Mark Murrmann

Instagram: @ickibod

Website: http://markmurrmann.com

Bio: Mark Murrmann is Photo Director for Center for Investigative Reporting and Mother Jones magazine, where he oversees and assigns all photography for the magazine and website. He came to Mother Jones in 2007, having previously been a freelance photojournalist, music writer and an editor of iconic punk magazine Maximum Rocknroll. In addition, he teaches photography at City College of San Francisco. Mark remains an active photographer and educator who regularly self-publishes photozines.

Statement: "This piece was made during a press conference on the steps of the San Francisco Chronicle, in which a woman, Deborah Perez, claimed that her father was the Zodiac Killer. Drawing heavy press coverage, the more interesting image seemed to be of the press scrum than of Ms. Perez. This is an example of an image I ask students to make for an assignment called, “From Breaking News to Long Form: Documentary Style Photography.” At this point we have discussed the differences and similarities between photojournalism and documentary work, this assignment is designed to push them to start seeing the difference as they’re making photos. I ask them to contextualize the subject through environmental details, human relationships, and visual cues that provide insight into broader social or cultural themes. The goal is to slow down so they can explore context, atmosphere, and visual layers that help viewers understand the “why” and “what it means” behind an event or scene. "