Concluding Chapter

Photos By: Haley Pollo

These are the photographs that I had taken at my uncle’s wedding, and I wanted to share them. My family and I had traveled down to be a part of this beautiful day, and I was so honored to be able to capture these memories. This is one of the many weddings that I have photographed, but of course, this one has so much meaning because it is my family. I have photographed numerous special occasions for family, friends, and even strangers. From birthday parties, baby showers, proms, graduations -  weddings are always my favorite events to photograph. I very much enjoy all of the love involved in weddings when two families come together, and being able to continuously share those memories through photographs is extremely important to me. I often think that people don’t realize how special taking pictures truly is, and just how easy it is to take those pictures. We all have cameras on our smartphones; it takes seconds to pull out the camera and capture beautiful moments

such as these! It takes only seconds to share your story. ♥

After creating the many blog posts throughout the semester, I would say that I definitely have a revised definition of photojournalism. At the start of the semester, I thought that photojournalism was just simply photographs taken from important events in history and those photos served as documents. While this still remains true, there is so much more to photojournalism. Throughout the semester, I completed many assignments related to photojournalism and they taught me so much more about the profession and its importance. Photographs are meant to tell a story during a certain period of time, and they are then shared with the world. The photojournalist must act as both the photographer and the journalist. Many people may think that they are simply photographers that happened to be in the right place at the right time, however, I learned that they are photojournalists assigned to take photographs of certain events purposefully, for example, to spread awareness about an issue.

The history of photojournalism is important to learn and understand. It gives insight into how technology has evolved over time and people can appreciate just how far photographic technology has actually come. Photojournalists faced many challenges photographing events in the earlier times, especially women. Not only did they have to face challenges with technology, they had to work to be noticed in a profession dominated by men. As I mentioned earlier, some people do not realize how easy it is to take photographs today. It is so easy to take photographs of special events and share them with the world. Even just to have the memories to share with your close friends and family means everything. Studying the previous struggles with photographic technology definitely makes me appreciate how far we have come.

The first time that I had experienced an "Ah-ha" moment during this course was when I completed the research on what motivates photojournalists. It was interesting to develop a map of my own motivations and compare them to those of photojournalists. I found that a lot of the photojournalists that I studied happened to share the same motivations as me. Most of the photojournalists did not wake up every morning to take photographs just for the money and the fame, which is a common misconception. In fact, they often take the photographs to raise awareness to certain issues that touch their hearts and bring about social change. They give voices to those who lack the ability to share their stories. I think that each one of my motivations would be the same for photojournalists. Most of them want to help others and have a passion for what they are doing. Passion is important because if a person does not truly love what they are doing, the quality of their work will not be great. I have definitely learned this lesson in the real world as well, while working several different jobs.

Photo By: James Nachtwey
Image Source: https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2018/inside-times-decision-to-dedicate-an-entire-issue-to-the-opioid-epidemic/

Another “Ah-ha” moment occurred during the research on ethics in photojournalism. It really made me think about the impact that images have on the world. However, I want to focus on the negative impact that photographs can have as well. I had researched some powerful photographs that are definitely ethically questionable. For example, one of the photographs I came across was taken by Kevin Carter, showing a starving little girl being stalked by a vulture behind her, as she was crawling to get food. Although the photograph was very successful and even won the Pulitzer Prize, it was revealed that Carter did not immediately photograph the little girl. In fact, he waited roughly 20 minutes before capturing the moment, which made people question him about why he didn’t bother helping her, and instead just watched her suffer and become threatened as a target for an animal, as if she were an animal herself. It became obvious to the public that this photograph was only taken for Carter’s job as a professional photojournalist and not to help with the issue. He truly did not pay any mind to this little girl’s well-being, and just stuck around to capture that “perfect” moment. Kevin Carter’s situation with his unethical photograph completely violates my own personal ethics. I strongly believe in being compassionate and caring towards others, especially when they are suffering. This definitely changed my opinion about ethics in photojournalism. I believe that all photojournalists should follow some sort of code of ethics when photographing events such as this. 

