Chapter 8: Photojournalism and Bias

Going Home by Ed Clark
Image source: http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209

The man playing the instrument is crying, yet he shows bravery. The women in the background notice him, some looking at him others looking away. What does he see? What is making him so sad? From admiring this image, I believe that he is experiencing a tragedy. The women behind are also sad and even hiding their faces. I notice that he is the only one of color, and therefore, he is the one that has to stand there feeling humiliated, because he has no choice. Donald Webber states: "Just because a photo looks like photojournalism, doesn’t mean it’s Photojournalism", and I believe this to be true. The man in this photo probably did not want to get photographed, or viewed as an object of interest. For this man, he might be completing a task of his everyday life, and to him this may not be considered a part of history.

 



 Image Assessment

Subjects Expression: He is sad, his eyes are fixed in something, could be a person speaking, could be a crowd of people, but he is engaged on that specific thing. His expression is deep, and he shows his true emotions.

Black and white: The image is presented in black and white and it brings character to the photograph. The image has more impact being in black and white and draws the attention to the main subject of the photo.

What feelings does this image create? The photo creates heart break and curiosity. As many view the image, his facial expressions draw you in and you can almost feel his pain, without knowing what caused it. And that too makes the audience wonder the reasons behind the image and what caused the photographer to capture this specific moment in time. The women in the photo also add to the mood of the picture because they are also sad and feeling the same pain as him.

 

Photo by: Ingetje Tadros

Image source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/kennedy-hill-ingetje-tadros

 

 Professor John Nordell states: "we are expose to new cultures all the time". Every where we go,we will encounter new things and gain knowledge about the people in the world around us. When we are seeking insight on new cultures, and learning new things, we want this information to be real and true. But the truth is what most people are afraid of showing. Most are ashamed of sharing who they are because of the way the will be judged. But there are people in this world that do not know otherwise, and they show who they are...always. The image above was taken by award winning Australian photojournalist Ingetje Tadros. The photograph above was taken of the indigenous people of Kennedy Hill Australia. She captured eye opening photos of the people and their lifestyle. This is pure, raw work that shows the way these people live their day to day lives. The women in the image above are preparing meals for their families. They work hard to make sure their mothers, fathers and children have meals to eat. This image is a symbol of the true way these Australian natives live each and every day. Shahidul Alam mentions in his interview that "a story has many truths...the story is about the people". The photograph above does just that. It tells the truth, and the true story of these natives and their daily lives. They do not hide, nor shy away the camera. These women show their truth.

 

Image Assessment

 Contrast: The image had a lot of dark and bright areas that highlight the women's features. It adds accent to the background and the woman's hands. It makes the image pop and stand out.

Shadows: There is a lot of shadow being used. There are parts of the image that are hard to see, but this is used very well in order to have the subject of the image (the women) stand out. The use of shadow makes the picture dark, and adds interest to the audience. It gives the picture an eerie feel. 

Texture: The image appears to have a wet look to it. It could be from the high contrast and the black and white effect. It creates a tropical feeling, which is interesting since the natives are from Australia. It adds character and you really get connected with the subject of the photo. It draws you in.

 

 

Image by: David McNew
Image source: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/08/anti_gay_bigotry_online_analyzing_homophobic_comments_can_disarm_the_hate_.html 

 

"Above-average emphasis on news of crime and vice; the use of illustrations"- also known as the definition of yellow journalism. Even though that type of work was mainly seen in the late 1890's, it was untruthful work that over highlighted the news that was not meant to be in the eye of the public. When I see the image above, I get angry and hurt that people in the country we live in view one another as "terrorist" because of their sexual orientation. They are judged because of who they love. People who could feel such hate towards others show the face of untruthful, inhumane, insensitive  people in our society. American is a place where anything is possible, I place people come to to live their dreams. Betty Lane, a photojournalist and activist was known for her magnificent work in the 1970's. She too took part in Stonewall, a protest for gay rights. She was a part of a great movement that has affected our society today, making it possible for the LGBT community. Those are the news that should be in our headlines, not the shaming and blaming of those that love differently.  

 

Image Assessment

Simple? The image has other protestors in the background holding signs, which makes the image not too cluttered, but not focused on one specific subject.

Background: The people in the background add to the main point of the picture. They show strong expressions that make up the mood of the photo.

Abstraction: This photograph is a representation of everything that is wrong with the people in our society. Yes there is freedom of speech and freedom to believe in anything of our choosing, but the way people shame one another is unbelievable. The U.S. has recently experienced a terrible attack killing 50 people of the LGBT community. This image is very representational still today.

 

 

Emotion and intuition are my go too with anything decision that I have to make. Anyone ever tell you to "tryst your gut"? Well, I trust mine very much. Our intuition and ways of thinking come from our own ethics and values; partially what we are taught as children and what we learn through experience. It is important to use these emotions and feelings to help us make choices. If we don't, how would we know what we like and dislike, believe in and not. Our thoughts and feelings create a source for us as individuals to rely on. They will never let us down.