The Pros And Cons Of Photojournalism

Photographs have been circling the world for years now . There are many different types of cameras, but only some have changed and revolutionized the world. The history behind them and the history it has captured throughout the years has impacted the world in numerous ways. It is very important to know how certain things like lighting and angle affect the outcome of photographs. To be able to capture a perfect photograph one will have to understand how lighting , angle , third rule affect a photograph. Not only are there different types of ways to take photographs but different types of photography.

However, some argue that the removal of manipulated photos will make it harder for models, actors, singers, and other performers because they then feel the pressure to alter their bodies to become acceptable for the media. This is false for two reasons. The first reason is the fact that if photoshopped images are not allowed in the media, or if they at least had to have a disclaimer, than it will make it acceptable for more models and other performers to become a part of the business that they wish to take part in because there no longer is a need to live up to unrealistic expectations and body image is destroyed. Another validated reason is that when every body image is acceptable, then the people who were the only acceptable models and other performers would have equal

Photos are just recorded information and how it is presented is actually based on individual interpretation by the photographers themselves. It is not absolute reality because the viewers themselves are not there to witness the event; therefore it is not entirely factual. The meaning of a photo illustration is also dependent on viewers' individual views and assumption. As the old metaphor says, "is the glass of milk half full or half empty?"

Since the camera was invented in 1826, it has been used to document everything from social injustice, inequality, famine, war, and human rights abuses to uplifting scenes of humanity, brotherhood, victory, love and hope (Ferdous). Throughout the years society has come to realize the true potential of a photograph and its ability to acknowledge the truth through intense and thought provoking imagery. The camera has helped journalists be able to connect with society in a way that was unique. The creation of the camera gave journalist the ability to communicate through the use of pictures. This newly found aspect made it possible for others to see exactly what the photographer has seen. With this ability photojournalism was created.

A photograph is a powerful tool for life. A single, unchanged image of reality can be utilized for a variety of situations. For one, one photograph could decide the lifestyle in the foreseeable future of a person that committed a crime. Furthermore, one photograph could reveal the horrors of a particular event. On another note, one photograph could hold heartwarming memories forever. In addition, one photograph could stir a controversy that will have people debating whether an entity is real or not. Overall, as Susan Sontag mentions in her book Photograph, “Photographs furnish evidence.”(Sontag); in other words, whether if it is, good, bad, or misinterpreted, one photograph can be used as evidence that something in fact happened or is real.

A reoccurring topic of the essays, concerning photography, discussed during the course is the future of professional photographers/photojournalists. Some believe that the easily accessible spread of amateur photography can and has put a strain on the works of professionals. However, with magazines such as National Geographic still in print after over a century, it raises some questions. Though the spread of information, and thus photography, has increased the platforms and need for professional photographers and photojournalists still exists.

Legally, the issue has been brought up that alterations and the deceptive nature of an edited photo can potentially violate consumer protection laws in the US, specifically the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”) and the Lanham Act. The FTC Act of 1914 covers methods of unfair competition, and it was changed in 1938 to include “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” declaring that unfair or deceptive methods of competition that affect commerce are unlawful. Little change or clarification has been made to its wording since 1964, making it difficult to keep up with growing technology (Brown 94) Unfortunately, a lot of the wording in the document assumes that speech is the key offender in deception rather than the image. However, the United

photojournalist also knows what will sell. Some photographs really aren't worth taking from a newsworthiness standpoint, but if a publication is willing to pay enough for them, than they will be taken. Sadly money does rule the world, and until paparazzi photographers can feed their families without having to take these sorts of pictures, they will continue to be taken.

The word photography originates from the Greek words “photos” (which means light) and “graphein” (meaning to draw). Although photography was being studied as early as 330 B.C., the first photograph wasn’t taken until 1827. In 1889, George Eastman invented film rolls. Today, however, most people use digital. (“Career Facts,” Lansing Community College). Digital cameras open a whole new world, making it easy to transfer photos electronically over to computers, hard drives, and other devices. When the picture is transferred to the computer, it can be modified in softwares such as photoshop. Photoshop is used frequently in advertising and by any photographer who desires a change in the

A picture is the unspoken word that can mean millions of things. For example “at least a century, the wedding photograph has been as much part of the ceremony as the prescribed verbal formulas.” The wedding picture can be the most deceiving picture for both individuals appear happy. However, they might be in an unstable and unhealthy relationship. This true since 50 percent of marriages in America end in divorce. Some causes for divorce are domestic violence, miscommunication, financial instability, cheating, etc. With an increase in technology pictures can be used to deceive on social media due to cat-fishing. For those who don’t know what cat fishing is, catfishing is when a person on the internet pretends to be someone else? This can lead to identity theft, fake relationships, loss of money etc. The reason I am saying this is because there are so many disparate in the internet, as

Unfortunately, it seems as though no one has cracked the code. Multiple credible sources such as the American Medical Association have adopted policies to “discourage the altering of photographs in a manner that could promote unrealistic expectations of appropriate body image” (Kee & Farid), yet photo editors still commit minute changes that create a substantial difference. These changes include the removal of blemishes, contouring to create the appearance of a taller and thinner body, and, of course, the lightening of skin, and they go practically unnoticed. That just goes to show the sneakiness of advertisers in order to create the most appealing appearance of their product as possible. If these production companies remove photoshopping humans from their editing process, many more people would relate with their subjects and would therefore feel more inclined to buy the product. If these companies just realized this, they could sell their products on the foundation that anyone can use them. This proves beneficial to both parties and could even save

For many centuries since their inception, photographs and photography struggled to find its own niche, inspiring heated debates over their value and place in the artistic world. Today, they are viewed as an instrument of artistic expression, inspiring change and thought, reflecting our tastes and interests, as well as social and political realities. The photograph has the ability to inform and educate, as well as to evoke emotion. With its ability to capture a moment in time photograph is a time capsule enclosing the secrets of the people and times that it captured.

Although Sturken and Cartwright claim it is quite easy to fall for the misconception that photographs are “unmediated copies of the real world” (Sturken & Cartwright, 17), this is no longer true, if it ever was. While cumbersome, even before the advent of image editing software, it was possible to modify photographs. Furthermore, in contemporary society, we have completely lost faith in mass media representation; rarely do people expect images to be completely unmodified anymore. This is especially visible in western culture since people are pressured to conform into highly specific aesthetics where even a “natural” look is artificially crafted with makeup and digital filters. Even disregarding direct manipulation to a print through methods such as Photoshop, photographs are manipulated in such obvious ways, it almost seems absurd to point it out. The framing, lighting, and positioning are always adjusted by the photographer. Therefore, people themselves are a type of manipulation; a representative filter through which biases are imbued. In effect, Sturken and Cartwright’s conclusion that all camera-generated images bear an “aura of machine objectivity” (Sturken & Cartwright, 16) stemming from “the … legacy of still-photography” (Sturken & Cartwright, 17) is

Since its inception, photography has been used to capture moments in time all around the world. This wonderful technology has existed since ancient times, and has only improved in recent history, changing society in the process.

Photographing has been enjoyed by many people for a long time. Today, it is very easy for everyone to own a camera so this hobby is becoming more and more popular. Everyone like taking photograph but their photo is not always beautiful. Having an expensive camera does not mean that you will have wonderful photographs. The beauty of a photograph