Russ Egnor

R u s s E g n o r
By
Captain Joe Mancias, Jr, USNR (Ret),
in memory of
Senior Chief Journalist
Russell D. Egnor
April 16, 1937 - June 1997.

Russ would want me to ask: So what have you done for the Navy today?

It was his hallmark.... However you knew him, you soon learned that he was, in his own way, a living legend - a combat photojournalist,
a leader, a man of vision and humor.... A man of true loyalty to his family, to his friends, to his Navy, and to his opinions. And always an unabashed advocate for Navy Photography and photographers worldwide. If you didn't love the Navy and Navy Photography...then God help you.

After the fact, many a photojournalist learned that Russ entered their work in photo contests; they would win; he would delight in breaking the news and sending them their prize.

Russ was a giver - the kind of man who would purchase an airplane ticket and pay for a hotel room for a Petty Officer whose command could not afford to send him back to the United States so he could receive the Military Photographer of the Year Award or the White
House Press Photographers award. Many a PAO or PH received plaques from Russ...all paid for out of Russ' pocket

Talks with Russ could be stern and heated but underneath it all was the proverbial coach, big brother, dad and Navy Chief.

The consummate Chief – a giver - always looking out for what was best not for himself but for the Sailor - anyone - he was
counseling. And we've ALL been counseled.

In an award he was to receive from the prestigious National Press
Photographers Association, Russ was being recognized for: "Leading the way in military digital imaging with the establishment of a worldwide network of Navy photographers based on ships at sea and naval stations capable of receiving images from major military operations 24 hours a day through a vast computer network for instant release."

"Mr. Egnor was truly one of the great national treasures and mainstays of the United States Navy."

 

 

Ken Hackman

K e n H a c k m a n
By
Master Sgt. Karen Petitt

They call Ken Hackman “The Godfather” of Visual Information. Part of that title comes from his founding of the Air Force photojournalism program in 1971 and shaping it into what it is today. Part of the title comes from his own extensive portfolio of excellence to include covering the Vietnam War, summer Olympic games at Montreal, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta, portraits of Chuck Yeager, official photographs of presidential aircraft and most Air Force inventory aircraft from the past 30 years.

But, most of this enduring title comes from his ability to mentor and shape young photographers, and give them the training and expertise they need to be successful.
His creative approaches, such as a “Gong Show” contest of best photos or a video teleconference to critique others’ work, is matched by his ability to focus on the individual while molding the career field. His love of photography since age 11
eventually propelled the Lancaster, Pa., native into an Air Force photography career at age 17. Assigned toYokota, Japan,he traveled the Far East working for a reconnaissance unit with the Air Photographic and Charting Service.

He got out after his first enlistment, and then worked numerous VI positions as a civil service member until his retirement. He still mentors, coaches, judges, teaches, critiques and advises. He said he’s sending the message that although technology has changed drastically, the need for creative people hasn’t. Now, though, those creative people must know how to market their photos as well. Society has an insatiable appetite for imagery, so it’s not only taking good photos, but also getting those photos to the right people that will make a difference for the future of VI.

And, after all, “father” knows best.

 

 

Chip Maury

Chip Maury

(Inspiration for the Chip Shot Award)

Chip began his photography career in 1956 as a U.S. Navy Photographer's Mate. During his distinguished Navy career, he was a diver and underwater photographer. He served in Underwater Demolition Team Eleven. With the team he served in three combat tours in Vietnam. He was also a Naval parachutist specializing in free-fall photography and made more than 1,500 jumps.

His last assignment before retiring from the Navy was as the Photo Chief at Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo where his staff took first, runner-up and almost one half the individual awards in Military Photographer of the Year competition for three years. Chip retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1975 and worked as a staff photographer with the Associated Press in Boston.

After spending four years with AP he became the Director of Photography for The Providence Journal in Rhode Island. After nearly eight years at the Journal he moved to Indianapolis, IN. There he worked as the Director of Photography at The Indianapolis Star for 15 years.

He has been a visiting professor at Syracuse University and working with the Military Photojournalism Classes for more than 30 years. Chip retired and is now living in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York and continues to be the National Press Photographer's Association liaison to the Department of Defense. Chip continues to inspire and motivate students at the numerous workshops that he mentors at each year to include, the Eddie Adams Workshop, Military Photographers Workshop and the DC Shoot Off. Chip has a saying that he received from one of his mentors when he was in the Navy. “Pass it along as freely as you got it” The time that Chip volunteers here at the workshop his way of giving back and he would like for all of us to take those words to heart and “Pass it along.”

DC Shoot Off Chip Shot Winners: Aaron Ansrov - 2006 Bennie Davis - 2007