What is Photojournalism? And Why Do We Study it?

In order to study photojournalism in-depth, it is important to define what exactly is photojournalism and to analyze why is it essential to understand the history behind photojournalism. In the simplest terms, photojournalism can be defined as the art of utilizing photographs to communicate a message or event to an audience. However, there is much more involved in creating these pieces to which will convey this overall message or will assist in making the photograph appeal to the audience. Professor Nordell discusses the concept of photojournalism on a fundamental level in his video, What is Photojournalism? when saying, “divide the word into two words: photo and journalism.” By doing so, it allows a deeper investigation of what these two words mean when put together. Photos (which are the prefix of Photographs), which has evolved throughout the technological advancements are images that are produced by light. In the way, the light interacts with the type of instrument used will have a different result for how the picture is recorded. These photos that are captured by journalists are then published in many different forms of journalism. Journalism itself is taken upon professionals that write or communicate a message through publishing via newspapers, magazines, news channels, online sources, etc. When combining these two words: you have photojournalism. Professor Nordell adds in his video, “there are specific skill sets that are unique to being a photographer and being a journalist. With effective photojournalists those skill sets overlap.”

                                    

Image By: Belchonock

Rachel Towne discusses in her article, A Brief History of Photojournalism that photojournalism was first practices in the midst of the mid-1850s during the American Civil War and the technique utilized was engraving. This was a very time consuming and strenuous technique that only allowed for very few productions of work. In the time periods of the 1930’s to the 1960’s, Towne discusses the “Golden Age” for photojournalism. This is when two major advancements of the Leica camera and the first flash bulbs were invented. This allowed for easier transportation of these devices into the community where photographs could be taken of individuals during the activities of daily living. Photographs that still exist through this timeframe may not have ever been able to be recorded without these advancements. Photojournalism in today’s society is much more frequent than it was even then. Prints that were utilized in exhibits and such still exists but the widespread and utilization of the internet has made photojournalism easily accessible to the public.




So why do we study photojournalism? Why is history relevant today?

The video titled History is.. created by Holli Pearson, gives various reasoning for why it is important to understand and study history. Two key concepts that she included within the video that stand out as valid reasoning as to why history is important are that it is “ History is...crucial” followed by a picture of the administration of the polio vaccine and “History is...righting wrongs” followed by a picture of an anti-slavery campaign sign. These two things come to mind because if we were unexposed to what our ancestors and people of history have done incorrectly or made the corrections we would continue down the same road of ignorance. Both great examples that were included: the implementation of vaccines to prevent illnesses that were detrimental to individuals’ healths and killing millions of people and the anti-slavery movement that had ended the mistreatment of African Americans and changed the world for the better.

                                                         

Image By: Kenneth Jerecke

Photojournalism documents history as it is being lived and can be used to generate change or show insight as to the past to other generations. In the excerpt from the documentary War Photographer about the photojournalist, James Nachtway he explains the importance of photographing war. Nachtway questions, “Is it possible to put in end to a form of human behavior which has existed throughout history? By means of photography… For me, the strength of photography lies in its ability to evoke a sense of humanity… And if it's used well it can be a powerful ingredient and antidote to war.” His motivation behind capturing these photographs in the middle of a warzone despite the risk of losing his own life provides hope that it will communicate to society the impact on the lives of the many that live in these warzones. Publishing these photographs to the public that are unaware of what it being done outside of their countries territory can open conversation for change.