documentary photography. refers to photography used to chronicle both significant and historical...
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Documentary Photography
refers to photography used to chronicle both significant and historical events and everyday life.
It is typically covered in professional photojournalism, or real life reportage, but it may also be an amateur, artistic, or academic pursuit.
The photographer attempts to produce truthful, objective, and usually candid photography of a particular subject, most often pictures of people.
Lee Friedlander and Gary Winogrand – “social” landscapes
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
Laying Out Pictures : Choose the best photos based on Technical – not blurred, not over or under-exposed, not backlighted, closed-up, good angle Editorial- has a story in itself; anchored on the theme or issue given
Avoid tomb stoning Observe facing-in rule
Captions For group photos, identify only the important
persons, pinpoint his/ her position. In identifying person in the picture, write his location in relation to the other persons inside a parenthesis.
Match caption with the mood of pictures Caption should supplement the picture not repetition. Don’t begin with “Photo shows….”
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. Timeliness
2. Objectivity
3. Narrative
Photojournalism IS…
…Universal language, understood everywhere
… history. It records events and lasts for a long time.
… job: Professional photographers: sports, modeling, weddings, nature, advertising, news
Modern day documentary/photojournalists
http://www.dewitzphotography.com/photography-product-reviews/top-10-modern-photojournalists-and-documentary-photographers/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/04/the-best-of-photojournalism/