The End of an Era
Sarah Haslem
The End of an Era Sarah Haslem
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Dedication I am dedicating this book to Fred Pardini. Thank you so much for everything you have done, you are truly an inspiration.
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Acknowledgements Throughout this project, I have received help from so many people. Without my grandparents Adrienne and Steve Horn I would have never known that their friend, Fred Pardini, would be the perfect subject for this project. That being said, I would like to acknowledge the entire Pardini family for interviewing with me various times. I am especially grateful that Bonnie Pardini and Kim Pardini were able to take the time out of their lives to talk all about Fred. Thank you to Don Sanchez for also interviewing with me. Without Freestyle Academy I never would have been able to make this production as detailed as I did. Thank you to Mr. Greco, for pushing me to find a deeper meaning for my work and for assuring this book was filled with my best writing possible. Thank you to Ms. Parkinson for teaching me and giving me the chance to improve my design skills. Thank you to both of my parents for supporting me throughout the entire project. Thank you to everyone who has taken the photos of Fred that are used in this book, I wish that I could cite you all specifically. Finally, thank you to Fred Pardini for allowing me to do this project. I can not thank you enough for all of the time and effort that you have put into this project. Without your amazing life story, I would have had nothing to tell. Thank you so much for everything Fred.
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Preface
Fred Pardini is a retired photojournalist with a story that needs to be told. Pardini allowed me to look into the past at his life and see how he has become the dedicated, loving, and unique man that he is.
Pardini’s Life Timeline
Pardini’s career spanded over many years has committed his life to the photojournalist business. Over the years he covered a large amount of noteworthy events.
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Pardini’s Family A large part of Fred’s success is due to the support of his family and friends. This chapter discusses some of the sacrifices his family has made for his career.
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Becoming a Photojournalist After attending Balboa High school, Pardini experienced a variety of events that lead him to the conclusion that he wanted to become a photographer and photojournalist.
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Introduction
Pardini worked for the SF Examiner, San Francisco Call Bulletin, and KGO Channel 7 over the course of his career. During his career, technology has advanced drastically and the objectivity of news has changed accordingly. All of these pieces of his life are shown through in this book.
Raised With Hardworking Roots
Pardini’s parents are largely responsible for the motivation and success that Fred has. Throughout his teenage years, they were constantly supportive and encouraged Fred to do what he loved. Both of his parents worked hard, and Pardini learned this value of hardwork directly from them.
Getting Into the Business
After enlisting in the Air Force for four years, Pardini found it hard to find a job in the newspaper business. With the help of his family friend Bill Nichols, Fred found a job working at the San Francisco Examiner. This chapter also explains the work that he did in a photography studio to fully understand, practice, and master his craft of photojournalism.
The Transition From Photos to Videos
Similarly to the evolution of technology, transitioning from a medium of still photography to video was a challenge for Fred. While he struggled in the beginning of his career as a news cameraman, Fred began to love his new role in the news business and the medium of news film.
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Technological Revolution
The advancement of technology is one aspect of the business that really affected Pardini’s career. This chapter also discusses how technology has changed the whole business.
Technology Timeline
To clearly illustrate the drastic changes in technology, this timeline shows the differences in cameras that Pardini used during his career.
Fake News
One aspect of the news that is extremely prominent today is fake news. This chapter covers why it started to occur and how fake news was inexistent during Fred’s career.
Pardini Today Now that Pardini is retired, he has lots of time to do a variety of activities that he loves: golfing, eating out, spending time with family, and more. This chapter covers everything he does today.
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Technological Revolution Continued
Since the evolution of technology had such a large impact on Fred’s career and the news business, this chapter continues to cover more about its impacts on Fred. A large part of this chapter is comparing today’s technology with some of the cameras that Pardini has used while working as a newspaper photographer and news cameraman.
Covering the News
When Pardini left the San Francisco Examiner and moved to KGO Channel 7, he faced a few challenges. This chapter explains his transition as well as the different challenges he faced over the course of his career at Channel 7. This chapter also covers the extensive amount of events that Pardini has covered as a news cameraman.
A Man of Style
Pardini is someone who stood out amongst the different cameramen. One of the main reasons why he stood out is because he has impeccable style. Pardini’s style is one of the things that people know and love Fred for. In this chapter some of the outfits that Fred has worn are mentioned, as well as an explanation of how his style has changed overtime.
Fred Pardini Photo Gallery Over the course of his career, Pardini has taken an extensive amount of photographs. Kim Pardini mentioned to me that Fred has never had a gallery showing, so this last part of the book is a gallery of photographs dedicated to his work. Also included in the gallery are some photographs that have been taken of Fred over the course of his career.
Preface When starting this project, I knew Fred and Bonnie Pardini as two individuals who attend my grandparents’ holiday party every year, but did not know them on a personal level. As one of three people under thirty at the holiday party, the Pardinis watched me grow up and I did not even realize they were observing me. When mentioning the documentary project to my grandparents, Adrienne and Stephen Horn, they immediately suggested that I should write about on their friend Fred Pardini. Little did I know, Fred Pardini is much more than a regular guest at the holiday party: he is a man of many stories and many talents. The first time I arrived at the Pardinis household in Alameda, I noticed the brightly colored decorations and the small sign with Pardini on it. As soon as the door opened, I was happily welcomed in by Bonnie and Fred. Even though I had only talked to the two a handful of times over the course of my life, it felt as though I was visiting my grandparents. During my second interview with Fred, he asked me to show him how to send a photograph in an email from his photo library. After quickly showing and explaining to Fred how easy it is to send a photo in an email, Fred was in awe and beyond grateful. He was so overjoyed that he grandfatherly kissed me on the cheek and said “Thank you so much!” in a very exuberant tone. After that day, I continued to notice how much of a gentleman Fred is. He always hugs me hello and goodbye and he always assures I have everything I need. Whenever I am around Fred, I know that he genuinely cares about me and he seems to want to make me feel confident in myself. For my third outing with Fred, we drove to the Alameda Naval Base. After insisting on driving, he started to take photos all around the base. While we enjoyed
our time photographing the Naval Base, I expressed to Freddy how photography is one of my worst art mediums. Being the man that he is, he encouraged me and helped me during the whole photoshoot. As I was photographing him I would occasionally see his lens pointing towards me; yet I thought nothing of it. At the end of the day, I opened my inbox and found an email from Freddy. I opened the email and found a photograph he took of me taking photos, he captioned the photo and said, “Looks pretty professional to me.” If that does not say how encouraging and supportive Fred is then I do not know what will. Over the course of this project, I have gotten to know almost every single part of Fred’s life. I hope that throughout this book, anybody who reads it will get to know Fred as well as I have. For this project, I hoped to obtain as many perspectives as possible by interviewing Fred multiple times, his wife Bonnie Pardini, his daughter Kim Pardini, and his best friend and coworker Don Sanchez, as well as viewing several videos about Fred. During the production of this book, Kim mentioned to me that Fred does not have one place were all of his work has been displaced. With that being said, I have created something tangible to display Fred’s life, but I have created a friendship. I never understood it until I spent time with him, but Fred truly is someone you want to keep talking to and become friends with. Throughout the book I maintained a more personal approach and really wanted the reader to get to know Fred. For this project, I spent a lot of time reworking the chapters and the design. This book has really allowed me to practice and develop my English and Design skills. By the end, I am extremely proud of what the book has become.
