Photojournalism and Bias

  Photograph By: Ed Clark

Image Source: http://www.historybyzim.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/FDR-Funeral-Musician.jpg

Year Created: April 13, 1945

Without looking into the context of which this photograph was taken, it can be seen that this individual has clearly endeavored some overwhelming emotions meanwhile playing the accordion. Whether the emotions allude to a positive or negative experience is difficult to understand without background knowledge. His uniform suggests that he is an officer of some sort that is playing for a white audience who appears annoyed. Without even looking in-depth on what the context of this photo is there is a valuable lesson to be learned as mentioned by Patrick Kiger in his interview with Betty Lane, "these photographs often take hold of our hearts and reach us on a more primal emotional level".In reality, the image depicts Graham Jackson- a Chief Petty Officer (USN), as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's flag-draped funeral train leaves Warm Springs, Ga. in 1945. President Roosevelt’s presidency addressed many civil rights movements that have led us to what our society consists of today. 

Black and White: This image was taken in the mid-1900’s and color film technology was invented but not exactly executed everywhere. However, the black white and grey tones allude to the overall emotion and may have deterred the viewer’s attention from the emotion displayed on the Officer’s face.

Background compliments: In this case, I believe the background does an excellent job to compliment the picture. In capturing the look on the women’s face it helps demonstrate the common beliefs at that time- some agreed and some disagreed. It also offsets the amount of darkness in the photograph from an aesthetic point of view.

Emotion: There is an immense amount of emotion that is displayed in this image. It comes from the gentlemen who is clearly the main subject who displays sadness and respect. It also comes from the audience who some are also saddened and others confused or annoyed.


Image A: Truth

  

Photograph By: Laurent Baheux

Image Source: https://fineartphotoawards.com/winners-gallery/fapa-2014/professional/wildlife-animals/hm/807

Year Created: 2002

Abstraction: The two patterns of the zebras combined in this image has such a positive impaction in the image that it almost seems abstract. It looks as though it would be difficult in nature to see this remade and has occurred unnaturally.

Use of lines: The use of lines within this image is astounding. It is unsure that the subject matter was not manipulated in some sort of way because the curvatures and lines on the zebras are perfectly placed. It looks as though they are unified.

Keeping it simple: The only thing really depicted in this image is the two zebras. It helps focus the attention of the view to the zebras themselves and is rather simple in means of the subject matter. However, it seems as though it would be a difficult photograph to capture. 

Why This Image? Photojournalism often holds subject matter that can be depressing and deep but sometimes people need to be reminded of the beauty that life holds. There are a ton of animal cruelty cases throughout the world but it is appreciated to see animals succeeding in their natural habitat rather than being locked into horrific conditions.


Image B: Does not illustrate Truth

Photography By: Britta Jaschinski

Image Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-top-shots-2015/8/

Year Created: 2015

Britta Jaschinski won the “ Wildlife Photojournalist Award” for this image reported by CBS news. The images may illustrate how the wild cats are cooperating in the performance rehearsal but it does not depict exactly the maltreatment that this wild animal endures. In Professor Nordell’s video titled Photojournalism and Bias - Part 1 he states “one person can look at a picture and think it is bad, and another person can be looking at the same photo and have a completely different opinion on it, and that shows a good example of bias in photography." Which I do believe to be true. Jaschinski states that her reasoning for taking this picture is to illustrate the cruelty however, I don’t think that I receive that from this image. If anything, following around the performers and documenting them may help boost their confidence.

Use of Shadows: The use of shadows is prevalent in this image. By using these shadows the photographer was able to capture the eye of the audience and drag them into the 3 subject matters. It also deems the people running the “entertainment” irrelevant because they are off to the side in the shadows.

Texture: The texture in the image is a lot of cement and fence. To me, I get a sense of a cold and dingy containment center. It is not very warm and inviting.

Focused: This image is completely focused and in tune with the subject matter- the cats. As I mentioned, it seems as those the men in the image are irrelevant. The photo is very clear and allows the audience to focus in on details.


Why This Image?: I feel really strongly about animal rights and support reform in animal captivity. I feel as though it is extremely important to illustrate to the public what the living conditions are and scientifically show the quality of life improvement in these animals in their natural habitats. It is difficult for me to get this out of this image because it seems as if the cats are cooperating and I think that it should emphasize their situations outside of their acts.