Photojournalism - an introduction of key concepts

The University of Winchester

Photojournalism: Qualities of the image: Advanced Visual language

By Karin Stowe

The Photojournalism image must convey meaning to an audience.

The Attributes within a photojournalism image are:
1) Emotional content i.e. does the image make an audience respond to
the imagery emotional and cause a personal reaction.

2) Relative context i.e. does the image carry icons, visuals or

recognisable attributes that an audience can relate to and deconstruct
and understand.

Cornell Capa whose existentialism beliefs reflected Ernest Hemingway’s

own ideals, Capa predominantly a war photographer but has been subject
to controversial attacks on his work. Some saying death scenes from the
Spanish civil war may gain greater impact. Thus again throwing into
questions what is shown and believed.
3) Create Empathy and Create In Quizzical thoughts and
emotions.
An image that corresponds a specific moment in history i.e. dying creates
an emotion in an audience that they relate to and can compare their
experiences to. Thus making them react to the image, thus manipulating
them.
Robert Haeberle “people about to be shot 1969”, taking during the “My
Lai” massacre where families were killed by US troops. The photographer
caught the moment before the deaths of the villages, women, children
and the old. The greatest dichotomy for the photographer who is part of
the killing but by using his camera to shoot the moment before the
moment is shot, are they helping others or should they help those
actually there at the moment? Some would say this work puts all other
use of the camera into perspective, a medium for exacting truth, and
informing that.

4) Shock and Expectation.

The strongest visual language, will linger in the thoughts of the audience.
The image that creates shock and outrage create the greatest reactions.
The moment before death, grieving fear, and injustice generate anger,
empathy and desire to make a change or understand in an audience.
5) The Voyeur image.
Photojournalism images that record they events of the everyday, but
seem as if they are showing the audience a moment in time or event that
is secretive or seems like a investgive photograph.
4) Shock and Expectation.
The strongest visual language, will linger in the thoughts of the audience.
The image that creates shock and outrage create the greatest reactions.
The moment before death, grieving fear, and injustice generate anger,
empathy and desire to make a change or understand in an audience.
5) The Voyeur image.
Photojournalism images that record they events of the everyday, but
seem as if they are showing the audience a moment in time or event that
is secretive or seems like a investgive photograph.
6) The Surreal Photo-essay document.
The photographs that capture the surreal worlds, individuals and events
that the general audience does not have contact with. Thus stimulating
interest via the safety of the image. A form of visual investigation so that
minorities and socially deemed alternatives reach wider audiences.