Photograph of The Beatles taken by Pardini at the Cow Palace.
A Long Drive The engine revs, a thick cloud of exhaust spits out as the driver shifts gears and the car pulls out. Top down and a glazed, red crimson glare, the cockpit is crafted with metal amenities and a wooden wheel. The man has a pipe in hand and a hat on his head, as the car propels down the road. The driver—a man of many traits—a man of determination but also a man of tenderness, passion, and support. Incomparable to others, a man of skill and precision, filled with joy and the desire to endure time. He is a man of constant motivation and has the aspiration to hit the road and start the adventure—to find the story. All too frequently, we ask ourselves, “If I could go back in time what would I have done differently?” A small group of people live without regrets, yet Fred Pardini is one of these selective few: “I loved it. I loved my profession from day one until I retired after some 40 some [sic] years of shooting. Yeah I never, ever regretted being a photographer.” Pardini has gotten the opportunity to live his life working in a field he loves: photography. During his career he worked at the San Francisco Call Bulletin, San Francisco Examiner and KGO Channel 7. Living his dream, however, did not come easy.
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Pardini’s Life Over The Years
1929
Fred Pardini was born in San Francisco, California. Fred was raised by his two parents Louis and Rose Pardini. The Pardinis lived in the Excelsior District in San Francisco. Once he was a teenager, he attended Balboa High School.
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1947
From1943-1947 Pardini attended Balboa High School in San Francisco, California. Over the course of his time at Balboa, he worked at the Balboa High School Newspaper. His first assignment was to drive to Oakland and photograph Eleanor Roosevelt.
1950
When talking to Air Force recruiters, Pardini discussed his interest in becoming a war photographer for the Air Force. After enlisting he became a radio mechanic. This was extremely hard for Pardini because he never had any experience in this profession. But while he was in the Air Force he started a photography club.
1955
After returning from his four year service in the Air Force, Pardini returned to the photography studio he worked at before he enlisted. Soon after, he started working at the San Francisco Call Bulletin Newspaper Company.
1963
In 1963, Pardini was awarded with the Press Club Award for best still photograph of the year. This award is a true tell of Pardini’s craft. Later in this year, Pardini photographed the last prisoners leaving Alcatraz. These photographs can be found in the photo gallery section of this book.
1965
When the Beatles came to San Francisco to perform, Pardini was one of the few photographers to photograph the event. This event was held at the San Francisco Cow Palace. Pardini remembers watching all of the fans running onto stage as they performed. Back then, the security was minimal and they pulled the girls off the stage.
1966
In 1966, Pardini was offered a job at KGO Channel 7. He was offered a job to be a news cameraman even though he had no experience shooting videos. But because of his extensive experience as a photojournalist, Channel 7 was extremely excited to offer him a job at the news company.
1970
After a few years working at Channel 7, Pardini was promoted for his spectacular work. His new job was “The Chief Cameraman of Film Crews.� Pardini described his new job to be extremely similar to his role as a cameraman before. However, he would order supplies and assure that all of the equipment was working.
1975
In 1975, Pardini was rewarded with an Emmy for cinematography. He won this prestigious award for his sunset videos. His coworker Don Sanchez, described his sunset shots as something that he did on the way to work, and quickly became an incredible video.
1982
In 1982, Pardini retired from the KGO Channel 7. When he retired his coworkers made a video compilation of interviews to talk about how much everyone loves and will miss Fred in the business. His daughter Kim believes that Fred might have stayed in the business longer if there had not been so many changes in the business.
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Raised with Hardworking Roots
As a native San Franciscan, Fred was raised in the Excelsior District
first assignment, “Now this is 1946 maybe...Franklin Delano Roosevelt who
by two supportive and loving parents: his mother, Rose, a housewife, and his
was the president during the war, his wife was speaking in Oakland. My
father, Louis, a machinist for the Southern Pacific. Both of his parents provided
assignment was to go to Oakland and take that photograph which I did. So I
his hardworking roots.
went to Oakland, she was pretty famous, I shot the photograph and got on the
During his teenage years, Fred was interested in art, but had yet to find
Bay Bridge to drive home” (F. Pardini). Not only was this assignment a learning
his true passion. Pardini attended Balboa High School and worked for his
experience but it was a sign that Pardini would begin to love photojournalism.
school newspaper. He described it, “I started writing and I had a camera and
I did some assignments for the paper and I thought you know I really, really,
person to spend time with when he was in high school. “When he was young
enjoy this.” Balboa High School’s newspaper was a time of true realization for
he must have been super fun to [have] been around. He was a bit of a clown,
Pardini; he knew he really liked photography, so he began practicing it through
you know the stories that he would tell us... he loved to dance and loved music.
his school newspaper assignments. His first assignment was to go to Oakland
I can imagine he was probably a hell of a lot of fun” (K. Pardini).
Kim Pardini, Fred’s daughter, suspects that Fred would have been a great
and document Eleanor Roosevelt’s speech after the war. Fred remembers his Louis, Kari, Rose, Kim, Fred, and Bonnie Pardini family photograph.
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Pardini and Betty dressed up at Balboa High School.
“I HOPE YOU FIND SOME STUFF TO DO DURING YOUR RETIREMENT SO WHEN YOU FINALLY GET TO ROCKING CHAIR AGE, YOU CAN REGRET SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DID INSTEAD OF SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DIDN’T.”
Starting a Family
Long before Pardini thrived in the photojournalism business, he met his wife of
has made Bonnie and Fred a thriving couple is the acknowledgement and love
62 years, Bonnie. While Pardini and a couple of his close friends were at The Hoberg’s
they have for each other. Fred remembers all of the sacrifices Bonnie made for
Resort, they ended up talking with Bonnie and one of her friends, Gay. Bonnie recalls
him so he could have a successful career. Pardini mentions, “We worked every
when she first saw Fred, “Not Freddy actually but his buddy was super, super handsome.
holiday and that was tough because Christmas and New Year’s and all of those
So Gay and I go, ‘Wow look at him...’ I liked the other guy but he wasn’t as good looking
kinds of things I had to sort of sit in the back [stay uninvolved] because we would
[as Freddy]. Freddy was very, very good looking, really very [sic] Italian looking guy” (B.
be getting up at 4:00 a.m. to go to work. And so, she sacrificed for all those years”
Pardini). Pardini remembers seeing Bonnie and Gay at the pool and asking them to get
(F. Pardini).
drinks that night. After drinks, Pardini went dancing with Bonnie and got her number.