Photo By: Kevin Carter
Image Source: https://allthatsinteresting.com/kevin-carter

Do I believe that photographs can change the world? My opinion is that while photographs do not bring about immediate change, they definitely raise awareness about social issues. There are many images that have a strong impact on society. At the beginning of the semester, I thought for sure that photographs can change the world. However, after doing so much research related to photojournalism, I realized that it depends on the viewer of the photograph. What emotions does the photograph bring to the viewer? Does the viewer want to act on the feelings the image brings to them? Social change can only occur if the person actually does something about an issue. I believe that some photographs can leave a large enough impact on someone to make great change, but they have generally just raised awareness to the public.

Photo By: Eddie Adams
Image Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42864421

Photo By: Marc Riboud
Image Source: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-marc-riboud-photographer-of-one-of-history-s-most-iconic-anti-war-images-dead-at-93

Photo By: Malcolm Browne
Image Source: https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/the-burning-monk-1963/

As a "historian" studying the History of Photojournalism, I have come to realize that photojournalism is more than just a picture that has been taken during an important time period to tell a story. Photojournalism requires dedication, motivation, passion, and strength. It takes more than just a camera, film, and an event to represent what photojournalism is. I believe that the history of photojournalism is important to study because many photojournalists are under-appreciated for everything that they do, since many people do not understand their profession and what they are faced with. I have much respect for every individual photojournalist.

Dorothea Lange

Photo by Unknown
Image Source: https://www.biography.com/artist/dorothea-lange

Dorothea Lange was a very well-known and important female photojournalist. She was born on May 26, 1895 in Hoboken, New Jersey. She had a difficult childhood, as she was diagnosed with polio at age 7. She was left noticeably weakened by the disease, and suffered complications all throughout her life. Just before her teen years, her father divorced her mother and abandoned their family. Many events negatively impacted Lange's early years, however, they pushed her to become the inspiration she was as a photojournalist. She went on to graduate from Wadleigh High School for Girls in New York City and continued her education in photography at Columbia University. In 1918, she travelled to San Fransisco, California, along with a female friend, to continue her career in photography.

Dorothea Lange’s most popular photographs were taken while she was working for the California and Federal Resettlement Administration, which is now known as the Farm Security Administration. She worked as a documentary photographer, and her photographs taken during the Great Depression became very well-known. Lange was initially employed by the California and Federal Resettlement Administration to record the Dust Bowl exodus when drought and hard times forced thousands of farm families to move west in search of work. During this assignment, her most popular photograph called “Migrant Mother” had been taken in Nipoma, California. Lange’s photograph of the mother and two children became so well-known because of its impact on society. The image truly shows the struggles that families were dealing with during the Depression. The expression on the mother’s face brings about feelings of sadness and despair. This caused the photo to become so well-known to the public; it brought awareness to those who were struggling to survive during the Great Depression.

Photo By: Dorothea Lange
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Owens_Thompson

This is Dorothea Lange's famous photograph, "Migrant Mother." The obvious main subject of the photo is the mother, since she takes up at least half of the image. She does not look overly posed, and her expression shows feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The background of the two boys leaning on her compliment the photograph as well, definitely making the image more emotional. The black and white color of the photograph also helps set the mood of the image. All of these principles made this photo so popular because it truly speaks for the time period in which this image was taken. Many people were homeless, starving, and struggling to survive.

After working for the California and Federal Resettlement Administration, Dorothea Lange worked for the Office of War Administration and the War Relocation Authority starting in 1942. She was hired to document the internment of Japenese-Americans during the Second World War. For this assignment, she photographed the Japanese-American prisoners. She faced many challenges photographing these subjects because she strongly disagreed with the internment of Japanese-Americans. Once again, Lange took this as an opportunity to spread a message to the world about the problems happening in her country. However, the government ended up censoring many of the images she took in the Japanese-American internment camps.

