STILL PHOTOGRAPHY- 2nd SEMESTER

UNIT 4TH
[Photo Journalism]

4.1 PHOTO JOURNALISM: DEFINITION AND CONCEPT, ROLE AND IMPORTANCE

Photojournalism is a form of journalism that utilizes photographs to tell news stories and convey information
to the audience. It involves capturing images that document and illustrate current events, social issues,
human interest stories, and other significant subjects of public interest.
The concept of photojournalism is grounded in the belief that a single photograph can convey a powerful
message, evoke emotions, and provide a visual record of important events and moments in history.
Photojournalists use their skills in composition, timing, and storytelling to capture images that reflect reality
and inform the viewers.
The role of photojournalism:
1. Documentation: Photojournalists serve as visual witnesses, documenting events, people, and places. They
capture images that help preserve a visual record of history and provide evidence of occurrences for future
reference.
2. News Reporting: Photojournalists work alongside journalists to provide visual elements that accompany
news articles. Their photographs enhance the storytelling process by adding a visual context to the written
information, making news stories more engaging and informative.
3. Storytelling: Through their photographs, photojournalists tell stories that might otherwise go unnoticed
or untold. They have the power to raise awareness, provoke thought, and generate empathy by capturing
images that resonate with the viewers.
4. Advocacy: Photojournalism can serve as a catalyst for social change and activism. Powerful photographs
can shed light on social issues, human rights violations, and other injustices, prompting viewers to take action
and bring about positive change.

The importance of photojournalism lies in its ability to inform, educate, and shape public opinion. It plays a
crucial role in democratic societies by providing visual evidence and perspectives that allow people to make
informed decisions about the world around them. Photojournalism has the power to bridge gaps, spark
conversations, and create a sense of empathy and understanding among diverse audiences.
Furthermore, photojournalism is a means of preserving history, culture, and collective memory. Photographs
become visual artifacts that future generations can study and learn from, providing a visual representation
of the past and its impact on society.
In summary, photojournalism combines the art of photography with the principles of journalism to capture
and communicate the realities of the world. Its role in documenting events, informing the public, and
promoting social change makes it an essential and influential form of visual storytelling.

4.2 PHOTO STORIES, PHOTO FEATURES AND PHOTO ESSAYS

PHOTO STORIES
A photo story in photography is a collection of images that tell a story or convey a message through a series
of photographs. Rather than a single image, a photo story typically includes multiple images that work
together to create a narrative or evoke an emotional response from the viewer.
Photo stories can be created for a variety of purposes, such as documenting an event, highlighting a social
issue, or simply sharing a personal experience. They often involve capturing a range of images, including
close-up shots, wide shots, and candid moments, to provide a complete and compelling visual
representation of the story being told.
In order to create a successful photo story, photographers must carefully select and sequence their images
to create a cohesive narrative. This may involve editing the images for consistency in tone, color, and
composition, as well as choosing the most impactful images to convey the intended message.
PHOTO FEATURES
In photography, a photo feature refers to a collection of photographs that are used to tell a story or convey
a particular message or idea. Photo features often consist of a series of images that are related to one
another in some way, such as by a common theme or subject matter.
Photo features can be found in a variety of media, such as newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
They are often used in editorial contexts to accompany articles or news stories, and they can also be used in
advertising or marketing campaigns.
A good photo feature will typically have a strong visual narrative, with each image contributing to the overall
story or message. The photos may be accompanied by captions, text, or other supporting materials that help
to contextualize and enhance the visual content.
Overall, photo features are an important tool in the world of photography, allowing photographers to tell
compelling stories and convey complex ideas through visual means.

PHOTO ESSAY
A photo essay in photography is a collection of images that tells a story or conveys a message through a
series of photographs. The photos are arranged in a specific order to create a narrative, with each image
building on the previous one to tell a complete story.
Photo essays can be used to document events, convey social issues, or capture a particular mood or
atmosphere. They often include captions or text to provide context and further information about the
images.
Photo essays can be powerful tools for visual storytelling and can have a significant impact on viewers. They
can be created for a variety of purposes, including journalism, advertising, art, or personal expression.

4.3 PHOTO APPRECIATION

Photo appreciation in photography refers to the process of analyzing and evaluating a photograph based on
its artistic, technical, and conceptual qualities. It involves examining the composition, lighting, color, texture,
subject matter, and overall message of a photograph.
To appreciate a photograph, you need to consider its context, including the photographer's intentions, the
cultural and historical context in which it was created, and the intended audience. You should also analyze
the technical aspects of the photo, such as the use of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, as well as the quality
of the image, including sharpness, clarity, and contrast.