When Bonnie first came to California she had been working at a dentist’s office—a
Soon after that night, Fred called her, and over time they fell in love.
job that she loved. A couple years after they got married, Bonnie and Fred had two
After Fred and Bonnie got married, they bought a 1955 Chevrolet. Fred
girls: Kari and Kim. Bonnie then became a stay at home mother, giving up her
reminisces about its style, “World War II styles of cars were not not [sic] really
career for Fred without knowing where his career would take him. “No I didn’t
stylish. And so the 1955 Chevrolet came out. It was a very, very stylish looking
know. I didn’t know what where [sic] his job was going to lead” (B. Pardini).
car” (F. Pardini). A couple years into their marriage, Pardini decided he wanted
Without Bonnie’s full commitment to support Pardini’s career, Fred may have
an upgrade from his 1955 Chevrolet--a Triumph TR3 sports car. Immediately after buying their new car, the Pardinis became quickly fond of their red, two
never become the successful photojournalist that he did.
Once their children were born, Fred’s parents also provided support
seater, convertible sports car. To them, the car was more than just a mode
for his career. While Bonnie was with their girls at home she remembers Fred’s
of transportation--it was part of their adventures. Frequently, Bonnie and
parents helping her. She is grateful, “Thank God for his mom and dad because
Fred would drive their Triumph to local gymkhanas. Pardini reminisces
they come and pick me up and the kids [sic] and we’d go over and have dinner
about the races they would participate in: “they would would [sic] make
or something” (B. Pardini). Pardini’s parents were in it for the long run: helping
a little course on the parking lot and we would go and they would
their son and their family during every part of his career. Even today after their
time your driving… I’ve got all kinds of medals upstairs from all of
passing, Fred’s parents remain a memory of sincere encouragement and enduring
the participating that we did” (F. Pardini). To Fred, this car was
love. The life of a photojournalist requires a devoted and understanding support
something he loved and quickly became a part of his life story.
While Pardini’s photography skills were clear, Pardini
team, which Fred undoubtedly had.
Fred’s children grew up with an inspiration of hard work and encouragement
also attributes some of his success and motivation to his
from their father. Just as Pardini’s parents were supportive of him, Fred has been
wife and two children at home. Pardini’s job required him
devoted to his children’s and grandchildren’s aspirations. Pardini recalls telling
to sacrifice normal hours for a more unusual schedule.
them stories about what he did at work or explaining the events that he filmed for
Bonnie remembers, “He would leave at five o’clock in
the TV. He explains, “You know when bad things happened, that I was covering,
the morning and get home about one o’clock [in the
and they might see it on television. I could tell them about what the stories were
afternoon]. Then he’d take a nap. It was different. It
and what was happening and good things that we would see on television. I could
was not a nine to five job” (B. Pardini). Part of what
tell them ‘Yeah I was there, I just covered that today’” (F. Pardini). Pardini’s work
Picture of Bonnie that Fred recently took.
in the news industry gave his daughters a positive outlook on the world and an abundance of stories to listen to. Kim recalls what a typical Pardini family dinner would be like, “He was highly entertaining at the dinner table because of his work. There was never a dinner that we didn’t hear all about the stories he did that day. So it was fun” (K. Pardini). Fred’s job in the news business gave him the chance to keep his girls current on events happening in the world. Even today, watching the news is a big part of Kim’s life. Kim explains, “I remain current you know that has always been important to me. I still watch the news because I grew up watching the news” (K. Pardini). Although Pardini’s job required him to work odd hours, it did not affect the relationship he had with his children and the positive impact he had on their lives. Spending time with his kids was something extremely important to Pardini, and he often reminisces about the activities he did with the girls. “...we did everything. I mean we would go to parks together, we would go to swimming together, we went to sports things together. We were very close...They used to be proud of what I did. And say ‘Oh yeah well my dad did that’” (F. Pardini). Pardini’s role as a father and family man is a memorable part of his life; Pardini visits his daughters and grandchildren as much as he can. Spending time with her father was one of Kim’s favorite parts childhood. She remembers waiting for him to come home from work, and getting to roughhouse with him on the floor, listen to jazz, or go on a long drive with him. Pardini always does everything he can for his daughters; the girls truly recognize that. Kim remembers what they did together, “[Kim and Fred] Skied first and foremost, that was like the major thing… He helped me all the time with school projects, every school project, and homework he was the one to help me out. He would help me write speeches, because I ran for school office… He was a good guy so he was really easy to be around” (K. Pardini). To Kim, Fred was more than just a good father, he was somebody who “colored” her life.
Bonnie, Kim, and Kari horseback riding.
Bonnie, Kim, and Kari horseback riding.
Fred, Kim, and Kari dressed up.
Bonnie, Fred, Kim, and Kari family photograph.
“Oh he was wonderful. He was wonderful. Very good father very yeah. You mean working and being a father you know... Loving, good looking, a good provider.� -Bonnie Pardini [sic]
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Fred, Bonnie, Kim and their grandchildren enjoying each other’s company on Thanksgiving.
“I WOULD SAY HE HAS HAD MAYBE TWO STRUGGLES, AND HE’S COME FOUND
OUT
SMELLING
WHAT
HE
LIKE
LOVES.
A
HOW
ROSE MANY
BOTH
TIMES
PEOPLE
IN
BECAUSE THIS
HE
WORLD
WORK AND LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF GOING TO WORK? AND HE DID.”