Photo By: Dorothea Lange
Image Source: https://www.highfaluter.com/dorothea-langes-censored-photos-from-the-u-s-japanese-internment-camps-remind-us-of-an-american-atrocity/

This was one of the photographs taken by Dorothea Lange during the Japanese-American Internment of World War II. This image uses the rule of thirds because the people in line are pictured all the way to the right, and the background fades into the left side. This method guides the viewer's eye through the image. However, the lighting of the photograph is not very bold or dramatic, it is seemingly very dull and flat. The image itself also brings about negative emotions, since it is very similar to a photo one would see of the Holocaust. This photograph may remind viewers of those other horrific internment camps in history, which makes the image much more powerful.

Dorothea Lange worked in the 1920s and 1930s during the Great Depression, which is the time period she had taken her most powerful and well-known photographs. Lange also worked in the 1940s, during the Second World War, where she had photographed the internment of Japanese-Americans. During her time as a photojournalist, female photojournalists were not as well-respected as male photojournalists. A woman photojournalist would not receive the same credit as a male photojournalist, and women had to work much harder to be recognized by the public. Photojournalism was most definitely a profession dominated by men during her time as a photojournalist.

Lange was a highly motivated photojournalist. She had faced many challenges in her lifetime, which began during her childhood years. At just 7 years old, Lange contracted polio, which left her right leg and foot noticeably weakened. Later, however, she felt almost appreciative of the effects the illness had on her life. “It was the most important thing that happened to me, and formed me, guided me, instructed me, helped me and humiliated me,” she said. Just before her teen years, Lange’s parents had divorced, which also had a negative impact on her early life. Due to all of the struggles she went through in her early years, she truly understood the meaning of suffering and felt as if it was her calling to be the voice for those who were struggling. Her childhood experiences had motivated her later on in life to be a photojournalist and help bring change to the world. She believed passionately that those who were pushed to the margins, whose existence had no color, needed to be heard, as well as seen. Dorothea Lange was driven to raise awareness for those who needed a voice.

Photo By: Dorothea Lange
Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/503769908308470035/?lp=true

This is another photograph of a mother during the Great Depression taken by Dorothea Lange. The rough texture of this photograph speaks for the time period in which it was taken, in the 1930s. This is also a simple but meaningful photograph of a mother and child, there is no distracting backgrounds and the image is well-focused on the two main subjects. The image is also contrast-appropriate, and the viewer is able to clearly see the dirt covering the child's face and their shelter. All of these principles add drama to the photograph and make it much more meaningful. 

The type of photographic equipment that Dorothea Lange used was a Graflex camera with a film size of 4x5. This camera was a popular press and sports camera; it was used by most of the photojournalists in the first half of the 20th century. It allowed for the photographer to take photographs without the subject becoming blurry if in motion. Lange used this camera to photograph the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, as well as the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II.

Dorothea Lange faced many ethical dilemmas as a photojournalist during her time. She had faced many challenges while photographing several sensitive historical events. In fact, Lange had photographed people during the worst times in our history. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl were very difficult times that many people struggled through in the United States. It was very difficult for Lange to photograph people suffering during the Depression. Most of these people she had photographed were homeless and starving. However, she wanted to help by photographing them and sharing their stories with the public. Lange had also photographed the internment of the Japanese-Americans during the Second World War, which had made her extremely uncomfortable. She did not agree with this situation at all, and again, she wanted to make a change. Overall, it is not simple to photograph struggling people. It is very uncomfortable for both the photojournalist and the subject.

