Are photojournalists a vital part of society… Why or Why not?

Photojournalism: Telling the Visual

Story

Definition Journalism in which a story is presented

through photographs.

What is photojournalism, anyway?

It includes composing photographs to catch viewer’s attention and have meaning.

Also includes writing captions.

Photojournalist • An individual who uses the images taken with a

camera to tell a story.

• A person who takes pictures is a photographer.

• There is a difference

Role of a Photojournalist Be a storyteller Take photos that reflect life not art or a

product (v. art/commercial photographers) Work with editors, writers and designers to

complete assignments

Pros of being a Photojournalist Travel Meeting interesting people Access to places most people don’t have Share work with large audience Fluid work schedule

Cons of being a Photojournalist Unusual hours (holidays, nights and weekends) Short notice for assignments Working under deadline pressure Physical danger (floods, fires, accidents) See tragedy regularly Lots of equipment Low pay to start

Purposes of Photojournalism

1. To “sell” Photos are the most viewed part of a

publication and help readers connect visually to information.

2. Provide Impact A picture really is worth a thousand words Photos help convey emotion

3. Serve “watchdog” role of journalism Photojournalism helps readers know about

atrocities Keeps big business/government in check

4. View of the World Photojournalism provides the average

person with a view of the world. It takes them places they cannot go or do

not have access to.

5. History Photojournalism provides a historical record

of places, people and events. Examples: opening of a new school,

presidential elections, etc.

Five ways a photojournalist accomplishes storytelling

1. Research 5 W’s and H Photo assignment slips - talk with

writer/editor and those involved

2. Be Prepared Equipment - how much, which pieces

(lenses, light, card size, etc.)

3. People Person Make subjects feel comfortable Spend at least 15 minutes with subject Be seen with camera Be comfortable talking to new people

4. Assertive Get close to subjects

5. Gather Caption Info 5 W’s and H Carry notebook

Photograph From Greek

Photo = light, Graph = to draw

Photography = To draw with light

Photograph Light drawing or light writing was not

discovered at once or by a single person. People had always looked for a way to get

pictures without the long and tedious work of an artist.

Goal of Photojournalism Selecting story telling

photographs that can convey the fullest, most accurate sense of the situation photographed

Goal of Photojournalism Engage the heart and

mind of a viewer with a compelling version of truth that results from bearing witness or a situation or event.

Age of the Visual Journalist Visually intense society raised on millions

of pictures. Average of 5000 images a day in a variety

of forms. Role of the photographer and writer are

changing.

Photojournalism• Photojournalism is distinguished from other

branches of photography by the qualities of:

1. Timeliness2. Objectivity

3. Narrative

Photojournalism IS…

…Universal language, understood everywhere

… history. It records events and lasts for a long time.

… science: It involves chemistry, math, physics

… fun: hobby, amusement, time with friends

… job: Professional photographers: sports, modeling, weddings, nature, advertising, news