Julio Cortez Photography

Chicago Journal:
The Associated Press
Internship

Day 38 (Wednesday, July 19)

Today my education paid off. During my studies I went to at least two dozen rallies. Immigration, anti-war, parades and cultural rallies. But I never had to make photos for anyone besides the campus newspaper. Today's immigration rally in Chicago was an assignment for The Associated Press. So there was a little pressure.

The pressure, however, was felt only during the cab drive to Union Park. Once I got there I felt at home. I got into photo mode and started to work.

For the first hour I did not shoot a single image. As a matter of fact, the cameras were kept off as I walked up and down the rally course to see if there was anything interesting to shoot. I talked to a lot of people in charge of buildings because I wanted to get access to the roof so I could get a nice photo of the Chicago skyline along w/ the group of thousands of people who were expected to rally.

I didn't have much luck because every person at each building told me they couldn't allow me to go on their roof. I kept on trying and then I walked into the Mexico Consulate. That was the place I least expected to get help from. Sometimes, people at the Mexican Consulate are hard to deal w/. Not today. But I think they were really helpful because I explained to them what I was trying to do. Then again, saying "I am w/ The Associated Press," kind of helps.

Once all my homework was done, I headed back to the park to start shooting photos. I was very surprised to see Dolores Huerta present. She's one of the founding members of the United Farm Workers. She worked side-by-side w/ Cesar E. Chavez. She's an idol of mine.

And since she's my idol, I had to get a shot w/ her. She was very pleased to hear that a little Mexican kid from San Fernando was doing something productive here in Chicago. We talked for a few minutes about the Valley and about Northridge. We also talked about the different times she's seen me at the Cesar E. Chavez march in San Fernando.

Wow!!!! She remembers me!!!! I was so honored.

I was glad to see Dolores Huerta around. But it was weird to see how many people asked who she was. She's not that recognizable in Illinois. In California she's a hero.

There were reports that 100,000 people would show up to the rally. Only about 10,000 people showed up. Still, a large enough number to make the statement.

The march began and I rushed back to the Mexico Consulate. I ran up the stairs and got positioned on the roof to make the photo I was planning on doing.

The Mexico flag on the roof of the building helped set the tone.

I was able to incorporate the downtown buildings in my shot, too.

Funny thing is that if y'all remember, I am kind of afraid of heights. For some reason when I am shooting photos I never seem to be worried about stuff like that. The person worried was my boss when he saw this photo. I must do what it takes to be a little bit different. I don't think I'd fall, but if I did, I did it all for a nice image. Ha!

I rushed down the stairs and continued working. As we headed east on Jackson Street, I saw water and people being reflected on it. So, I shot the photo. Later in the day, I found out that the AP editors in New York had chosen the reflection photo as an AP TOP PIX. This means that of the day's best news photos, mine was one. Woohoo!!!

I tried to get different angles and perspectives of the rally.

The march finished at Grant Park, where more cool photos were made. I was glad to see so many U.S. flags being used in this rally. It proves a point. These people want to be part of the United States.

I guess I shouldn't have worried about the downtown skyline earlier in the day. After all, I shot that at the end of the rally. But then again, I didn't see any other news photographer on any roof during the course of the march. So, I stood out, that's for sure.

Being at the rally was cool. I have been to dozens of these rallies. Doing so as a member of a large news organization doesn't change anything. I am still there to capture moments.

Speaking of moments. I saw a kid being carried from the crowd to the front of the stage. Immediately, I felt like running up to the fence and shoot photos there. But I relaxed and waited at my position. In the end it worked out better. I got a photo of the kid being carried by a police officer while the downtown skyline and the sea of people and flags was in the background. There's a news photographer in the photo. That's the only bad thing I see on this image.

It pays to relax.

Yesterday - Main - Tomorrow