Assignment #1 Photo Journal Part 2 - Press vs Art Photography

Press photography and art photography both have one sure thing in common. We are  looking through a camera lens trying to capture a moment of life. Using a camera and taking a photo with it is an art just by its self and it connects the two styles.   

Press Photography

Press photography is all about being accurate and following strict guidelines to ensure quality and truth when taking photos of news, sports and other events. They bring attention to something very important that happened in the world and they are usually published in magazines, newspapers and web sites.  These photographers often “specialise in particular field” (Barker) and can work for a company or as a free lancer. They need to have both creative and technical skills in order to bring the best out of the photo. These photos are not supposed to be atletered because that would be equal to writing a fake story. Press photography should focus on true events and to distribute untouched and real photos.

The first press photo was taken at a 2010 World Cup game between Germany and Serbia.  This photo of Serbian player scoring a winning goal traveled  around the world very fast and it made a big impact on people in Serbia. When they saw this photo they felt proud and happy which shows us how press photography keeps people informed and affects their mental state as well. A moment of life and history captured on the field thousands miles away from their country brought joy and happiness to the whole nation. If it wasn’t for the press photography who knows how and when they would find out about it.

In the second press photo we can see anti war protests from the 70’s. This image sends a clear message to the world and shows that not all U.S. citizens want their government to get involved in war in other countries. The power of press photo allows people to see the truth and have their own opinion.

Art Photography

Art photography is harder to define because it has a lot more freedom and it can be altered in order to make it look better. There are no real boundaries or guidelines as to what art photos are supposed to look like. It involves the vision of the photographers mind and setting up stage to detail it to the perfection. “fine art photography tends to have subject matter that focuses on natural elements, human forms, landscape, architecture and even dramatic images dealt with subtly and in fine detail.” (Kane).

In the first Art photo we have Eifel tower located in Paris, France. It is shown so small and as if someone was holding it in their hand. This vision of the photographer brings us up close and personal to the old French architecture. It is both art and press photography because it keeps us aware and informed of the advantages of visiting Paris while still showing us creativity and imagination.

The second art photo shows an old Coliseum in Rome, Italy. The beauty of this structure takes the viewer back in the days of the Roman Empire and connects art photography with historical events. This proves that art photos of the past can have a big impact in the future events. Someone seeing this artistic photo might wish to visit Rome sooner rather than later.

Works Cited

Barker, Caroline. "Press photographer: Job description and activities." August AGCAS 2010. Prospects the UK's official graduate career website. 19 03 2011 <http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/press_photographer_job_description.jsp>.

Course Notes - Week 9. "Photojournalism - Course Notes Week (." (2011): Slide 8.

Kane, Dena. "Definition of Fine Art Photography." 1999-2011 Demand Media, Inc. www.ehow.com. 19 03 2011 <http://www.ehow.com/about_4886292_definition-fine-art-photography.html>.

Westbrook, Dillon. "Photography Schools - A Brief History of Photojournalism ." 2007. Photography Schools. 10 03 2011 <http://www.photography-schools.com/photojournalismhistory.htm>.

Photos:

#1. http://www.examiner.com/germany-football-in-national/world-cup-serbia-stuns-germany-1-0
#2. http://www.boomerslife.org/protests_rally_iran_neda_agha_soltan.htm
#3. http://www.vagabondish.com/4-ways-to-be-a-traveler-not-a-tourist/
#4. http://www.betterthangossip.com/visit-the-roman-colosseum%E2%80%99s-gladiator-chambers/entertainment/2010/06/

Discussion #9 - Photojournalism

What's the role of photojournalism?

Journalism as a profession was very sensitive since the early days and the journalists had to be very creative to bring the picture to the readers of what really happened. This all came to an end once the photography entered the world of news and journalism. The information about wars, disasters and politicians was very accurate so people trusted this method of education. . “Consumers depend upon photojournalists to bring them the images that allow them to feel connected to far-away realities, and to be educated about those realities. “ (Westbrook) The images of the situation were so real and true that people started to respect photo journalism as a profession. 

Are there rules that a photojournalist should follow? Why? Why not? 

The rules of the photo journalism had to be implemented in order to keep various journalists play with the truth. Timeliness, accuracy, fair representation of the context of events and facts reported, and accountability to the public are some of the rules that are listed in the article “A Brief History of Photojournalism”.  The article also states: “A journalist, on the other hand, cannot be held to the demands of the photographic subject, but rather he or she must be concerned with producing accurate news for the public.” (Westbrook) It is crucial that these rules are followed together with not altering any photos, erasing people or objects.

Is the ethics of taking journalistic photos different than the ethics of writing a news story?

The ethics in any kind of profession are very important. The ethics for photo journalism are same as for journalism and they reflect on everyone so it could have a big negative or positive impact to so many different lives all over the world. In order for the truth to get out the code of ethics has to be strictly followed. The code from the reading says the only acceptable change in the photo is the quality of it. There can’t be any erasing of the people or objects (Course Notes - Week 9). As we all know technology today makes it easier to alter the photo so the ethics play even bigger role than before.

 

What's the impact of altering press photographs? Should they be edited (at all) in postproduction?

As I said above altering should only be done for the quality. Also you can’t take a photo and take something out of context. (Course Notes - Week 9) Taking a photo of a man behind barbed wire fence and distributing it as a photo from concentration camp could have huge consequences. What if the man was in fact free and he just happened to stand behind the fence.  I don’t see any difference between saying a lie or making a lie by altering a photo. I recommend the movie “Wag the dog”. Besides having my favourite actor Robert DeNiro, the movie is great because it shows us how one image could have the impact to start the war. It is scary that these things not only happen in Hollywood but also in real life.  If photo manipulation becomes part of photojournalism we have to fight against it with all of our power. We have to make sure the truth stays out there.

Works Cited

Course Notes - Week 9. "Photojournalism - Course Notes Week (." (2011): Slide 8.

Westbrook, Dillon. "Photography Schools - A Brief History of Photojournalism ." 2007. Photography Schools. 10 03 2011 <http://www.photography-schools.com/photojournalismhistory.htm>.

Photos:

http://www.digitalpicturezone.com/types-of-photography/the-joy-and-heartbreak-of-photojournalism/