend with them, the more they are willing to open up.  But some just do not want to open up to anyone, even to their close friends and loved ones, and I respect that.  Some find it healing to open up so they are willing to share a lot.  

© Jon Orlando

What do you like to achieve with this work? What is the impact you try to achieve? How do you think this work could make a difference?

Here is a quote from the essay I submitted to the Blue Earth Alliance ( which I was recently accepted by). I think this answers this question:

“We as a nation and a people are disconnected from the reality, intimacy, and emotions of war and especially from the soldiers who fight in it.  We see the wars as “over there”, being fought between the “troops” and the “insurgents”, we see the dead and wounded as digits in a body count, and those who resist as defectors or protestors.  In our minds, soldiers become instruments that fight for our freedoms and protections, devoid of emotions or morals that might conflict with the mission, never mind first and last names.  Simply put we forget their humanity.   And in doing so, we make the justifications for war and occupation that much easier to accept.  Through the use of intimate portraits and in depth audio interviews, this project will challenge that perception of the soldier and reintroduce us to them as humans with distinct and varying sets of emotions, morals and beliefs.  Specifically it will look deeply at the emotions and feelings behind their decision to oppose the wars they have been a part of.  Was it anger at a corrupt system, compassion for those whose country and people they found themselves destroying, a sense of betrayal from the government they were fighting for, or sadness over the level of death and destruction they were a part of? I have found that while each veteran may have several stories and reasons why they oppose the war, there is usually one underlying emotion that drives their transformation.  While I aim to document their stories, it is the emotions that will be highlighted in this project as a means for providing a space for the viewers to relate to the veterans on a very personal level.  In creating that space and reintroducing the public to the humanity and emotion of the soldier, this project will challenge the ease with which we accept war.”

 I would add to that that I would hope it encourages people to address the issue of humanity and how they are or are not connected to their own sense of humanity.  The project documents how these veterans are reconnecting with their own sense of humanity- hopefully it will encourage others to do the same in their own lives.

Do you think that anyone will change their perception of the war after learning about this project?

I can not imagine that my work alone will change anyone’’s viewpoints on war but I would like to think it could be a part of changing someones thoughts on war and their ability to connect with their fellow humans.  I know for me, there was not one thing in particular that changed my viewpoints but a continuous collective of discussions, music, events, interactions etc..   I see my work as part of that collective.

Do you intend to publish a book? Exhibit in galleries?

Yes I am working towards a book.  I am hoping to have about 45 images and stories for a book.  As for galleries, I have shown the work in some smaller galleries here in Colorado but I am working towards showing in larger galleries throughout the country.  Something we have done at the showings so far, is to have veterans that are part of the series come and address those in attendance at the openings.  It is amazingly powerfull and gets people to really stop and think.  I just did an opening about 2 weeks ago and I am still hearing from people that were moved by the whole event.  I also include write ups on their stories in the show that really help to get people to connect with the individuals.  I am hoping in the future to be able to edit some of the audio and have that as part of the exhibits as well. 

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Congratulations for taking the challenge of this interesting project. My best wishes to you and the project Jon.

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