Tracy Barbutes
Heidi: Being based near Yosemite National Park for over two decades, how did the Rim Fire change your perspective on today’s wildfires?
Tracy: This was my first intimate experience with wildfire, as a photojournalist and as someone directly impacted by the fire. Our neighborhood was asked to evacuate, but I returned home each night to a smoky home, where I watched from my kitchen window as flames encroached into our community. I observed national and international media materialize into and out of our rural, gateway community, bringing with them certain ideas and prejudices, many of whom had almost no experience in a wildfire landscape. I witnessed fear and uncertainty in the region, especially in the early stages, which brought about a lot of mis- and dis-information. I listened to many Monday morning quarterbacks. With each new large fire, I cringe when I see similar behaviors. Here’s what I learned to be true – the firefighting personnel (firefighters, dozer drivers, sawyers, air attack, water tenders, incident commanders, etc.) – all share the common goal of wanting to protect people and property. All of this informs the work I generate with each new fire. At the time, the fire was the third largest in the state: it burned 400+ square miles. Given what the state has experienced since then, it now seems almost quaint.
How did the Public Information Officers impact your understanding of how to safely document fires?
I owe the Rim Fire PIOs a world of gratitude. I spent many days on the fire line with them, often 1-1, and they gave me the tools to walk confidently, knowledgeably into a wildfire. They also taught me about chain of command, and most importantly, they encouraged me to take the US Forest Service Basic 32 (it’s now called Basic 40). The following spring, I took the course, training with folks who went on to become firefighters. The course gave me an understanding of how fire burns in different conditions, as well as what it’s like to be on the ground as a firefighter. All of it, the PIOs, the courses – informed the work I create and how I create.
Tracy: This was my first intimate experience with wildfire, as a photojournalist and as someone directly impacted by the fire. Our neighborhood was asked to evacuate, but I returned home each night to a smoky home, where I watched from my kitchen window as flames encroached into our community. I observed national and international media materialize into and out of our rural, gateway community, bringing with them certain ideas and prejudices, many of whom had almost no experience in a wildfire landscape. I witnessed fear and uncertainty in the region, especially in the early stages, which brought about a lot of mis- and dis-information. I listened to many Monday morning quarterbacks. With each new large fire, I cringe when I see similar behaviors. Here’s what I learned to be true – the firefighting personnel (firefighters, dozer drivers, sawyers, air attack, water tenders, incident commanders, etc.) – all share the common goal of wanting to protect people and property. All of this informs the work I generate with each new fire. At the time, the fire was the third largest in the state: it burned 400+ square miles. Given what the state has experienced since then, it now seems almost quaint.
How did the Public Information Officers impact your understanding of how to safely document fires?
I owe the Rim Fire PIOs a world of gratitude. I spent many days on the fire line with them, often 1-1, and they gave me the tools to walk confidently, knowledgeably into a wildfire. They also taught me about chain of command, and most importantly, they encouraged me to take the US Forest Service Basic 32 (it’s now called Basic 40). The following spring, I took the course, training with folks who went on to become firefighters. The course gave me an understanding of how fire burns in different conditions, as well as what it’s like to be on the ground as a firefighter. All of it, the PIOs, the courses – informed the work I create and how I create.
In your mind, how has social media impacted the natural wonder of the Firefall, if at all?
Having lived near an entrance to Yosemite for more than two decades, I can say that yes, social media has brought a lot of attention to Firefall. There are now required reservations to enter on weekends during the event, whereas it was a beautiful, quiet, peaceful, reflective, somewhat non-event in the pre-social media obsession days.
Once the American flag unfurled from the top of El Cap, how did the crowd react to the protest during Firefall?
There wasn’t any one big unfurling moment, so there wasn’t a collective gasp or anything from the crowd. There were mixed reactions on the ground as the flag became more visible. I heard a lot of different chatter as I moved around those gathered to watch Firefall:
“Is that a Puerto Rican flag? Do they realize the flag is upside down? Are those trump supporters up there? Oh, I wonder if this is a protest? If this is a protest in support of The Park, then I am all for it. I don’t appreciate it – no hand of man. I don’t think it should be there.”
People mentioned that they would crop the flag out of the photo if it was still there during Firefall.
Did you understand this as a historical moment considering the threats to our public lands and those who care for them?
I didn’t understand the historical magnitude at the time, as I was focused on creating imagery and meeting deadline. With a bit of space between now and then – I absolutely understand how the act, and the imagery, ignited awareness and action. I believe the real discussions, the emotion, the action, the new acts of resistance – began once the San Francisco Chronicle (and eventually others) published photos of the flag in distress.
Did other news agencies inquire about using this photo?
Many. I did license the image to a few other agencies – as time has allowed. I’m a one-person operation, and I have been working out of the area on other assignments since the event.
Have you navigated usage and copyright infringement before?
I have had to go to battle to protect one of my registered copyrighted images. Several years ago, I noticed one of my images on a billboard while driving to an assignment. I knew exactly who I had created the image for, and we had a very clear-cut photo agreement that did not involve using my work for a billboard. My first call was to the National Press Photographers Association’s (NPPA) legal counsel. I am a member, and it is another invaluable organization for photographers. They connected me with a copyright attorney, and I took on the fight with her minimal, and sage, counsel. I couldn’t afford expensive legal bills-hence minimal counsel. It was wickedly stressful and enormously empowering – and I won. Photographers – register your work with the U.S. Copyright office!
How has being part of Women Photograph supported your career thus far?
Women Photograph’s mission is to shift the makeup of the photojournalism community and ensure that the industry’s chief storytellers are as diverse as the communities they hope to represent. The private database includes more than 1,400 independent documentary photographers based in 100+ countries. WP consistently promotes members’ work, directs members to grant and learning opportunities, and it was a lifeline during the pandemic. It’s a safe space for members to ask questions, vent, share knowledge, support and encourage one another. It’s an invaluable organization that has created, and continues to create, opportunities and awareness. If I may say, this is a non-profit organization, please consider a donation.
No comment yet, add your voice below!