Introduction to the History of Photojournalism

Photojournalism is the study of history through photography. Further, photojournalism is the act of taking photos for journals. It involves the community and portraying life in specific places throughout the world. It depicts human interaction through photography. After all, the photos tell a story. Journalism is a part of the whole word photojournalism for a reason; it combines the skills of being a journalist with the skills of being a photographer.

It is important to know the history of photojournalism because of just that; it is the history. With that being said, studying history in general is important. According to the first video, it is all about compassion and attitude. Therefore, it helps society learn about people and their behaviors. Also, according to Jason Henske, “it helps us appreciate multiple perspectives and interpretations.” By doing so, this explains why people have different actions and what those different actions can include.

Now that it is understood why history is important, this can be directly related to why the history of photojournalism is important. As said before, history teaches society about human behaviors. These behaviors are shown through photos that photojournalists take. As Professor Nordell quoted writer Pete Hamill, “news is a verb,” not only do photojournalists photograph humans, they photograph their actions. These actions help us understand the different perspectives and interpretations. Photojournalists travel different parts of the world depicting different cultures. When these photographs are published, it helps the viewer, thousands of miles away, to appreciate a different perspective on life. The history of photojournalism shows that overtime, various groups of people and lifestyles were covered and shared on a large scale.

Photojournalism is a dangerous job done by some of the most courageous and skilled people. As Zoriah said, “all war photographers want to get an image that will stop a war.” This shows that not only is photojournalism a journalistic, explanatory art, but it is also a social advocacy. Through the work of photojournalists, change and reform can and does spread throughout the world.

Photo By: Tom Stoddart
Image Source: http://www.photoconflict.com/theories/ethics-and-vision/

 

Photo By: G.M.B. Akash
Image Source: http://www.zoriah.net/blog/guest-photographerphotojournalist/page/2/