While photographing the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II, Lange was highly against what the government was doing to the Japanese-American people and thought it was absolutely inhumane. This caused some bias to be present in her photographs. Since Lange did not agree with the internment of Japanese-Americans, her photographs of them made the situation look a lot worse in an attempt to disgust the public and make them do something about the issue. However, the government censored many of her photographs most likely because they did not want the public to know what was going on inside of these internment camps. Therefore, the photographs she had taken at the internment camps would most likely not speak the truth. 

Photo By: Dorothea Lange
Image Source: https://mymodernmet.com/dorothea-lange-japanese-internment-camps/

This photograph was taken in a Japanese-American internment camp, also by Dorothea Lange. The use of lines is very noticeable in this image. All of the people photographed are in straight lines that go all across the image, which guides the viewer's eyes from left to right, then right to left. The buildings in the background are also in lines parallel to each other. The buildings in the background compliment the image as well, showing that the photograph was taken in a Japanese-American Internment camp. However, the image is slightly cluttered since so many things are being photographed at once. The quality of light in this image is also slightly dull, but it definitely speaks for the age of the photograph.

Dorothea Lange was a very important female photojournalist and her images had a major impact on society. She documented many emotional historical events and made the world much more aware of the issues happening in her country. She brought awareness to the millions of people suffering through the Great Depression who had nothing to eat and no place to live. Her most well-known photographs were taken during this time, and are still very much appreciated today. Lange had also brought attention to the Japanese-American prisoners in the internment camps and was able to give a voice to those who were unable to share their stories. She is a major inspiration to many photojournalists, especially female photojournalists.

Lange’s career as a photojournalist can be related to my major in social science at AIC. I plan to graduate from AIC, and further my education to become a social worker. I greatly appreciate all of Lange’s work because I am passionate about making a change in the world as well. Just like Dorothea Lange, I want to be a voice for those who cannot be heard. I have experienced many struggles in my life, and I can relate to the struggles that other people have. I want to do everything in my power to help other people through their problems.

Many people viewed Dorothea Lange as an inspiration for photojournalists around the world. Although she was a female photojournalist, she did whatever it took to be sure that she was recognized. She strived to be the voice for those who were struggling and made sure that their stories were heard by the public. Her images also serve as icons for photojournalism. For example, her photo “Migrant Mother” is one of the photos people most commonly think of when they hear the word “photojournalism.” Dorothea Lange, as well as her photographs, will forever be viewed as icons of photojournalism.

Obituary/Tribute Created By: Haley Pollo

What Motivates Photojournalists

Image Source: What Is A Photojournalist?

Photojournalists as well as the other people that make up the photographic community are our eyes to the world. Whatever it is that motivates each and every one of them to do what they do, they inform us, inspire us, amaze us, and put our world in the broader context of history. According to TIME, being in the photographic community brings great challenges. “Dwindling sales, increased competition and a fragile trust in photographers’ mission to inform - too often, those factors can make those of us in that community, photographers and photo editors alike, lose sight of what drive us.” So, what drives photojournalists to do what they do? Why do they do it? What is photojournalism to them as well as to all of us?

Lynsey Addario

Photo By: Lynsey Addario

Motivation can be described as the need or reason for doing something, and can be characterized by one’s enthusiasm for doing something. Motivation drives people to do what they want and need to do, and simply what they love to do. There are many things that motivate photojournalists to take photographs; each photojournalist is motivated by something different. While some photojournalists may be externally motivated by making money and being rewarded in their careers, others are internally motivated by other things, like Lynsey Addario. Lynsey Addario primarily focuses her work on conflicts and human rights issues, especially the role of women in traditional societies. She is motivated by documenting women’s issues and making changes for women in society. Addario acknowledges that her job requires “great sacrifice.” But when she sees the impact of her work, she finds it impossible to stop doing it.  In the video Lynn Johnson Women in Photojournalism, Johnson explains, “documenting women's issues feels like a responsibility as a woman photographer.” This is an accurate explanation of what motivates Lynsey Addario as a photojournalist. As a woman photojournalist, Addario does whatever it takes to spread information about women’s issues to the world.