Getting Into the Business After graduating from Balboa High School, Pardini attended City College of San Francisco for two years. During his time at the junior college, Pardini majored in Photography. After City College, Pardini worked for a photo studio in San Francisco. At the studio, Pardini photographed babies and weddings. Bonnie recalls the studio work being a hard time for Fred, “…he wasn’t too happy doing that. You know photographing babies all the time… that was really a struggle, getting in, because you had to get into the business” (B. Pardini). While Fred was waiting to find a way into the photojournalist business, the Korean War started, and Pardini’s work at the studio came to an end because he enlisted in the Air Force. When first talking to the Air Force recruiters, he discussed his interest in photography and hopes of becoming a war photographer. However, when he joined, he was assigned to work as a radio mechanic, a field he had no experience with. Disappointed with his job, Pardini attempted to apply for officer candidate school or a photographer position. Pardini remembers this clearly, “…at the time the officer in charge said well after seven or eight months as a radio mechanic and radio mechanic school… If you get assigned into [the] states we’ll see what we can do. If you go overseas forget it. Well I got assigned to overseas” (F. Pardini). This point in Pardini’s life was hard, but he managed to make the most of it. While he was overseas in Japan, he started a photography club. The commander in charge gave him money to purchase darkroom equipment and enlargers, so he could begin teaching his peers about photography. While running the photography club, Pardini realized becoming a photographer was what he was meant to do. He believes that finding the right path for himself was gradual. Pardini looks back on his life, “I mean, I wanted it from high school on, and each year something happened that drove me to get to what I wanted to do” (F. Pardini). Once Pardini finished his four-year service, he came home in 1954, and returned to his old job in the studio shooting pictures of babies and weddings. A vivid memory for Pardini from early in his career was when he made a mistake with the film negatives that he took of a wedding. After photographing the entire wedding on a 4x5 Speed Graphic camera, he went into the dark room and started to develop his photographs. Pardini describes the predicament, “So you have all these thirty or forty negatives that are being developed. When I got them all in the developing solution, I had a ‘brain fart’ and I put the light on, immediately losing all those photographs. So that was a pretty stupid thing” (F. Pardini). This accidental occurrence may have deterred an aspiring photojournalist from continuing in the business, but instead of giving up, Pardini worked hard to fix his mistake. To make up for the lost photographs, Pardini offered to reshoot the couple’s photos, and they happily accepted. Pardini’s job at the studio was a time of learning; it allowed him to practice and master his craft, but Pardini wanted more. 21
Becoming a Photojournalist The San Francisco Examiner – a newspaper company – was where Fred truly started his photojournalist career in 1955. Although he worked for The San Francisco Call Bulletin Newspaper for four years prior, the Examiner was where Fred got deeply involved in photojournalism. Bill Nichols, a family friend who was a chief photographer at the Examiner, told him about a darkroom opening, and got Fred the job. Bill Nichols started off as a friend of Fred’s uncles but quickly grew into more: “He certainly was my mentor, mentor and friend” (F. Pardini). Without Nichols, Pardini may have never found a job in the newspaper business and Pardini will never forget that was how he got his first break. At the Examiner, Pardini worked as a hypo-bender. Being a hypobender meant that Fred would develop film for the Examiner’s photographers and people called him “the inside man.” The word hypo-bender originates from hypo sulphite, a chemical used to develop photos. Fred remembers being, “[the] ]little [sic] man on the totem pole,” but it allowed Pardini to fully understand his craft. Fred became quickly used to his crucial role as a hypo-bender and began to love developing photographs. Nichols knew how badly Pardini wanted to go into the field so he switched roles with Fred every Friday. This one day a week gave Fred an opportunity to practice going to events and completing assignments. Fred witnessed the good and the bad while working as a newspaper photographer. Once Pardini left the dark room and was promoted to chief photographer at The Examiner, he witnessed catastrophic events, but also distinguished celebrations. Some of Fred’s work had emotional effects on him, as seeing catastrophic events first hand would. For example, Fred filmed the story of the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, a large shoot out in Los Angeles, and took photos in the back of an ambulance. All of these events and others left him sad because he experienced heartbreaking events in person, but Pardini’s work never stopped him from enjoying time with his family and taking stunning photographs. Fred’s job at The Examiner enabled him to meet a variety of well-
known individuals. While famous movie actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were shooting a movie in Carmel, Pardini got the chance to spend lunch with them. Pardini reminisces, “the whole thing and [sic] they were marvelous, wonderful people, they were great” (F. Pardini). After photographing president Ronald Reagan, the president sent Pardini a copy of the photograph and signed note sending his best regards. While Richard Nixon was in office, Pardini discussed with Nixon how he and his wife were expecting a baby. Nixon distinctly remembered Pardini and later gave him a signed note wishing Pardini the best of luck for the birth of his child. He also gave Fred the pen he wrote with. In his still photographs, Pardini is remembered for the framing effect that he loved to include in his photos. Among his colleagues, it was an ongoing joke that Fred would carry around a branch with him. Even in his retirement video, a fake flower was framing the video while his colleagues were interviewed about him. It is a part of his photographic style: “It’s always nice to be able to frame it by trees or leaves or flowers or whatever coming from the top of your photograph... I was always kidded [about] that as a movie cameraman, I would carry a branch with me and hold a branch in front of a lens to frame the picture. Now I actually didn’t do it that way...but my colleagues would kid me and say Fred always carries his branch around so that they can frame frame [sic] the photographs” (F. Pardini). This framing technique is something that both Kim and Don Sanchez – Fred’s coworker at KGO and best friend – remembered his pictures for. Sanchez described it, “His pictures always had something unusual in them. He would grab a branch from a tree and just frame it a little bit in the picture so it looked interesting” (Sanchez). Kim remembers how when Freddy taught her about photography, he assured she understood the technique. Kim elaborates on the technique, “...he was famous for his classic ‘Freddy shot.’ The Freddy shot always had something in a corner coming into the framing. I learned that too” (K. Pardini). This signature technique kept Fred’s pictures interesting and unique.
“His stories colored everything in our lives.” -Kim Pardini
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Pardini’s press passes from working at KGO Channel 7.
Pardini filming in 1974 at the Finley Press Corp. Pardini while filming for KGO Channel 7.
The Transition From Photos to Videos Over the course of his career at the Examiner, the four major San Francisco newspaper companies started to merge into one. After working at the San Francisco Call Bulletin and San Francisco Examiner for a total of eleven years – surviving two of the three merges – Pardini was laid off. Luckily, he was able to connect with a San Francisco television news company. As a result of his experience working in the newspaper business, KGO Channel 7 known today as ABC 7 News, hired him as a cameraman. Despite his expertise in still photography, Fred had never filmed a video in his life. This was a new opportunity for Pardini and he was up to the challenge. Transitioning from his newspaper job with a focus on the photograph itself into a job where the reporter was the main focus of the shot was difficult for Fred, but he learned quickly and people immediately became fond of Fred. Sanchez mentions how well-liked Fred was at KGO: “The thing about Fred, everybody wanted to work with him… Women always wanted to work with him, but I wanted to work with him too because he always [sic] he does have that unique eye. You look at his still pictures… there’s something, he just knows how to capture the moment, the intensity, you get an emotional feeling from what he does” (Sanchez). To Don, Fred’s photographs and cameraman footage were always exactly what they needed for the news. In the workplace, Fred was more than just a cameraman, he was always extremely encouraging. Sanchez described Fred, “He’s smart… He is really a confidence booster, if you don’t feel like maybe you are doing things the right way he would say, ‘No you are great, this is good, this is good’” (Sanchez). During his time working at the Examiner, Pardini’s name was always printed underneath the photographs he took. But once he started working in the news business, he found that the credit was given to the reporter. Pardini remembers what it felt like to him, “….my ego was busted… it was a rarity that they would give a compliment to the photographer…You know all artists have their egos” (F. Pardini). Today, looking back on his career, Fred has realized that he spent too much time and energy worrying about whether he got enough credit for his work. After adapting to video at Channel 7, Pardini worked to capture the news in the Bay Area and around California. Since the news channel covered an expansive array of different events, Pardini recorded history for a variety of topics. Being a sports fan, filming at the Super Bowl, the Rose Bowl, the World Series, Giants games, 49er games, and the Olympics were just some of Fred’s favorite events. Don Sanchez remembers when they covered car racing events at Sonoma Raceway: “We would go for a ride around the track… It is a twisting, turning, it’s a road course, I would get in the passenger seat with this professional driver, we would put on helmets, and Fred
