Skip to Main Site Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Published on May 02, 2023

Reflections of a Photojournalist

John Shishmanian

John Shishmanian (photo by Jack Shishmanian)

John Shishmanian ’77 retired this past November after a 43-year career as a photojournalist for the Norwich Bulletin. Born in Norwich and still living in southeastern Connecticut, Shishmanian said his job was “challenging, informational, exciting and, most of all, just a lot of fun.” 

“One of the reasons it was never a boring job is that technology changed dramatically over the decades.” From developing black and white film in a darkroom early on to using digital cameras over the past decade or two, Shishmanian says he has truly enjoyed the benefits of technological advances.

A selection of memorable photos

Salem volunteer firefighters Andy Frausini, in water, and David Musto rescue a deer from thin ice on Jan. 22, 2007, at Gardner Lake in Salem. The deer was pulled to shore and ran off into the woods. Photo by John Shishmanian

During his career, he took photos of seven different U.S. presidents, including George H. W. Bush touring a submarine in Groton. He also took photos of Walter Cronkite, braved the storm to capture the fury of Hurricane Gloria in Norwich in 1985, and covered the fateful launch of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. 

Shishmanian especially appreciated taking photos of a natural birth in the mid-1980s: “I was called at 3:30 a.m. and arrived to get my photos. The paper ran a full page of photos and the parents and grandparents said they were very thankful that I was there. I will always cherish those moments and sharing such an important time in a family’s life.”

A selection of memorable photos

Norwich firefighters battle a massive house fire on Deepwood Drive in Norwich on May 14, 2007. “Even at a distance I could feel the heat from the blaze. I knew the family from taking photos of their children involved in local sports events.” Photo by John Shishmanian

As a student at Eastern in the 1970s, Shishmanian paid his own way and majored in applied social relations, “which helped me greatly in dealing with a variety of people and situations in my newspaper career.” 

Shishmanian was also a champion ping-pong player, making his own paddles and beating most other players who dared to play him. He also worked in a summer counseling program for area children. 

All photos ©John Shishmanian - USA TODAY NETWORK

Written by Ed Osborn

Youvisit Pixel

Eastern's website makes use of cookies to provide social media features, analyze traffic to the site, and to personalize content for visitors.

By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.
View Privacy Notices