Additionally, photo appreciation involves understanding the emotional impact of a photograph and its ability
to convey a message or tell a story. It requires careful observation, interpretation, and critical thinking to
appreciate the artistic and aesthetic qualities of a photograph.

In summary, photo appreciation in photography is the process of evaluating and analyzing a photograph
based on its artistic, technical, and conceptual qualities. It involves understanding the photographer's
intentions, analyzing the technical aspects of the photo, and appreciating the emotional impact of the image.

4.4 PHOTO EDITING TOOLS, MORPHING

PHOTO EDITING TOOLS

Photo editing tools are software applications or programs that are used to edit and enhance digital photos.
These tools allow photographers to manipulate and improve their images by adjusting various parameters,
such as brightness, contrast, color balance, saturation, sharpness, and noise reduction.
Some common photo editing tools include:
Adobe Photoshop: This is one of the most popular photo editing software programs, and is used by
professional photographers and designers worldwide. It allows users to edit, retouch, and enhance digital
photos using a wide range of tools and features.
Lightroom: This is another popular photo editing tool, and is particularly useful for editing and organizing
large numbers of photos. It includes features such as batch processing, presets, and a range of tools for
adjusting exposure, color, and tone.
GIMP: This is a free, open-source photo editing software program that is similar in functionality to
Photoshop. It includes a range of tools for image manipulation and enhancement, as well as support for
plugins and extensions.
Capture One: This is a professional photo editing tool that is particularly popular among commercial
photographers and studios. It includes advanced color correction and image processing tools, as well as
support for tethered shooting and other professional workflows.
Affinity Photo: This is a relatively new photo editing software program that is gaining popularity among
photographers and designers. It includes a range of advanced features, such as HDR merging, focus stacking,
and batch processing, as well as support for a wide range of file formats.
These are just a few examples of the many photo editing tools available to photographers. The choice of tool
depends on the photographer's individual needs and preferences, as well as their budget and level of
expertise.

MORPHING
Morphing refers to the process of transforming one image or object into another by smoothly blending the
characteristics of the two. It is commonly used in digital image processing, computer graphics, and
animation.
Morphing typically involves creating a series of intermediate frames between two original images or objects,
using mathematical algorithms to interpolate between them. The result is a smooth transition from one
image or object to another, with each intermediate frame showing a gradual change in shape, color, texture,
or other characteristics.
Morphing can be used to create a wide range of visual effects, from simple transformations like morphing
one face into another, to more complex animations that involve multiple objects or images morphing
together. It is also often used in special effects for movies and video games, as well as in scientific simulations
and other applications.
Morphing in photojournalism refers to the process of digitally altering a photograph to manipulate the
appearance of the subjects depicted in the image. This can include blending two or more images together
to create a seamless transition, or using software to change the shape or features of a person or object
within the photograph.

While some types of photo manipulation, such as basic color correction or cropping, are commonly accepted
in photojournalism, morphing is generally frowned upon as it can be used to distort the truth and
misrepresent events or individuals.
The use of morphing in photojournalism is considered unethical and a breach of journalistic integrity, as it
can alter the accuracy and authenticity of the photograph. In some cases, the use of morphing in
photojournalism may even be illegal, depending on the laws and regulations in a particular jurisdiction.

4.5 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES

Legal and ethical issues in photojournalism are critical because they can have serious consequences for both
the photographer and the subjects involved. Here are some of the key issues to consider:

Legal Issues:
Photojournalism raises several legal issues, including:
Privacy: Photojournalists must be aware of privacy laws when taking photographs of individuals, particularly
in situations where the subjects have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside their homes or
medical facilities. They may also need to obtain a release from the subject if the photograph will be used for
commercial purposes.
Defamation: Photojournalists must ensure that their photographs do not defame or misrepresent individuals
or groups. They must avoid manipulating images to convey a false message or mislead viewers.
Copyright: Photojournalists must ensure that they have the legal right to take and publish photographs. They
must respect the intellectual property rights of others, including the copyright of other photographers,
artists, and individuals depicted in the photograph.
Freedom of the press: Photojournalists have a constitutional right to gather and report news, but they must
also respect the rights of individuals and institutions. They must ensure that their photographs do not violate
laws related to national security or pose a threat to public safety.
Access: Photojournalists must ensure that they have the legal right to access and photograph public and
private spaces, including courtrooms, government buildings, and private property. They may need to obtain
a press pass or obtain permission from the property owner to take photographs.
Overall, photojournalists must balance their responsibility to document important events and issues with
their legal and ethical obligations to respect the privacy, dignity, and rights of individuals and groups.