would get in the backseat. Except there was no backseat of course because these are race cars. They would somehow try to strap him in and around we would go at 100 mph, taking corners at 85 and that sort of thing. And he is just all over, I would look in the back and he is just all over the place trying to keep his balance… It was fun.” (Sanchez). Other events he covered were the San Francisco 1969 earthquake, the first flight breaking the sound barrier, and the last prisoners leaving Alcatraz. In contrast, after Pardini finished videotaping these momentous events, he came home and spent time with his loving wife and children. In 1972, while working at KGO, Fred became close with one of the reporters Don Sanchez. Sanchez recalls their friendship blossoming almost immediately and meeting Bonnie within the first two weeks of working with him. Pardini recalls when they first met at KGO, “...we enjoyed each other’s company and became very close friends. My wife and Don became very close friends… The three of us have gone all over the world and really have enjoyed each other’s company” (F. Pardini). Ever since 1972, they have been close friends – 46 years of friendship. Today they see each other often: they go out to dinner, take vacations together, and give each other advice during hard times. Don describes their friendship: “We enjoy good food, good wine, good times” (Sanchez). While working at KGO together, Don and Fred became a great team and still are today. Despite the fact that Fred enjoyed being a cameraman for KGO, he missed what he truly loved in his career: still photography. He explained that if he had been offered his job back at the Examiner he would have stayed in the newspaper industry. Bonnie remembers the sacrifice that Fred gave up when he joined the television news business. Bonnie describes it, “He loved being a still photographer the best and I’m sorry he didn’t stay in that profession. I think you know that he really what he really loved [sic]” (K. Pardini). 25
Technological Revolution Fred Pardini got the chance to experience a technological revolution first hand as his career allowed him to progress from a still photographer to hypo-bender, to a cameraman, and to the chief cameraman of film crews. When his job required adjustment to each new medium, Fred’s equipment changed too. Each camera that Pardini worked with varied regarding its physical appearance and its capabilities. Shooting photographs during Fred’s career was much more complicated than focusing on the subject and pressing a button. Pardini started his photojournalism career shooting from a 4x5 Speed Graphic. Pardini elaborates, “…the format of this graphic is 4”x5”. That was the size of the piece of film. And you had a holder and the holder had two pieces of film, one on each side of the holder, and you inserted the holder in the back of the camera. You had to pull out the slide that exposed the film, shoot the film, put the slide back in, take the holder out, reverse it, and do the same thing. So, you get two pictures on one holder” (F. Pardini). Once the 4x5 Speed Graphic became outdated, Pardini started to use a Graflex. After that, Pardini used a Rolleiflex, then Pentax 33mm, then Nikon SP 35mm, and today he shoots with a Nikon DSLR 18mm-260mm and also carries an iPhone with him. The evolution from a Speed Graphic to a DSLR is similar to the development of humans from Australopithecus to Homo Sapiens, as both have adapted from their simplistic states and turned into something unthinkable. While Pardini worked at Channel 7 he used a 16mm Aurokon and then a Frezzolini 16mm to shoot news film. When film cameras became electronic, Pardini used a Sony Betamax with a half inch tape. Today using his Nikon DSLR and his iPhone, Fred records short video clips. The developments from DSLR cameras to smart phones today is the most drastic development for Pardini. In 1955, Pardini was carrying the 4x5 Speed Graphic which weighed about 5.73 pounds, a tripod, and various extra lenses. In 2007, Apple released the first iPhone. The iPhone 1 included a 2MP low resolution back camera. Two mega pixels means that 26
the camera captures images built of two million pixels. Today in 2018, everyone is carrying 6.14 ounces (.38 pounds) in their back pocket, 6% of what Pardini’s original camera weighed. The commonly used iPhone X has a front and back camera with a 12MP wide angle and telephoto camera, which uses twelve million captured pixels to create a photograph. Within eleven years extremely innovative advancements have changed the world of photojournalism and have made photography accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Pardini remembers skiing in Tahoe with a large film camera on his back. Looking back, he is amazed by the intricate and small devices that the world uses today. “I think about when I did all the ski filming at Channel 7. I would go down carrying a huge backpack, the tape recorder, and the huge camera on my shoulder. Now you can take a little Go Pro, you can stick it on your helmet and ski down like you’re going crazy” (F. Pardini). As Fred mentions, the difference between carrying a twenty-pound video camera and a 21st century iPhone in your hand is divergent.
Pardini filming on the top of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Pardini shooting photos at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15th, 2018.
Nikon 35-105mm film camera.
Technological Revolution Continued Kim believes that her father might have stayed in the business longer if the technology had not required such vigorous physical activity. Kim describes it, “Well he struggled when the cameras were really really heavy--the video cameras--you know as he got older it was harder for him physically for him to put that camera on his shoulder” (K. Pardini).
Although photography has become simpler and more accessible, Fred still finds
it hard to leave his DSLR at home and bring only his iPhone. As expected, it is hard for Pardini to easily give up the tool that made him as successful as he was: “I have not reached the point where I leave that [a DSLR camera] at home and just use the iPhone for photographs. But saying that, the iPhones today, especially the new ones, I mean they are just incredible photographic tools. And I think you know more and more people obviously are using those rather than cameras” (F. Pardini). Fred likes to think that the business has lost its unique group of photographers and has turned into a skill anyone can master with a smartphone.
While Pardini continues to adapt to changes in technology, some other successful
photographers represent the middle ground between Fred’s early line of work and the advanced technology that everyone uses today. For instance, Lynsey Addario became a professional photographer in 1996, with her first assignment at the Buenos Aires Herald in Argentina. The end of the exclusivity in photojournalism is represented by her early work using film cameras. As she continued to progress in her career, she became reliant on DSLR cameras and some use of photo editing software. Before the iPhone existed, photojournalists needed to have access to multiple cameras, multiple lenses, a tripod and more. When Addario started her photojournalist career, she purchased $10,000 worth of equipment. Addario explains, “Photography required thousands of dollars in initial investment to amass the proper equipment: two professional camera bodies, then $1,500 each (it was pre digital); fast professional lenses with an aperture of 2.8, which ran from $300 to $2,500; a long zoom lens, about $2,000; a flash, $200; and a Domke camera bag, $100” (Addario 32). Today, aspiring photojournalists can pay $999 for a new phone with an astounding camera. Anyone has the potential to take a breathtaking photograph with an iPhone. Before the iPhone, Pardini and Addario needed to manually make adjustments and carry all of their equipment on their backs. Advancements within the last fifty years have opened up the world of photojournalism to anyone who desires to pursue it.
Fred and others skiing at Alphine Meadows.
The Evolution of Technology
30
1947 Speed Graphic 4x5
1951 Rolleiex
1952 Pentax
1957 Nikon SP 35mm
The 4x5 Speed Graphic was the first camera that Pardini used in the newspaper business. Pardini explained how heavy the camera was and how much work it was to take multiple photos. In the Technological Revolution Chapter, there is a comparison between the 4x5 Speed Graphic and the iPhone X. The 4x5 measurement in the title of the camera is the size of the film that was used in this camera.
