Topic 2: Press photography versus art photography

 

                                                   Carlos F. Gutierrez, Chile, May 2, 2008           

The difference with this photo and the photo below is the timing that it was taken in. The photo above is of a volcano that had just erupted. This is a rare moment in life that only few people can witness in person. Gutierrez captures this moment through his lens so vividly. The photo captured is very “in the moment” and was probably taken as, quickly as possible with many shots because this is something that you can not miss and have another opportunity to photograph. The photo below, took much longer for the photographer to capture the right shot, and it was probably still editing through a computer before printing. The preparation of these photographs is different as well. Since the first photo is of nature, the photographer is unable to make lighting adjustments, or reposition the focal point. The magazine photo shoots, everything can be adjusted to preference of photographer.  

                                                                  Anne Leibovitz 

The similarities of the photo of Lady Gaga and the photo of the women trying to stop forced eviction for her people, is the message that these photographs send out. The purpose of Lady Gaga’s meat dress is to send out a message that she wants to stand for her own rights by wearing whatever she wants. In The second picture, the women is trying to stand up for herself and her child, but trying to stop the forceful army of men. They are both captivating and makes you think about the photo in more depth. 

 

                                                 Luiz Vasconcelos, Brazil, March 10, 2008

DB 9 - Presentation Week 9: Shooting the truth: Photojournalism

Photojournalism

 1) What's the role of photojournalism?

The role of photojournalism is another form of journalism that uses photos or videos to provide information, a story or point of view. The images shown are to enhance the readers’ emotions and feelings of the subject. These images bring the story to life.

2) Are there rules that photojournalists should follow? Why? Why not?

The rules that photojournalists should follow would be that they should never edit the photos. Since the photos are used to portray the reality of a story, why would they need to alter it? They should not have to if they have captured the photo at the right moment at the right time. Editing photos to enhance the image may be used, but deleting objects/ people are not allowed.

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

I believe that they are the same. Photo’s can be enhanced to make it clearer, so can stories. Using captivating words or a larger vocabulary can make it more understanding for a reading. The same ethics in photo’ and stories are the same. They should not be altered to change the truth or meaning of the captured image or story.

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

I think that the impact of altering press photographs can be misleading and untruthful that it doesn’t become as desired as photos aren’t edited. I don’t think that they should be edited at all in postproduction because the takes the truth out of the image.