We once had a Photojournalism class at TuHS, but due to budget cuts it was axed. In lieu of the class - we will have a short unit on the fundamentals of photojournalism, and fundamental questions associated with it.
To begin our conversation, here is the
2014 World Press site (CLICK HERE), and the images deemed the best of the preceding year.
What
Makes Photojournalism Photography Compelling?
Photojournalism photography is
a branch of photography wherein images are used to report a story. Photos are
capable of telling the story with using a single or a few images. These are
important whether it is watching a show, news broadcast or reading newspapers
or magazines. They help give viewers or readers a better idea of what is
happening. However, the images used in any instance must be relevant and
consistent to what is being reported.
The
Importance of Photojournalism
Photojournalists are
most especially important in the realm of reporting current events. The best
images captured are able to summarize what is being written in the article. It
supports the statements being made, making the report more effective. This
becomes more and more important, as an increasing number of people do not have
the time to see or read all of the content that's included.
A single photo can
speak louder than several words can. It has the ability to enhance a news
story, making it more understandable to the viewer or reader. In comparison to
written news, photographs are unbiased as it captures what is happening. On the
other hand, words have the ability of carrying the bias of the writer and the
reporter.
A
Photojournalist’s Objective
A photographer’s goal
is to take photographs of a certain event. However, photojournalists do more
than tell a story. With using as few images as possible, they are able to
highlight the most important issues of a news story. The best photojournalists
are able to convey the truth of a news report through a single, powerful
photograph.
The
Dangers of Photojournalism
Compared to
broadcasters and field reporters, photojournalists work behind the camera and
not in front of it. However, this does not diminish the risk that
photojournalists take when covering or documenting important events. They at
times more remembered when documenting the more despicable scenes, such as
starving refugees and children, wars or reporting on the AIDS epidemic. Through
their efforts, viewers become more aware of what is going on around them as well
as half way around the world.
Examples
of Compelling Photojournalism
The field of
photojournalism has always been considered important. Its greatest impact in
society is seen through the documentation of the Second World War. Photos that
were taken from the frontlines of the war were seen and published at home and
around the world, giving readers a better sense of what is occurring on the
other side of the world. During more recent times, the photographs have evolved
to more than telling a story, but also helping the viewer become attached to
the story and the elements captured within.
Impact
on Society
With the development
of more affordable cameras, equipment and the Internet, an increasing number of
people are becoming photojournalists. People are becoming increasingly aware of
their surroundings and capturing what they see. Through the use of DSLR cameras
or even a simple camera phone, bystanders can easily document live events and
upload them online, or send them to their local news channel.
A Question...
And it is important that we consider the discussion of whether or not photojournalism is a thing of the past. Here is a good article posing that question.
CLICK HERE.
Here's what happened in 2013 at the Chicago Sun Times.
CLICK HERE.
Here's the blog chronicling the layoffs.
CLICK HERE.
An article here.
CLICK HERE.
And here is an interesting article of the changing role of the photojournalist.
CLICK HERE.
