Watch what you say

Freedom of Speech
Originally uploaded by Anthony L. Solis.

OK, this is unusual for me. I've never really taken a "concept" portrait before. I was home alone, playing with my softbox and trying to figure out its properties when I decided I wanted to try a photo that was something other than me just looking into the camera. I started looking around the house for props and found a roll of police tape that belongs to my roommate (don't ask).

I wrapped the tape around my mouth and snapped two frames. That's when the political statement hit me.

I've been in the newspaper business for about 13 years now and lately, this is what I feel is happening to us. We are being silenced. Veteran reporters are being laid off to save a buck, readers cry "BIAS" when a story doesn't say what they want it to say and more and more emphasis is being placed on the online product even though newspaper haven't figured out how to make money online yet. I think a lot of newspaper people feel like this; be careful what you say or write or you could be the next to go.

OK, so there's my little rant for the day. Do any of you have other thoughts on this photo (all 3 of you that read this)?