WHAT IS PHOTOJOURNALISM
Photojournalist Martha Cooper is best known for her photographs documenting the New York graffiti scene.
1. Define Photojournalism.
Photojournalism is the capturing of a moment in time that is newsworthy or that has an impact on the world around us. It’s part of a story that provides us with insight on something that we may not have previously seen.
2. How does photojournalism distinguish itself from other forms of reportage photography such as documentary photography, street photography, etc.?
Reportage photography is something that cannot be staged. With photojournalism you must capture things as they are happening where as with documentary photography you can spend more time with a subject.
3. How do photojournalists (and the one you are naming) make a living: who is the client(s).
In my research I have seen that photojournalists, such as former New York Post photographer Martha Cooper, photographers tend to make books of their works. It is a collection of all their greatest work throughout the years of their career. Though some are retired, they continue to travel the world and still capture images as the photojournalists they once were and still are to this day.
4. Name a professional organization that represents photojournalists. Would you join such an organization? How much does it cost? What benefit would you hope from joining it?
National Press Photographers Association. I would join because in the ever changing world of media, it is great to have comfort knowing that I am protected as a photographer. The most you will spend annually with the NPPA is $110. Well for starters I would be joining online community of photographers where I can network and look for jobs or new employees. I am also guaranteed protection of my rights.
5. Name three photo “agencies” that represent photojournalists. What is the function of a Photo Agency?
Getty Images, Associated Press, Magnum Photos are three international photo agencies. A company that represents and markets photographers and their work.
6. When did photojournalism begin (within two decades)? Photojournalism began in the early 1900’s.
7. What is considered the golden age of photojournalism? Name three top photographers from this time. According to research “With the advent of the first 35mm Leica camera in 1925, as well as the invention of the first commercial flash bulbs in 1927, the stage was set for the “golden age of photojournalism”. Noteworthy photographers included Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, and Bruce Berman (kidding!!).
8. Name a contemporary source of photojournalism (online or otherwise), i.e. a publication (online or otherwise). The online site, artspan.com offers a great source and gallery of different photographers.
9. Name a contemporary photojournalist that you admire and would like to emulate. Put a small photo (reproduction quality is not important) on a third page.
The photo journalist would like to emulate is Martha Cooper, a former New York Post photographer. She is best known for photographing the New York graffiti Scene in 70’s and the 80’s. Her photographs have appeared in National Geographic, Smithsonian and Natural History magazines.
REFERENCES
http://www.artspan.com/photojournalism#.VAYQeMVdXvF
http://instagram.com/marthacoopergram
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