Photojournalists are asked to use more tools than just a camera. Now, video and audio recorders complete today's multimedia journalist. Tangled up in chords and technology, photojournalist Shawn Rocco craved the kind of photography that allowed for personal growth and artistic expression.  So two years ago, he discovered an unconventional, yet commonplace tool that produced an image which alluded more to his artistic vision while retaining his documentary style. That tool is a Motorola E815 cell phone camera.
    Though Shawn’s initial reason to utilize a cell phone camera was to preserve a level of artistic sanity and creative control, while balancing the responsibilities at a daily news organization, it has evolved into a further exploration of documenting society via what is considered a nontraditional popular technology. Yet citizen journalists armed with camera phones that rival Digital SLRs are helping shift the communication paradigm, causing cell phone photos to find increasing cultural importance and potential, much like the Kodak Brownie 100 years ago or the 35mm format.
    In Shawn’s lecture at the B&H Event Space, he will discuss how working with technical parameters can be very liberating, creatively speaking.  It’s not about the equipment; the best camera is the one you have on you.  Shawn will express how important it is not to lose touch of the fundamental basics of photography in the face of technology. He'll also touch upon the practical matter of getting that file stuck inside your cell phone and out into the world, whether it be online, in print, or even on a gallery wall.