كلمة العدد .. بقلم صالح الرفاعي ، مجلة فن التصوير اللبنانية _ ع ٣ .. ١٩٨٣

For the first time in the history of our journalistic work, our point of view, the photographers, is listened to, and importance is given to it, albeit to a certain extent. . . Our point of view, defined as part of a development program for the work of photojournalists in Lebanon, stems from the quest to find a generation of professional photographers who are capable of the correct artistic and technical giving. This is not done, of course, except in consultation and coordination with the owners of the newspapers, who have the power to develop and raise the status of the Lebanese photojournalist, so that this development comes in the interest of the newspaper, and then the journalistic work in general. As for how this is done, this needs a long explanation. However, what concerns us in the first place is what happened in the meeting of the film bearers »with the captain, Mr. Muhammad Al-Baalbaki, in a conversation that has a clear meaning. . . There is clarity in it, which indicates that our pure people feel with us, and try to advance us, regardless of the circumstances and justifications. I do not think that anyone doubts an iota of his integrity and honesty, especially in raw and initial matters.


We hope and hope for the photojournalists in Lebanon from the Press Syndicate, care and concern for the photographer, and upholding his status, especially the living aspect, not to mention the professional organization. For example, but not limited to, every photojournalist carries more than one card in his pocket to be able to carry out his work in the service of the press institution in which he works: - Newspaper card - Syndicate card - Parliament card - Airport entry card - Card to enter the presidential palace campus. Such matters and others, Captain Muhammad Al-Baalbaki promised us to organize them through the conversation that the photojournalists had with him, who this time were asking, inquiring, demanding and wishing, so they returned hoping that the aspirations and promises would be fulfilled at full speed, and we, in turn, hope that we will soon see practical steps towards organizing the photography profession Journalist in Lebanon. The photojournalist, whom Captain Baalbaki described in his speech as a front-line soldier in the battle of journalism, and that the success of the newspaper depends on his success. . This soldier needs real support in order to remain steadfast, and for the position of the people in the back lines to remain solid and strong. Saleh Al-Rifai The importance of this meeting is not a simple matter, as some might imagine. For the first time, we feel, through what was shown and initiated by the President of the Press Syndicate, the seriousness and desire to seek work in order to solve some of the dilemmas of our profession that we have been complaining about for a long time without finding a listening ear - or just to listen.