Don McCullin

Photo By: Don McCullin

Another photojournalist, Don McCullin, was recognized mainly for his war photography and images of urban conflict. Throughout his career, McCullin examined the underside of society. His photographs largely depicted the unemployed, oppressed, and impoverished. He, too, wanted to make a change through his photojournalism. His motivations did not simply revolved around making money or earning any external rewards. According to McCullin, motivation for photography and photojournalism needs to come from one’s passion and strong feelings about specific topics. McCullin said, “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” McCullin then went on to further explain his motivation for documenting poverty and those less fortunate. Compassion is at the heart of all of his photography. He said, “Photography has given me a life… The very least I could do was try and articulate these stories with as much compassion and clarity as they deserve, with as loud a voice as I could muster. Anything less would be mercenary.” If photojournalists are like Don McCullin and can focus on the passion behind photojournalism rather than external rewards, serious social reform can be possible. After reading the article, Ed Kashi and the Importance of Advocacy Journalism, the question is that while a photograph can inspire people and influence them, do all of them actually create change? Ed Kashi states that he aims for his photography to, "inform viewers but also inspire them to find activist solutions to social problems.” Kashi wanted to see change created from his photography, like McCullin. Their ability to create social change is most important to them.

James Nachtwey carrying a baby girl

Photo By: James Nachtwey

Another photojournalist that is inspired and motivated by change in the world is James Nachtwey. Though he was won several awards for his work, creating change is still what is truly important to him as a photojournalist. Nachtwey has covered conflicts and major social issues in more than 30 countries. Throughout his career, he has devoted himself to documenting wars, conflicts, and critical social issues. In putting himself in the middle of a conflict, his intention is to record the truth, to document the struggles of humanity, and with this, to wake people up and stir them to action. Most importantly, in my opinion, Nachtwey recently focused on a major issue that has been greatly impacting the people of his own country. In 2017, he set out to document the Opioid Crisis in America through the people on its front lines. The photos he had taken were then used to create TIME’s The Opioid Diaries. Since the Opioid Crisis has now become a national emergency in the United States, Nachtwey contributed to gaining urgent attention on the topic. He focused on the stories of individuals suffering and wanted to be their voice by sharing photographs of them. Similar to James Nachtwey, Felix Masi is motivated by being able to tell other people’s stories and the struggles that other people were going through. In the video, Kenyan Photojournalist, Masi says, “I could see pain through my lens but then I could see hope through these people.” Masi believed that through his work, he was helping people gain a voice and get their stories shared with the world. Nachtwey has done the same with the Opioid Crisis, which is a topic that is very important to me.

My Motivation Map

These are the things that motivate me the most. My motivation stems from what I need, what my family needs, what I want, what I don’t want, and what makes me, as well as others, happy. My future, the direction in which I want my life to go, is also very important to me. I work long hours to do what I need to do to make sure my family and I have everything that we need to survive. I also go to school full time so that I can better care for my family and I want to become a social worker so that I can help better the lives of others. I have big dreams and my future life is very important to me. I wake up everyday ready to take a step closer to get my family and I where we want to be so that we can live our fullest, happiest lives. In comparison to what motivates me, some photojournalists may be motivated only by money, for example. However, others are more motivated by leaving an impact on others and being the voice for other people. I am motivated by external rewards, such as money, simply for survival needs and to care for my family. On the other hand, I am also motivated by internal rewards, such as being happy and feeling accomplished, which are two motivational factors that many photojournalists can relate to. Many photojournalists, such as the three that I researched, find happiness in caring for others and feel accomplishment by giving voices to the less fortunate.

