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.professional photojournalismamateur The photographer attempts to produce truthful, objective, and usually candid photography of a particular subject, most often pictures of people.candid photography

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 photography-product-reviews/top- 10-modern-photojournalists-and- documentary-photographers/ photography-product-reviews/top- 10-modern-photojournalists-and- documentary-photographers/ es/2013/04/the-best-of- photojournalism/ es/2013/04/the-best-of- photojournalism/