Sunday, February 15, 2015

The Art of Photojournalism

Photo by John Reekie
Year Created: 1865

Principle 1: Is the image black & white or color?
The image is black & white. The photographer did not have an option during this time. However, I think that the black & white color fits the photograph well. It adds more drama and I think that color would have taken away from the photograph. The image gives off a morbid feel and I think that the black and white adds to the drama of the photograph. 

Principle 2: Background compliments or detracts from composition
The background of this photograph compliments the composition. The background of this image contains four men digging. The focus of the image is not on these men and I feel as if they fade the further back the image is. Also, the men in the background are a big part of the image. They are digging the graves for the dead bodies in front of them. It really aids in understanding what is truly going on in this image. 

Principle 3: In or Out of Focus
The image is out of focus and is not sharp. It is easiest to see the dead bodies in the front of the image than the bodies of the men digging in the background. The photographic processes that were used when this photograph was taken were not as advanced as they are today. I think that it is expected that photographs that are this old would be out of focus because of the technology. It also adds a sense of somberness and mystery because you cannot carefully distinguish facial features of the men. 

Why Did I Choose the Image?:
I chose this image because I found the forefront of the image to be compelling. After researching the photograph, I found out that the men in the background were digging graves for fallen Union soldiers. I found it interesting that the man in the front of the image, next to the dead bodies, does not have emotion on his face. It seems as if he has removed himself from the situation completely and is just doing his job of digging the graves. I also like the historical content of the photograph. 

Photo by Robert Capa
Year Created: 1936

Principle 1: Rule of Thirds
The photographer placed the subject in the outer left third of the photograph if you slice it vertically. The photographer avoided placing the subject in the middle of the frame, but still managed to get every important element of the scene in the frame. I think that if the subject was placed in the middle of the frame, it would not be as dramatic and there would be a lot of unused space on the outside of the man. Also, it looks as if the man is falling backwards towards the left, so I think that placing him in the corner is appropriate. 

Principle 2: Obvious Main Subject 
The main subject takes up the majority of the image. I would say about half of the image is the man. There is nothing else in the image besides landscape, but it is not very clear. The mans gun hugs the edge of the photograph as well as his shoes. However, the photographer managed to keep the majority of the subject in the frame. If certain objects were left out, such as the gun, the image would lead people to assume different theories as to what is happening. The gun signifies that there is some type of danger involved. 

Principle 3: What Feelings Does The Image Create?
The image creates a feeling of vulnerability and a sense of loss. The photograph is of the death of a Loyalist soldier in Spain. The image captured my attention because the subject seems like he was putting up a fight before succumbing to unfriendly fire. Although he was shot, it doesn't seem like he went down without a fight. The image also creates a feeling of tenacity. 

Why Did Choose the Image?: 
I chose this image because it was not a typical war photograph. You are unable to see who shot the man and he does not look like he is in traditional war garb. When I saw the image, I was immediately drawn to the gun in the mans hand. I did not realize that he was a soldier until I looked into the background information on the image. I was curious as to why the man was being shot and where the photograph was taken. The background of the image does not give the viewer an idea of where the photograph was taken because of the lack of detail. 

Photo by Lisa Larsen
Year Created: 1953


Principle 1: Subject's Expression

The expression of the two main subjects are fitting for the type of photograph that was taken. This image was captured on the wedding day of John & Jackie Kennedy. They do not look overly posed and the photograph looks very natural. There is a sense of overwhelming joy coming from the smile on Jackie Kennedy's face and I think that the photographer truly captured a joyous moment in time judging by the subject's expression. 

Principle 2: Use of Lines
Although it might not be obvious, the use of a diagonal line draws the attention of the photograph into the subject. The table and chairs that are set up for the wedding create a line that is formed in the background of the photograph and that is drawn inward towards the subjects. The sense of symmetry that is created by the chairs and the table makes the background less cluttered and specifically draws the attention onto The Kennedy's.

Principle 3: Keep it Simple
The composition of the image is very simple and is not cluttered. The photograph was taken on The Kennedy's wedding day. It is expected that the wedding reception would be organized and presented in a presidential manner. The chairs create a symmetry which add to the simplicity of the photograph. The background of the image is very simple and all of the focus is on the two main subjects in the front. If there was a lot going on in the background of the image it would take away from the photograph.

Why Did I Choose the Image: 
I saw this picture and instantly wanted to use it for my blog post. The look that Jackie Kennedy is giving John Kennedy is a look that stands the test of time and can be seen in wedding photographs today. I think that it beautifully captures the wedding day. I enjoy history and find John Kennedy's era very captivating.

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