The Rolleiflex camera was the second camera that Fred used while working in the newspaper business. This camera was an upgrade from the 4x5 Speed Graphic Camera, but it still was more complicated than the automatic focusing cameras that many photojournalists use today.
After the Korean War, the Pentax cameras became extremely popular and a wide range of different Pentax cameras were produced. One of the new aspects of this camera that had never been used before was that the camera the capabilities to measure the amounts of exposure outside of the lens. This was incredibly innovative for cameras at the time.
The Nikon SP was considered to be the camera with one of the best range finders of its time. As Nikon started to make changes into the Nikon SP, they created the Nikon F. However, Pardini only used the Nikon SP with a 35mm lens while he worked at the San Francisco Examiner newspaper company.
1959 Nikon Film Camera 35-105mm
1971 Frezzolini 16mm
2012 Nikon DSLR 18mm260mm
2017 Apple iPhone X
Pardini used the Nikon Film Camera with a 35-105mm when he worked at the San Francisco Examiner Newspaper company. This was the last camera that Pardini used before he transitioned into the television news business. Pardini mentioned that his Nikon Film Camera was one of his favorite cameras because he really enjoyed its format.
The Frezzolini 16mm is a film camera that Pardini used while working at KGO Channel 7. Pardini frequently used this camera when skiing in Tahoe and filming other events for the news company. This film camera is quite heavy and Pardini kept it on his shoulder while he worked. His daughter Kim believes that he would have stayed in the business longer if the cameras were not as heavy as they became.
Nikon DSLRs today create photos from 24.2 MP. Not only does the Nikon DSLR, have the power to create high-quality photographs, the camera can also be used to record 1080p HD videos. While using the camera, the photographer can also use a large variety of effects to change the looks of the photographs. Pardini uses this camera on vacations and for taking photos during his daily life.
The iPhone X is the newest iPhone released by Apple Inc. This new smartphone has an impeccable camera. The iPhone X has dual 12 MP cameras built into the phone. This camera quality is outstanding and is drastically higher than the quality of many of the cameras that Pardini used throughout the course of his career. The iPhone X also has a telphoto lens. 31
Covering the News As a result of this technological revolution, Fred has witnessed a
editing software such as Adobe
dramatic change in photojournalism today. When Pardini was working,
Photoshop
photojournalists at large events were scarce. Even during the last Beatles
Lightroom. Both of these
concert, only a small group of photographers recorded the event, including
high priced commodities
Pardini. Today, anyone with a smartphone can be a photojournalist. Fred
allow photographers to
describes, “It also takes somewhat of the joy out of it… You look at a major
edit their photos by using
event that’s taking place right [sic]. So you have your photojournalists
warp
which today everyone is a photojournalist, there are eight thousand hands
removal tools, filters,
up in the air holding a phone shooting the same things that we used to do”
and so much more. The
(F. Pardini). Over the years, Pardini has observed that photojournalism has
main problem is that all
lost its exclusivity.
of these edited photographs
Another aspect of the business that changed has been how much
tools,
and
Adobe
blemish
do not accurately depict the
access the photojournalists were given. When Fred first began his career, it
events. The use of manipulated
was just him and few others covering the stories. As technology advanced
content is drastically different from the
and the immediacy of the news changed, the access photojournalists
objective, unedited photographs that Pardini shot. During Pardini’s time it was
were given decreased substantially. Kim reminisces about the changes
about taking the best photograph possible at the event, rather than finding the
in the photojournalist business, “He was in the heyday you know when
best ways to edit it.
photojournalists were highly respected and allowed access. Of course today
Fred is not the only one who has noticed distinct changes in the
he wouldn’t have access. He would go to a scene of a crime, and he would
industry, a group of elite photo editors met for a meeting in Detroit to discuss
film you know the dead body, there is no way that that [sic] would happen
the problems in the industry. Steve Dozier in Enough With Technology
today. So I think he saw that evolving to a point where he wasn’t able to do
discusses the importance of changing the business back to how it used to be.
some of the things that he had done in the past” (K. Pardini).
Dozier explains, “Photo editors need to reassert the importance of content.”
Photojournalism has not only lost its close knit
The group discovered that electronic editing has become their excuse for poor
feeling and accessibility to stories, but it has
research and development. Editing has also caused many photojournalists to
lost its natural unedited feeling.
lose their true values of photography. Larry Armstrong, the Los Angeles Times
The industry has become
director of photography said “We’ve got to remind everyone that it’s about the
dependent
on
photo
photography and photojournalism” (Dozier 9). In order for changes to be made in photojournalism, photographers need to see why objectivity worked so well back in the 19th century. Fred Pardini is an award-winning photographer who worked from the 1940s until
the 2000s, who is an inspiration for unbiased and natural images. Pardini has advice for aspiring photojournalists: “…I mean be true to yourself that was very important. And you did not politicize what you were doing, you enjoyed it. You tried to capture exactly what was going on because it was through your eyes that you’re representing and trying to present so that people would be able to see these photographs later” (F. Pardini). Today’s photojournalist industry could learn a lot from Pardini and his values to keep his photographs objective. Kim describes Fred, “ He’s predominately very liberal, very, very accepting of all people, very accepting of different viewpoints, he never opposed [sic] his viewpoints on others” (K. Pardini). It is clear that Fred wanted to tell the story as true to the event as possible and lived his life in the same way. Looking back and analyzing what worked well in the past is a plan of action the group of skilled photojournalists hope to uphold.
Pardini taking photographs.
Pardini shooting at the SF nude swim.
Pardini with the Playboy bunnies.
34
Pardini working in the dark room at the SF Examiner.
Pardini at the Fashion Fair in 1971.
“YOU [FRED] HAVE BEEN GREAT FOR THE CITY, GREAT FOR CREATING PICTURES THAT MEAN SOMETHING TO HUMANITY.”
Fake News Pardini worked for a news company before fake news was a
companies during Fred’s era have changed into companies looking for
constant problem. When Pardini worked at Channel 7, the news was
nothing more than a profit. The news used to be something special
about showing people what was going on in the world; it was about
and important to many, today it is considered to be something much
capturing the event and telling the story. The news industry at the time
less. “‘...there is a revolution going on… We have a chance to blow it
used thorough research to assure their publication was completely
big time… It’s a tough time for all of us right now’” (Dozier 12).
accurate. Over time, the news has developed into a system that
relies heavily on information from other companies and unverified
the use of fake news is something that leaves Fred at a loss for words:
information. Sanchez describes what some news channels are doing
“Oh I think it’s terrible. Fake news, how do I even try to describe
because reporters are given more things to complete and less time
it…” (F. Pardini). Seeing the destruction of truth in the industry is
to do them. “Let’s say he [a reporter on Channel 7] gets an exclusive
upsetting to Fred, “I mean to put out false information on the subject
interview with… and everyone says, ‘We want that interview too’
is obviously totally wrong. I mean we didn’t do it, we couldn’t do it,
and Channel 7 people would say, ‘Okay we will share the story, put it
because we didn’t have the immediacy of the phones and the video
on Channel 2, put it on Channel 4, put it on Channel 11, and 5.’ That
cameras that they have today… All I know is that as a photojournalist,
idea is not a good idea, there has been some talk about that… There’s
covering a story, I wanted to be true to the story. I did not slant my
more to do and less time to do it” (Sanchez).
