PHOTOJOUR

NALISM
An Art of Photography:
Truth or Beauty
Onofre C. Gabatin
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rich Kid
Pabibo
Buwis Buhay
Laging Maganda DP
Boy Scout
 Photojournalism
It is the process
of story telling
using the medium
of photography as
your main story
telling device.
Most of us are familiar with the old adage “A Picture
is Worth a Thousand Words”. Well this is the theory
behind photojournalism.
The Decisive Moment
A creative fraction of a second
when taking picture.

“Once you miss the

moment. It is gone
forever.”
 Techniques in
Photojournalism
 Techniques in Photojournalism
1. THE SUBJECT
It might appear that the physical
object in front of the lens is the
subject.
A good subject and effective
techniques in presenting the subject
is essential for a good photo.
Ways in Presenting
A Good Subject
A. THE RULE OF THIRDS
It is applied by aligning a subject
with the guide lines and their
intersection points, placing the
horizon on the top or bottom line,
or allowing linear features in the
image to flow from section to
section
 B. FRAMING
It is the presentation of visual elements
in an image, especially the placement of
the subject in relation to other objects.
It can add depth to an object. Framing
can make an image more aesthetically
pleasing and keep the viewer’s focus on
the framed object(s).
 C. PATTERNS
Pattern photography utilizes
elements that are repeated. The
repetition of lines, shapes, tones
or color can create interesting
images.
 D. SILHOUETTE
Silhouette photography is defined as
a view of an object or a scene
consisting of the outline that
appears dark against a light
background and featureless interior,
with the silhouetted object usually
being black.
 Techniques in Photojournalism
2. THE CAMERA
The best camera you have is the
camera in your hands.
Photojournalism requires skill in
handling and your camera.
 Techniques in Photojournalism
3. THE
PHOTOGRAPHER
An efficient photojournalist must be
equipped with critical thinking in
applying different concepts and
ideas. In order to be original with
others, he should establish his own
unique identity or style.
Workable Concept
and Style in
Photojournalism
 a. Intertextuality/Bricolage
It is the complex interrelationship
between a text and other texts
taken as basic to the creation or
interpretation of another text.
Something constructed or created
from a diverse range of things.
 b. Organic Whole
In an overall composition, the
meaning is not complete without
all the necessary elements. Parts
of a whole have significance in
forming what you want to convey.
c. Captioning Matters
Even if a picture is worth a
thousand words, it still needs a
caption to draw readers, provide
context and tell the story. A good
photojournalist must also be a
good in captioning.
Photo Captioning
 Captioning Structure

PHOTO

CAPTION SUPPORTING DETAILS

CAPTION
• It should be catchy.
• Avoid stating the obvious elements that
are captured in the image.
• The caption should add context to the
image, not just duplicate what the
reader already sees.
• Be accurate with details and anything
else that might catch a reader’s eye.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
• The supporting details answer the five
wives and one husband.
• Always identify the main subject in the
photograph.
• Whenever possible, use present tense.
This creates a sense of immediacy and
impact.
Priceless Moments. A circle of friends having a coffee
break in a nice café while catching up with each other.
Elements of Photojournalism
1. NARRATIVE
Photojournalism works best if it is presented
as a narrative. The images combine with
other news elements to make facts relatable
to the viewer or reader. The photos should
come with a short write-up or article stating
important facts about the incident or event.
It should tell a story.
Elements of Photojournalism
2. TIMELINESS
The images have meaning in the contest of a
recently published record of events.

3. OBJECTIVITY
The situation implied by the images is a fair
and accurate representation of the events
they depict in both content and tone.
Journalism Photo Structure
Versus
Composition
 Supporting
Details

Main
Subject

TRIANGLE PHOTO
STRUCTURE
 Whole or
Total Package

RECTANGULAR
PHOTO STRUCTURE
 Main
Subject

Supporting
Details

INVERTED TRIANGLE
PHOTO STRUCTURE
 First Details

Second Details

HOURGLASS
PHOTO STRUCTURE
Photojournalism Ethics
Visual journalists and those who manage
visual news productions are accountable for
upholding the following standards:

• Be accurate and comprehensive in the

representation of subjects.
• Resist being manipulated by staged photo
opportunities.
• Be complete and provide context when
photographing or recording subjects.
Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups.
Recognize and work to avoid presenting
one’s own biases in the work.
• Treat all subjects with respect and
dignity. Give special consideration to
vulnerable subjects and compassion to
victims of crime or tragedy.
• Intrude on private moments of grief only
when the public has an overriding and
justifiable need to see.
• While photographing subjects, do not
intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek
to alter or influence events.
• Do not pay sources or subjects or reward
them materially for information or
participation.
• Editing should maintain the integrity of
the photogenic images’ content and
context. Do not manipulate images or add
or alter sound in any way that can mislead
viewers or misrepresent subjects.
• Do not accept gifts, favors, or
compensation from those who might seek
to influence coverage.
• Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts
of other journalists.