WHAT IS PHOTOJOURNALISM REALLY ABOUT

Photo 1: Margaret Broukre-White

Photo 2: Robert Capa

Photo 3: Martha Holmes

Photojournalism, sounds easy to define right? For some people yes, but me, I believe that photojournalism has a much more complex definition to it. In my own words, photojournalism is a bunch of photos that tell a story in a news style. It’s a simple definition but it has a lot of content to it. Did you know that photojournalism began in the mid 19^th century? Pretty crazy right? Photojournalism shows a story that is either happy/heartwarming or devastating/tragic. But over the years there has been a steady decline in photojournalism. And that’s because people now don’t read newspapers and are using social media.

Newspapers are also on the decline over the years; with the heavy usage of social media and new technology there is a lack of newspaper funding. And with the lack of newspapers, photographers are losing their jobs. But even though photographers are losing their jobs with the steady decline of newspapers, photojournalism isn’t dead. Far from it.

One of the many ways you can make a living in photojournalism is to use social media; it’s a great way to share your work and make connections with collaborators or you can create your own website. Another way to make a living is working with local magazines or doing freelance. It’s very common for beginner photographers to freelance. And one more way to make a living in photojournalism is by joining a photo agency; joining an agency helps you find more clients and gain more contacts/networking.

Photo 1 is taken by Margaret Broukre-White; I like the lighting of the flare; it makes it look like lightning. And also, the photo was taken at nighttime. Night photography is currently my favorite type of photography, and this captivates the beauty of night photography even though the context of this photo is dark.

Photo 2 is taken by Robert Capa; very iconic photo. When I first saw this photo, I thought it was just a regular war photograph. But after reading the story behind this photo, I was shocked and horrified. This soldier was fatally shot in the head and falling backwards. It’s beautifully captured.

Photo 3 is taken by Martha Holmes; I like the lighting of this portrait; it’s coming from the window I believe. When I was looking for a photo, I noticed a lot of women photographers were very popular during this era and Martha Holmes is no different. Overall beautiful portrait.