photographs in a way that would be not true to myself. I would try
Brooke Borel in Last Year There Were 8164 Fake News Stories
to cover an assignment and show it through the eyes—through the
analyzes the problem of fake news and possible solutions for it. Borel
lens of my camera—of what was going on” (F. Pardini). Pardini put
elaborates, “...It’s a weird time for facts. On one hand, despite the
an emphasis on the events in his photographs and never included
hand-wringing truth [sic] over our post-truth world, facts do still
elements that would make take away from the authenticity of his
exist. On the other, it’s getting really hard to dredge them from the
photograph. Sanchez describes how many of his former coworkers
sewers of misinformation, propaganda, and fake news” (Borel 64).
reminisce about the news business in the past. “It was a great time
The abundance of published false information is the result of news
back in the 70s. The stuff that you you [sic] could uncover… Crazy,
companies turning into powerful and profit hungry businesses. The
fun, fascinating times which don’t seem to exist in San Francisco like
news industry has become reliant on bending the rules, reshaping
that anymore. Times have changed… It was a great time to work in
the facts, and pushing to receive more views to create a larger
broadcasting. Everybody always says remembers, ‘The days when
profit. The industry is no longer focused on fact-checking; instead
news was fun’” (Sanchez). Fake news has completely altered the news
they are concentrated on breaking the story before any other news
business, and is impacting many Americans. Fake news has become a
organization. News companies need to recognize the strong influence
part of the industry that is in dire need for change.
they have on impressionable Americans. The positive morals of news 36
Even with Pardini’s long term experience as a photojournalist,
Photo taken by Pardini at the Beatles Concert at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
Bonnie and Fred at the 1975 Emmy Awards.
Bonnie and Fred showing off their style.
Fred and Linda Uy in 1979.
Pardini and Barbara Hunter in 1974. 38
“THANK YOU SO MUCH AND THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. YOU GOT CLASS,
I
HAVE
BEEN
WATCHING
YOUR WORK FOR MANY YEARS AND I TRY TO DO IT THE SAME WAY.”
A Man of Style
“WHAT DO
ARE
WITH
GREAT
YOU ALL
CLOTHES
GOING
TO
OF
THOSE
YOU
WEAR?”
“MY ONLY REGRET IS THAT YOU WEREN’T A LITTLE BIT TALLER SO I COULD ASK FOR SOME OF YOUR SWEATERS WEAR
AND
THEM
IN
TIES, YOUR
I
WOULD HONOR.”
Ever since Fred was a teenager, his clothing style became a part of who he is and what people know him for. Over his life Fred is remembered for wearing various stylish outfits: embroidered shirts, bright colors, zoot suits, checkered jackets, pink polo shirts, and more. Fred picked up his style during the 70s and 80s and became something he truly loves. Fred laughs about some of the outfits he wore, “When you look back now at photographs of that era you think, ‘Oh my God did I actually wear that? Did I look like that?’ But everybody did” (F. Pardini). Pardini’s coworkers and family have enjoyed seeing all of the different outfits that he has worn over the years. His style is one of the many things that makes him stand out and really illustrates his fun personality. Kim describes Fred’s zoot suit, “Dress was always super important to him. The zoot suit...You take the pants and you peg them in and they would be kind of baggy and you would get them down here at the waist and you would have a long chain. He would dress like that and people would give him shit all of the time because it was like [sic] in those days super unique fashion.” (K. Pardini). Kim also mentioned how Bonnie would embroider shirts that Fred would wear; she described it as a hippie look. Even Fred’s coworkers witnessed some of his best looks. Sanchez explains, “He has style, not only in the way he shoots pictures but of course the way he dresses and the way he looks. I mean he dressed better than reporters did. Always wore a jacket, sometimes a tie, and cameraman didn’t do that kind of thing… But he did, he was known for that. He still is known for that” (Sanchez). Don claims that Fred always got along with his female coworkers because they all could relate about their style. Two female reporters that Fred worked frequently with were Pia Lindstrom and Linda Yu. Don recalls that both of these women were also known for their beauty and style. “He loved working with the women reporters because they were all stylish” (Sanchez). Pardini’s style was unique and always something that various people in his life looked forward to seeing. Even today, Sanchez jokes about Fred’s impeccable style, “He sets a standard that you want to live up to… Just being classy. I want to dress just like him when I grow up” (Sanchez).
Pardini having a photoshoot at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15th, 2018.
Pardini Today Today, Pardini continues to uphold similar values to live life to the fullest. About twenty years ago, Bonnie and Fred moved out of San Francisco to retire in Alameda. The Pardinis reside in a townhouse in a beautiful and secluded neighborhood. Every week, Fred spends his time golfing, photographing, reading, watching the news and spending time with family and friends. Even though Fred has not worked in the news business for twenty years, Sanchez describes that Bonnie and Fred are creatures of habit: watching Channel 7 News every day. Sanchez believes, “News is still definitely in his blood” (Sanchez). At the age of eighty-nine, Fred is still in outstanding shape; a few days a week Bonnie and Fred walk for a half an hour or more. Whenever they get the chance, Fred and Bonnie spend time at their house in Tahoe. As a dedicated skier, Fred continues to conquer the slopes. A large part of Pardini’s life is food. Growing up in an Italian family, Pardini truly enjoys the food he puts into his mouth. Frequently, Bonnie and Fred ride BART into San Francisco and visit a variety of their favorite restaurants. John’s Grill on Ellis Street is an old school San Francisco restaurant, where the Pardinis love to eat. The Buena Vista Cafe on Hyde Street is one restaurant that Bonnie and Fred have been going to their entire life. Every time they visit what they call the BV, they both enjoy an Irish coffee that the restaurant is famous for. As an Italian man, Fred loves his bolognese pasta. Before their favorite Italian restaurant, Umbria, closed down, the couple enjoyed going there for dinner. Fred continues to maintain his impeccable clothing style. Although Fred’s outfits might not be as unique as his bell bottoms or zoot suit looks, Pardini is always wearing something nicer than everyone else: wearing a shirt and tie on a regular basis. His style continues to be a part of who he is and something that he is constantly thought of for.
Pardini’s match collection.
