Lecture 12: Photojournalism

Tutorial question: Find a photojournalistic news story from any newspaper or magazine and answer the following question:

Retrieved from: 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/why-you-will-never-see-a-front-page-like-this/2005/06/30/1119724757442.html

a) Why did you choose this news over others?

The definition of a photojournalism is photographic images that convey great truths expose wrongdoing and neglect and to inspire hope an understanding and connect people around the globe. (Bersak, 2003) With this definition, I personally believe that this news is best to explain the importance of the ethics of photojournalism. The image itself has become one of the most powerful influential to make a change in poverty. Being human is about feeling the faith of restoring the humanity in the world, and this photograph alone will do tremendous effects around the world.

b) Is the narrative component of the story necessary or is the picture enough to express the intended message of the news?

The narrative component of the story is as important and the picture itself, the heading alone "20,000 die each day" would grab the attention of the audience and expresses the message needed to make poverty stop. According to the Mark Scott and John Fairfax, editors of the Sydney Morning Herald (2005) "we do not try to shy away from presenting difficult images but newsworthy stories that may confront and challenge." This is one of the main purpose photojournalism should be, to find a newsworthy story to print. The narrative's rationale is to persuade the readers of the serious problem of poverty, and that the want to help those in need is important in this rapidly growing society.

c) Did the picture and writings capture the "truth" of the event? 

Personally, yes. The picture itself says a thousand words, how children in the third world country are facing these life threatening problems. According to Paul Martin Lester, (1991) "As reporters, photojournalists must have a strong sense of the journalistic values that guide all reporters. Truthfulness, objectivity, and fairness are values that give the journalism profession credibility," in other words, it is important that the images taken for the news clippings, should be and always will be a strong representation of the message. The event of children dying every day should deserve a sad picture to represent the ignorance on mankind to those in need.

References:

Bersak, D. R (2003) Ethics In Photojournalism: Past, Present and Future.

Lester, P. M. (1991) Photojournalism: An Ethical Approach.