Saturday, June 4, 2016

Chapter 4: Working In the Digital Age

Photojournalism has changed dramatically over time with the new development of technology. In the digital era that we live in today, it is no surprise to see people using hand held devices to capture snap shots of the high way car accident, or the cat that got stuck in a tree. People in our society now have become tech savvy and they are using it to their advantage. Well, more updated technology is being created believe it or not and it is making its way into the world of photojournalism.

 Drones are beginning to take over. In case you’ve never heard or seen a drone, it reminds me of something you’d see in a futuristic movie. It is unbelievably high tech and it is almost too good to be true. For photojournalist today, they serve as a convenient tool for them to report the latest news stories. They also serve as a protective barrier for those who put themselves out there to capture the best image possible. Harry de Quetteville quotes Kevin Carter, a well-known photojournalist on his views on drones: “An unmanned drone has no fear, no family, and no doubts. It will fly into the most dangerous, openly hostile environment and capture the best, most incredible images that us ‘real’ reporters could ever hope for”. His thoughts make a great point— the lives of photojournalist would be safer, and they would be able to conquer any project with no limitations.

Image by: Eric Cheng
Image source: http://gizmodo.com/how-to-turn-drone-photography-into-breathtaking-art-1739847364
 Drones are devices that are multipurpose. People around the world can use them differently. They can be used to transport AED’s to dying people, or they can be used to capture soldiers at war. This new innovation has been designed to do just about anything. The pros of this amazing innovation have served as a new stepping stone for photojournalists. Stevesandberg mentions in their article about drones that “drones have the potential to be a powerful tool for photojournalists, allowing them to take aerial photos, capture vast images, and shoot airborne footage that can help tell print and TV stories in new and unique ways". This could not be any truer. The possibilities are endless; projects high and low can be covered using the smart drone.

Image by:Tomas van Houtryve
Image source: http://time.com/3627980/drone-country-see-america-from-above/
As professor Nordell mentions in his video on The Digital mindset, he states, “different people take in information in different ways” and this is extremely true. Compared to the way photographs were taken in the 1800s, the wet plate collodion process was the only source of technology they could use to capture images. It was a long and tedious process, but the new digital age has changed that completely. Yes both were used as means of communication and insight, but technology today has made it possible to capture clearer, closer and brighter images. Drones have proven to us that no matter the size or height, anything can be captured. Unlike the older pre-digital cameras, drones are capable of anything. Dallas News says that “today’s professional photographer needs only a backpack to carry everything for shooting and delivering photos”. This is very true. Photojournalist are adventure filled individuals that are ready to take on the next big news hit. And with the creation of drones and new technology, they won’t need anything but their artistic eye for amazing photos.

No comments:

Post a Comment