A room usually filled with photojournalism students working on deadline, the McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies was transformed April 7 for the opening of “A Life in Photojournalism” exhibit.
MU alumni, along with current MU faculty and students, viewed and discussed the life-work of well-respected photojournalist Angus “Mac” McDougall along with three displays from photographers Alan Berner, Kim Komenich and Rita Reed.
These three photographers were all invited to add their work to the Missouri Photojournalism Archive. Works added to the archive are assessed based on their historical significance and relevance to issues in photojournalism as well as society.
Angus was head of the photojournalism department at MU from 1972 to 1982. Before his death in August 2009 and his wife Betty McDougall’s death in February 2009, the McDougalls made an endowment to the photojournalism department that established the McDougall Center.
David Rees, current head of the photojournalism department, said it was exciting to see a lot of work, planning, thought and fundraising come together at the gathering.
“I think people (at the gathering) feel really connected to each other through their passion for photojournalism,” Rees said. “This gathering gave like-minded people the chance to get to know each other and share ideas, which is really rewarding.”
The exhibit highlights the three main stages of Angus’s career: photographer, photo editor and educator. Specifically, showcasing his development as a photojournalist through his work for the Milwaukee Journal and International Harvester. Pieces included are “Picturing the World at International Harvester,” “The Tommy Cook Story” and “Socializing and Social Issues.” The digital McDougall Archive is available for viewing at the exhibit.
Past MU alumni, came from all over the country for the opening of the exhibit. Pat Davison, who now teaches photojournalism at the University of North Carolina, said the gathering for the exhibit was really special, especially for past MU grads.
“This is where it all started,” Davison said. “It’s a special feeling being back here, seeing work from legends, seeing old friends, it’s like you’re part of a family. We’re all connected here.”
Also, present at the gathering was Bonnie Latimer, Angus and Betty’s daughter, who traveled from South Elton, Ill. along with Angus Craig McDougall who traveled from Louisville.
Latimer said it was exciting to see some of her father’s photographs that she remembered him taking when she was a child. She pointed out the “Socializing and Social Issues,” which included photographs McDougall took of his wife and friends playing a frequent party game, called nickel off nose.
Randy Olson, freelance photographer for National Geographic, said seeing Angus’s work was an emotional moment as well.
“Seeing Angus on the walls is sad actually because he was such a good friend,” Olson said. “Mac and Betty were our best friends here. Seeing him talk is a little tough.”
Angus’s work displayed in the gallery showcases his innate ability to creatively evoke raw emotion from his photographs. Olson referred to Angus as a legend.
“(This exhibit) is my folk’s legacy,” Latimer said. “To see all this work in one place is really exciting. Photojournalism was their life.”