Joe and Charles are both widely celebrated photographers that have similarities and differences. The main similarity that they share is that both of them have one piece of work that was dramatically more popular than the rest of their work. For Charles, it was his Bliss photo that Microsoft used for the default wallpaper of Windows XP. For Joe, the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima image was his most-seen image. Experience-wise, Charles wins because he was a reporter for several different newspapers before he was hired by National Geographic. The only experience that Joe had was for the Newspaper Enterprise Association before he was hired by the Associated Press. Both photographers captured their great photos while working for these companies. Joe won the Pulitzer Award for his photo while Charles did not win any awards for his photo, though he did get an undisclosed amount of money from Microsoft for the photo. The timing for taking the photo was completely different between the two photographers. Joe was late to the scene. Luckily, he got a second chance. Charles, on the other hand, was driving down Highway 121 when he saw the grassy hill and pulled over to take the shot that would be recognizable by millions.

I would not necessarily say that either of these photographers inspires me. I just have personal connections to them or their work. What actually inspired me to start photography was my family. I saw family members using small point-and-shoot cameras at family get-togethers when I was younger and always wanted to take photos. Eventually, I did get my own camera in 2010. In 8th grade, I decided to take a photography class that confirmed that I wanted to do photography for a living. Joe Rosenthal’s photo of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima was taken on my birthday. Coincidence? I think not. I found this out in a history textbook in 10th grade and after a quick google search confirmed this fact and I instantly love his photo. His photo of the men raising the flag is such a powerful photo. I also have a strong liking for World War Two Because it involves Europe and Europe is a pretty cool place. Charles O’Rear was born on my brother’s birthday which makes him special to me. his photo being the default wallpaper of Windows XP is the main reason why he inspires me. Back before I remember I was introduced to computers by my dad. My dad had an old Windows XP machine and I used to see this wallpaper all the time. Now looking back Windows XP has become very nostalgic to me. My dad is also the person who got me into computers.