Air Force, military photographers recognized with special exhibit

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DAYTON, Ohio (AFPN) --  Several Air Force photographers recently found themselves in an unfamiliar position: In front of the cameras. The photographers, whose work is featured in a new exhibit,  "On the Other Side of the Lens ... Military Photographers in Action," were special guests at the opening May 1 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

"This is strange," said Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi, one of five Air Force photographers in attendance. "We're usually the ones taking the photos and asking the questions."

The exhibit is now open to the public and features 56 photos displaying the talents of Air Force and joint-operations photojournalists. In addition to the photos, a multimedia presentation and graphic banners accompany the exhibit. More than 30 photographers are represented.

"Our job is to put the face of the Airmen out there," said Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein, one of the photojournalist whose photos are featured in the exhibit. She and Sergeant Varhegyi deployed together to Afghanistan in 2007. One of their objectives while overseas was to show, through photos, that the Air Force was in the fight and contributing to the war on terrorism.

"Of course, access is the key to getting the shot," said Sergeant Varhegyi. "Thinking as a team and working together to get ourselves in a good position is important."

More than one million people visit the Air Force's national museum each year and will have the opportunity to see the work of Airmen by Airmen.

"This is the first time outside of our own community where our folks have been recognized," said Col. Clifton Douglas, the Air Force News Agency commander. "I encourage everyone to come out and see it. It's really great."

"A lot of people do not realize the type of work and sacrifice that go in to getting these photos." Colonel Douglas said. "The difference between a good image and an exceptional image is one that is accurately captioned and archived. Our first course of action is to document." 

The museum stands as a memorial to the legacy and sacrifices of Air Force servicemen and women past, present and future, museum officials said. Their motto is to be the keepers of the stories of those servicemembers.

In the same manner, Colonel Douglas said the men and women who take these photos are the caretakers of our own legacy. 

 "It is important to tell their stories," said photojournalist Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo whose work is also featured in the exhibit.

From Iraq and Afghanistan, to military training exercises on bases throughout the U.S. and in support of missions for events such as Hurricane Katrina, each photo provides a permanent record for senior military leaders and historians, as well as giving the public a glimpse into military life at home and abroad. 

"It's awesome that the museum can showcase our work, especially current operations," said photojournalist Senior Airman Chad Kellum. "Our job is usually behind the scenes." 

That behind-the-scenes attitude is shown in a quote on display at the exhibit. The quote reads in part: "We are the men and women who go through great risks to get the shot. We extraordinary videographers and photojournalists train with the best, operate in the worst and get noticed the least. Our mission is to be there when history happens. Ever notice that photo or video clip in the news, book or documentary? Well, someone had to be there. Someone had to get the shot. Someone had to tell the story. We are that someone," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Ansarov.

For more information, click here to visit the museum's Web site or call (937) 255-3286.
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