When you first enter the Pulitzer Prize Photograph exhibit at the Newseum, there is a quote on the wall from Eddie Adams, a Pulitzer-Prize winning photojournalist that states, "If it makes you laugh, if it makes you cry, if it rips out your heart, that's a good picture." This idea of gut-wrenching photographs evoking emotions and memories, both happy and sad, are a consistent theme throughout the exhibit. The power of these photographs is that they make the viewer feel such strong raw emotions. Due to this, it feels so simple to connect with both the photograph and the photographer. 

 

When I saw William C. Beall's photo above titled "Faith and Confidence," it stuck out to me. This photo captures the essence of innocence, protection and community. At first glance, we see a smile child standing in the street holding something in his hands and curiously looking up towards the policeman. The policeman, in his professional uniform and all, is bending down to get on a closer level with the young child and conversing with him. As a young child, I remember always being excited to see a police man/woman and knew that they were the good guys, the protectors. They had a positive image of a super hero that would save people if they were in any trouble. As a child you also want to run, play and be free, yet your understanding of rules and safety are limited. The policeman seems to be reasoning with the child, assumingly trying to warn the boy to be careful in the street. The policeman's job is to keep the community, and its member’s safe. As an authoritative figure, the policeman holds power, control and wisdom. William Beall was able to capture this moment so beautifully. The focus on the two figures within the surrounding environment effortlessly displays the innocent and naive versus the wise, experience and protective. 

 

According to the Haggin Museum, William C. Beall was assigned to cover the Chinese Merchants Association's parade on September 10, 1957. At the time, Beall was working for the Washington Daily News in Washington, DC. While Beall was watching the parade, he saw the small boy walk into the street as the lion dancers were performing. The child, being attracted to the colors, music and fireworks, was curious and wanted to get a closer look. The young policeman witnessed the same sight as Beall and stepped in to prohibit the young boy from going farther. The policeman then cautioned the young boy and told the boy to go back on the sidewalk away from the busy street. Beall stated, "I suddenly saw the picture, turned and clicked.” The outcome of Beall's sudden inspiration was the magnificent capture of childhood innocence frozen in time[1].

 

William C. Beall has had years of experience in the photojournalism industry. Beall was a Marine combat photographer and had been in taking photos in Iwo Jima at the same time as Joe Rosenthal (another Pulitzer Prize winner). Beall then transitioned to a news photographer in 1957. In Beall’s “Faith and Confidence” photograph, the policeman named Maurice Cullinane, who had just recently joined the police department, was put on duty to watch over the safety of the people. The little boy, Allen Weaver, age two at the time, was excited about the dragon and fireworks on display. Maurice Cullinane stated, “They don’t take a firecracker like we do and take one at time,” remembered Maurice. “They light the main fuse in a pack of them. When they go off, they blow apart, and it’s reasonably dangerous. Anyway, that little guy went out in the street. . . . I just leaned over and talked to him. I didn’t want to scare him. I didn’t want him to get closer to the firecrackers[2].” Allen Weaver had been told that, “As a policeman came, [Weaver] leaned up and asked [Maurice Cullinane] if he was a Marine[3].” As Beall witnessed this moment, he snapped his photo at an aperture of f16, at a shutter speed of 1/100th of a second.

 

Ultimately, Beall won the 1958 Pulitzer for photography for his “Faith and Confidence shot. The photo went on to be a symbol of police standards for the D.C. Police Boys Club. Lastly, a sculpture was built in the photos honor outside a courthouse in Jonesboro, Ga.

 

 

 

 

 

[1] "The Haggin Museum - Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs - Selected Photos." The Haggin Museum - Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs - Selected Photos. Bank of Stockton, & The Record, 19 June 2005. Web. 16 June 2014.

 

[2] Kelly, John. "Meet the People behind a Famous D.C. Photo." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 22 Sept. 2012. Web. 17 June 2014.

 

[3] ibid,.