On Tuesday, Patricia McKnight set out to vote in Wisconsin’s election. By the end of the day, a photo the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel intern captured while performing her civic duty had gone viral.
“Perfect picture of our times. THANK YOU for keeping us all informed.”
“Love the photo. I hope it’s nominated for a Pulitzer. You captured the moment perfectly.”
“There is nothing special about a person holding a sign. With photo stories, what is really special is timing and the moment. This is a perfectly timed photo that reflects what is really happening. Well done.”
Georgetown professor Don Moynihan kicked off the praise for McKnight’s work simply: “This feels like an era-defining image.”
McKnight, who graduates next month from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, shared how she captured the moment and what she’s learned about interning during a pandemic in an e-mail interview with the Institute:
When you got the assignment to cover lines at the election, what were your initial thoughts? How did you prepare for the assignment, especially given social distancing guidelines?
McKnight: This wasn’t an assignment at all. I planned to go vote and asked my editor if they’d like an update of the polls. I’ve always been proactive, so any chance I get to tell a story, I ask the editors right away if I can report. I’m always eager to talk to people and take photos; today was just like any other day in my world.
What drew you to this particular subject — the woman carrying the “This is ridiculous” sign?
McKnight: Her sign was obvious that she had something to say. I was walking towards the back of the line and caught a glimpse of the sign. I knew I just had to stop and talk to her … and take a picture, of course.
Did you know this was “the image”? How did it feel to see the response from the community and fellow journalists?
McKnight: I didn’t know that this would be the image. I did what my professors have nailed in my brain: lighting, rule of thirds and space. I knew it was fundamentally correct, but I didn’t know it would get the response it did. I’m ecstatic by the way people are reacting.
What have you learned through your internship experiences, in particular interning during this pandemic?
McKnight: I’ve learned from interning through this pandemic that you have to be flexible — flexible with your time, your work and your mind. I don’t think anyone was expecting this, and I definitely wasn’t expecting my last internship of college to be completely remote. You just have to roll with the punches. For others, I’d say you have to put yourself out there. My editor didn’t ask me to go take photos and interview people at the polling place. I proactively asked if I could. You have to want it, and then do it. Don’t wait for permission; go with your gut.
What is your career goal?
McKnight: I’ll be graduating undergrad next month in May. (Woo!) I plan to keep on telling stories and capturing humanity. I’m not sure if that will be at CNN, NY Times or anywhere else like that. I can only wish and work hard. (BUT I have always wanted to be a travel writer and photographer for National Geographic.)
What advice would you give to other students interning right now?
McKnight: Follow your dreams. I didn’t make it to where I am listening to people who told me “no.” Every “no” is just another opportunity for someone else to tell you “yes.”
How are you practicing self-care?
McKnight: My mom is a nurse out in the frontlines, so she tells me everything to do. I wear masks in public. I wash my hands A LOT. I sanitize my phone every time I get back home. I’ve just been extra cautious.