Starting a New Adventure Fred Pardini’s career was not only a journey through time, but a testament of his true skill of his craft. Every part of his career was filled with hard work, hardship, success, and advancement. Each decision Fred has made throughout his life are choices he does not regret: he loved his job, he loves his family, and he loves his life. Everyone who has gotten a chance to meet Fred loves him too. Each new piece of technology required Pardini to adjust with each new development, while the world also changed around him. Over the last fifty years, photojournalism has changed from something exclusive into a career path accessible to anyone because of the technology we have today. However, Pardini is one man that continues to leave an impact on the world of photojournalism and on the lives of many. Fred’s illustrations of history have the potential to teach photojournalists the true values of objective and unedited photographs and film. Pardini’s story is one that deserves to be told and people deserve to hear it. The wind slows as the car’s rpm flies up, the car pulls off the road. A pipe in hand and a hat still on as the car pulls into the asphalt driveway of 730 Avalon Avenue. A slightly grayed blonde sits quietly in the passenger seat. The sounds of jazz turn into a gentle hum as the pilot gets out of the car. A checkered vest on and the cars keys jingle as they hang slightly out from a pocket, the sound of footsteps approach the door. A soft knock and a dark haired, Italian, young man emerges at the front door. The driver takes off his hat, puts down his pipe, and hands the boy a camera. Without saying a word, the man walks back into his car, pulls out of the driveway, raises the music volume, kisses the woman next to him, and blasts down the road. The driver sets off on his next adventure: to find the next story to share and the next person to inspire.
A Triumph TR6, a similar version of Fred’s Triumph TR3.
“HE
ALWAYS
DRESSED
REALLY
IMPECCABLY,
SO
HIS
SENSE
OF
STYLE WAS JUST YOU KNOW YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT NOTICE HIM.”
Works Cited Addario, Lynsey. It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War. Penguin Books, 2016. Borel, Brooke. “LAST YEAR THERE WERE 8,164 FAKE NEWS STORIES.” Popular Science, Spring 2018, p. 64+. Student Resources In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A530637312/GPS?u=moun43602&sid=GPS&xid=2577cdee. Accessed 24 Mar. 2018. Dantas, Raúl Sá. “Classic cameras.” Graflex Speed Graphic, Classic Cameras, 30 Aug. 2010, camarasclassicas.blogspot.com/2010/08/graflex-speed-graphic.html. Dozier, Steve. “Enough with technology.” Editor & Publisher, 4 Sept. 1993, p. 9+. Student Resources In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/ A14391123/GPS?u=moun43602&sid=GPS&xid=1cf3c71e. Accessed 24 Mar. 2018. Evans, Jonny. “Comparing Apple’s original 2007 iPhone with iPhone X.” Computerworld, Computerworld, 30 Oct. 2017, www.computerworld.com/ar ticle/3235486/mobile-wireless/comparing-apple-s-original-2007-iphone-with-iphone-x.html. “Former ABC7 News Cameraman Remembers Beatles Concert.” ABC 7 News, 14 Aug. 2014, abc7news.com/entertainment/former-abc7-cameraman- remembers-beatles-concert/261131/. “Fred Pardini Retires.” SFBAPPA, 14 Jan. 1995, sfbappa.org/fred-pardini-retires/. Harrington, Jim. “Photographer Remembers When Four Were Fab.” East Bay Times, East Bay Times, 17 Aug. 2016, www.eastbaytimes. com/2007/08/09/photographer-remembers-when-four-were-fab/. “IPhone X.” Apple, www.apple.com/iphone-x/. Pardini, Fred. Personal Interview. 19 March 2018. ---. Personal Interview. 11 February 2018. Pardini, Bonnie. Personal Interview. 11 February 2018. Pardini, Kim. Personal Interview. 15 April 2018. Sanchez, Don. Personal Interview. 18 April 2018. Wilken, Earl. “A digital camera for everyone.” Graphic Arts Monthly, Aug. 1994, p. 73. Student Resources In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/ doc/A15681299/GPS?u=moun43602&sid=GPS&xid=6aec0b65. Accessed 24 Mar. 2018. Wing, Kevin. “Pardini, Fred.” National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, emmysf.tv/circles/silver-circle-members-n-z/pardini-fred/. Wing, Kevin. “FRED PARDINI, SILVER CIRCLE CLASS OF 1997.” The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, emmysf. tv/membership-2/november-2017-off-camera/fred-pardini-silver-circle-class-of-1997/
All quotes on pages 17, 22, 37, 41, 42, 48 are said by unknown. Archival photos are attributed by a variety of coworkers, family members, and others. Check out my documentary website by scanning the QR code to the right. 47
Photo of San Francisco, California taken by Fred Pardini.
Fred Pardini Photo Gallery
1960
Fred riding a skateboard while working at the Examiner.
50
Over Various Years
Reporter John O’reilly, Willie Mays, and Fred Pardini in Phoenix 1972.
Weibel News Photography Contest.
Photograph of Ronald Reagan taken by Pardini with a signed thank you from Reagan.
Richard Nixon giving Pardini a signed note and pen in 1959.
51
1966
52
53
1963 Guard working as the last prisoners leave Alcatraz.
54
Last prisoners leaving Alcatraz.
Alcatraz watch tower and San Francisco skyline.
55
1964 The Beatles Concert at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
56
The Beatles getting off an airplane at San Francisco International Airport.
57
2010
Bodie, California.
Bodie, an abandoned gold mining town in California.
58
Abandoned classroom in Bodie, California.
Old bottles left in Bodie, California.
59
2017
Photos of church statues in Paris.
60
A street alleyway in Italy.
61
2018
Pardini shooting photos at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15, 2018.
62
Pardini shooting photos at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15, 2018.
63
2018
Pardini shooting photos at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15, 2018.
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Pardini shooting photos at the Alameda Naval Base on April 15, 2018.
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Fred
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Don
Don and Fred at the Sonoma Raceway y in 1981.
Don, Bonnie and Fred out to dinner.
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Pardini filming while at KGO Channel 7.
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Sports
Pardini at AT&T Park in 1972.
Pardini at the Giants Open in 1977. 70
Pardini and Bill Nichols.
Pardini and his mentor Bill Nichols.
Pardini being knocked over at 49er game. 71
TR3
Newer version of Fred’s TR3.
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Newer version of Fred’s TR3.
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Photograph of Sarah Haslem taken by Fred Pardini at the Alameda Naval Base.
About the Author Sarah Haslem is a junior at Mountain View High School and Freestyle Academy. At Mountain View High School, Sarah spends her time volunteering for the sports medicine trainer, volunteering for National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Key Club. When she is not studying for her classes at MVHS and Freestyle, Sarah spends her time on a variety of academic classes that she takes at Foothill College and De Anza College. After academics, Sarah can be found life guarding, coaching swimming and volleyball, as a fitness desk receptionist, baby-sitting, camp counseling, volunteering, or graphic designing for small companies and non profits. With the little time she has left after school and work, Sarah loves to spend time with friends and family, listen to country music, go on long drives, cook, and bake. In the future, Sarah hopes to attend a four year college or university majoring in International Studies and Culture or International Business and minoring in Graphic Design. After college, Sarah plans on joining the Peace Corps. To look at some of her other Freestyle Academy work, scan the QR Code on the bottom left.
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Fred Bonnie
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The End of an Era
Sarah Haslem