ETHICAL ISSUES
Photojournalism, like any other form of journalism, is bound by ethical considerations that help to ensure
that the images presented to the public are truthful, accurate, and respectful of the subjects involved. Some
of the ethical issues in photojournalism include:
Manipulation of images: Photojournalists should avoid manipulating images to create a false or misleading
impression. Altering images in any way that deceives or misleads the public is considered unethical.
Invasion of privacy: Photojournalists must respect the privacy of individuals they photograph, particularly in
sensitive situations such as funerals, hospitals, or disaster scenes. Photographers should obtain the consent
of the subjects, when possible, and avoid taking images that could potentially cause harm or embarrassment.
Sensationalism: Photojournalists should avoid sensationalizing images to increase their news value or to
attract viewership. Such actions can be considered unethical and undermine the credibility of the profession.
Exploitation: Photojournalists must ensure that their images do not exploit or harm the subjects they
photograph, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, or those who are impoverished.
Objectivity: Photojournalists should strive for objectivity in their work, presenting a balanced view of the
events and subjects they cover. This includes avoiding bias or the appearance of bias in their images and
captions.
Attribution: Photojournalists must accurately attribute the source of their images and give credit to the
photographers whose work they use. This helps to maintain the integrity of the profession and avoid
copyright infringement.
These are just a few of the ethical issues that photojournalists must navigate when reporting on events and
stories. Adhering to these ethical considerations is crucial to maintain the public's trust in the media and the
profession of photojournalism.

HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The history of photography spans several centuries and involves numerous technological advancements and
artistic developments. Here's a brief overview of the key milestones in the history of photography:
1. Invention of the Camera Obscura (17th century): The camera obscura, a precursor to the modern camera,
was developed in the 17th century. It consisted of a darkened room or box with a small hole that projected
an inverted image of the outside scene onto a surface.
2. Invention of the First Permanent Photographic Process (1820s-1830s): In the early 19th century, several
inventors experimented with creating permanent images using light-sensitive materials. Notable pioneers
include Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre. In 1839, Daguerre introduced the daguerreotype, a
process that produced highly detailed images on silver-plated copper plates.

3. Introduction of Calotype and Wet Plate Processes (1840s-1850s): William Henry Fox Talbot invented the
calotype process, which involved creating a negative image on paper and making multiple positive prints
from it. This introduced the concept of negative-positive photography. In the 1850s, Frederick Scott Archer
developed the wet plate collodion process, allowing for more efficient image capture on glass plates.
4. Development of Dry Plate and Roll Film (1870s-1880s): The introduction of dry plate negatives by Richard
Leach Maddox in the 1870s simplified the photographic process, as it eliminated the need for immediate
development. Later, George Eastman's introduction of roll film in the 1880s made photography more
accessible to the general public.
5. Invention of the Kodak Camera (1888): George Eastman introduced the Kodak camera, which was one of
the first handheld cameras. It came pre-loaded with roll film and allowed users to take multiple exposures.
After capturing the photos, the entire camera was sent back to the Kodak company for film processing and
printing.
6. Introduction of 35mm Film and Leica Camera (1920s): The 35mm film format, originally used for motion
pictures, was adapted for still photography. In 1925, Oskar Barnack introduced the Leica camera, which was
compact, lightweight, and used 35mm film. This marked a significant shift toward smaller, more portable
cameras.
7. Arrival of Digital Photography (Late 20th Century): The advent of digital technology revolutionized
photography. The first digital cameras emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, although they were initially limited
in resolution and functionality. However, the digital photography industry grew rapidly, and by the late 1990s
and early 2000s, digital cameras became widely available and offered increasingly high image quality.

8. Rise of Smartphone Photography (21st Century): With the integration of cameras into smartphones,
photography has become accessible to almost everyone. Smartphones now offer advanced camera
capabilities, including high-resolution sensors, multiple lenses, and image processing algorithms. This has led
to the proliferation of social media platforms dedicated to sharing and showcasing photographs.
The history of photography is marked by continuous innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and
artistic expression. From its humble beginnings with the camera obscura to the digital era, photography has
evolved into a powerful medium that captures and shapes our understanding of the world.

By-
Mr. Rohit Sharma
(Assistant Professor)

KCC Institute of Legal and Higher Education

Greater Noida