Photojournalism and Bias

Tears stream down the cheeks of accordion-playing Chief Petty Officer (USN) Graham Jackson as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's flag-draped funeral train leaves Warm Springs, Ga., April 13, 1945.
Photo By: Ed Clark

This photograph of Chief Petty Officer Graham W. Jackson playing the song “Goin’ Home” on his accordion with tears streaming down his face at Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s funeral is a perfect example of an image that represents the truth. I believe that the photographer, Ed Clark, took this photograph to capture the nation’s grief and true emotions felt by the citizens of our country at the time of his death. He was a greatly valued president, as he was the only man elected four times to the nation’s highest office. He had done so much for his country, and would be sorely missed, which is expressed very well in this photo. FDR was highly involved with civil rights in the United States, making the photograph even more powerful, emotional, and real, since a grieving African American man is the main subject. Viewers of this photo can truly feel the nation’s loss. Millions and millions of people loved him dearly, and this photograph definitely shows the truth behind the loss of FDR - the true sadness of that moment endures in history.

Obvious Main Subject: The main subject takes up around 1/2 of the photograph, so he would be considered an obvious main subject. He occupies mainly the left side of the photo. He is also up close and in focus, while the background is slightly blurred and seemingly further behind him.

Subject’s Expression: The main subject’s expression greatly impacts this photograph. It sets the mood of the photo, and expresses the feelings of great loss and sadness. The tears streaming down the subject’s face tells the story of the photograph.

Black and White: This photograph was taken during a time when color was not an easy option. Therefore, the picture is in black and white. In my opinion, the black and white compliments the photograph because this, too, sets the mood and also speaks for the time period in which it was taken.

Image Source: The New Yorker

This photograph represents the truth to me, especially because it hits so close to home. The opioid crisis in America is a major issue that is completely misunderstood and ignored by so many. It has been a problem that’s been rapidly growing for nearly two decades and is getting out of control. While the president plans to declare the Opioid Crisis a national emergency, the reaction to this has been consistently muted. Many people see images such as this one and probably brush it off, mainly because people have become much less empathetic towards addicts. As it is mentioned in How Photos Fuel the Spread of Fake News, such images can reinforce existing prejudices. However, after reading the article What are the Four Ways of Knowing, I knew that this image spoke the truth based on my sense perception and emotion/intuition. According to the article, you know certain things because you can see and perceive them yourself. Also, you know certain things because you feel them emotionally. Opioid addiction is an issue that I have experienced in my own family and the topic brings tears to my eyes; this is why this image is so real to me. The introductory article on Yellow Photojournalism states that “some of the Journal’s most notable exclusives came close to home.” This image truly expresses the horror of seeing your loved one - a wife, husband, brother, sister, son, daughter, best friend, anyone near and dear to your heart - being taken away in a body bag after losing the battle to addiction. There are no words to describe the pain I felt losing my brother to this awful disease, but this image does speak the truth about the loss of a loved one in this terrible epidemic.

Black and White: At the time when this photograph was taken, color was the original form of this photo. However, the photographer chose to change the image to black and white. This adds a dramatic effect to the photograph and also sets the depressing mood expressed in the photo.

Feelings Created by the Image: All of the people in the photograph are either looking down, sad, or crying. The feeling created by this image is definitely sadness. All of the subjects are grieving the loss of the man or woman in the body bag.

Background Compliments Photo: While the main subjects are grieving the loss of their loved one, the police officers, medical team, and other family members in the background are as well. The background adds to the emotions created by this photograph. It is all of their expressions that make the photo more powerful and meaningful.

Image Source: DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ON ADDICTION AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

