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.