Sun-Times Selling Photos From Fired Photographers

By Lisa White in News on Oct 15, 2013 10:25PM

Sun-Times Photo Ad Via Jim Romenesko

Ever wanted to own a beautiful piece of photography that is slightly marred by one of the most depressing mass corporate layoffs in recent Chicago history? Now is your lucky chance. Jim Romenesko pointed out an ad in the Sun-Times today that advertises readers are now able to purchase the “striking, one-of-a-kind photos from the Sun-Times archive.” Photos from the photography staff that was let go en masse in May. Photos that we are willing to bet will make money for the Sun-Times, but the photographers they let go will never see a cent. Talk about a depressing smack in the face.

Romenesko reached out to former Sun-Times photographer Rob Hart for comment and his response was more than a bit heartbreaking.

“I doubt any of my awesome photos are in there, I don’t care to look, and if they are and someone loves it enough to pay for it and display on their fridge than that’s pretty great.” He continued on, stating that “waking up everyday knowing people value your work is the best part of not working for that paper. It’s been almost 5 months since I’ve had to say “I’m sorry we’re doing the best with what we have,” everyday. So thanks Michael Ferro!”

The jab at his former boss is well deserved after the recent comments Ferro made about the photographers in an interview with Chicago Magazine. Ferro stated that he thought the photographers should have been let go sooner and compared them to carriage drivers who “can’t have your buggy whip and hit your horse anymore.” If you are about to try and capitalize off the wonderful artistic products of the staff you fired less than 6 months ago, you might want to keep your mouth shut about it.

Romenesko also has comments from the Chicago Newspaper Guild who are continuing their pursuit of legal action regarding the firing of the photojournalist from the Sun-Times. Head over to his site to check out more.

[h/t Samantha]