Migrant Mother - Photograph by Dorothea Lange
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is the process of story telling using the medium of photography as your main story telling device. While a journalist will use their pen and paper to tell stories, a photojournalist will use their camera to capture the visual representation of a story.
Most of us are familiar with the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Well this is the theory behind photojournalism. News publications are willing to pay top dollar to those photojournalists who can capture the most dramatic images on film or their CCD chip.
Robert Capa is a great example of a photojournalist. He photographed many wars and had the motto “If your pictures aren’t good enough you’re not close enough”. Unfortunately this motto lead to his death as he was fatally injured in the Indochina War.
His work, along with many other photojournalists have educated millions of people on various social injustices that happen around the world. If you are interested in becoming a photojournalist then you might want to consider enrolling in our photography school.
We will teach you all of the important concepts behind photographic composition and both technical and artistic considerations.
If you're wondering what it's like to be a photojournalist here is an article about a week in the life of a photojournalist.
Also check out this discussion of ethics in Photojournalism.
Also check this discussion of the rules of photojournalism.
Photojournalism is really just form of journalism that uses images to tell a story. It is a powerful way to document events and convey information in a way that words alone cannot.
One of the key strengths of photojournalism is its ability to capture raw, unedited moments. This gives photojournalism a sense of authenticity and honesty that is often lacking in other forms of journalism. For example, a photojournalist might capture a protest or demonstration as it is happening, giving viewers a glimpse into the emotions and experiences of those involved.
Another important aspect of photojournalism is its ability to highlight important issues and bring attention to them. By capturing powerful images, photojournalists can help raise awareness and spark conversations about important issues. For example, a photojournalist might document the effects of climate change on a community, bringing attention to the issue and inspiring action.
In addition to its ability to document events and raise awareness, photojournalism is also a great way to learn about different cultures and perspectives. By traveling to different parts of the world and documenting the people and places you encounter, you can gain a better understanding of the world around you.
There are many different areas of photography that are worth exploring, including portrait photography, landscape photography, and wildlife photography. Each of these areas offers its own challenges and rewards, and can be a great way to hone your skills and develop your artistic vision.
In conclusion, photojournalism is a powerful and important form of journalism that allows us to see and understand the world in a new way. It is a challenging and rewarding field, and there are many different areas of photography worth exploring. For more information, check out these resources:
The National Press Photographers Association
The International Center of Photography
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting
These organizations offer information, resources, and opportunities for photographers and photojournalists to learn, grow, and make a difference.
Other Photography Resources