This photo shows voters in the 2020 presidential race pressing the Democratic presidential candidates to address the issue of the Opioid Crisis. People in this photo are holding up signs saying things like, “treatment is effective” and “people recover,” however, it is not that simple. I know this because I have first-hand experience with the crisis and have gained a lot of knowledge about the issue. According to What are the Four Ways of Knowing, "you know certain things because you can apply logics and reasoning…rationalists consider reason and logics so important, that they say that all sources of our knowledge comes from our ability to use reasoning." Therefore, this photo does not represent the truth to me because a lot more needs to be done to put an end to the epidemic. As I mentioned before, people are not doing their part. Most people ignore the issue due to the stigma associated with the Opioid Crisis. Most of these protesters think that they are making a change, when in reality, they are just being ignored. As it is mentioned in the article, How Photos Fuel the Spread of Fake News, most people believe a photograph represents reality. However, this photograph is the opposite of reality. The federal government needs to provide more funding toward the education and prevention of the opioid crisis. Also, the accessibility to opioids needs to be reduced. Most importantly, the access and quality of treatment needs to be improved greatly. All of these things need to be taken seriously - wishful thinking. On that note, this photograph does not speak the truth, in my opinion.

Color: This photograph is kept in color. It has a lot of bright colors that draw in the viewer’s attention. All of the participants are also wearing brightly colored clothing that adds to the brightness of the photo.

Subjects’ Expression: All of the subjects in the photo appear very serious and passionate about the topic. It adds to the seriousness of the photograph and says that a change needs to be made. Some even appear sad, most likely because they have a lot of experience with this issue.

Depth of Field: I feel that a lot is missing from this photograph. Not the right amount is in focus, and appears as if most of the photo has been cut off at the bottom. The image uses a very shallow depth of field.

The Ethics of Photojournalism

The National Press Photographer’s Association (NPPA), an american professional society made up of photographers, videographers, editors, and journalists, is highly concerned with the importance of ethics of photojournalism. According to the NPPA, Visual journalists operate as trustees of the public, and their primary goal is to report visually on important events happening in our world. It is their responsibility to document society and to preserve its history through images. While photographic images can reveal the truth, spread messages to the public about important issues taking place in our world, and inspire people, photographs that are intrusive, manipulated, or untrue can cause more harm than good. 

Photo By: Nathan Weber
Image Source: Photojournalism Code of Ethics

The NPPA acknowledges the concern for ethics in photojournalism and has created a code of ethics which are “intended to promote the highest quality in all forms of visual journalism and to strengthen public confidence in the profession. It is also meant to serve as an educational tool both for those who practice and for those who appreciate photojournalism.” According to the NPPA, photojournalists and others involved in visual journalism should follow these specific code of ethics and are responsible for keeping up with these standards in their work:

1. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.

2. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.

6. Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

7. Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.

8. Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.

9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

10. Do not engage in harassing behavior of colleagues, subordinates or subjects and maintain the highest standards of behavior in all professional interactions.

In my opinion, photojournalists should follow the same code of ethics as everyone else. Therefore, I appreciate the code of ethics created by the NPPA. It is important for photojournalists to have specific guidelines to follow, especially when entering a work environment that may not be ideal. In other words, when photojournalists find themselves taking on an assignment that involves them being in areas of conflict, challenging the ethics of photojournalism, having a code of ethics to follow is very helpful in these situations. 

Photo By: Kevin Carter
Image Source: Photojournalism Ethical Crisis

I had researched some powerful photographs that are definitely ethically questionable. For example, one of the photographs I came across was taken by Kevin Carter, showing a starving little girl being stalked by a vulture behind her, as she was crawling to get food. Although the photograph was very successful and even won the Pulitzer Prize, it was revealed that Carter did not immediately photograph the little girl. In fact, he waited roughly 20 minutes before capturing the moment, which made people question him about why he didn’t bother helping her, and instead just watched her suffer and become threatened as a target for an animal, as if she were an animal herself. It became obvious to the public that this photograph was only taken for Carter’s job as a professional photojournalist and not to help with the issue. He truly did not pay any mind to this little girl’s well-being, and just stuck around to capture that “perfect” moment. What makes this case so interesting and shocking is the fact that Carter actually received so much criticism about the photograph that all of the guilt and depression ultimately lead him to committing suicide a year later.

Kevin Carter’s situation with his completely unethical photograph completely violates my own personal ethics. I strongly believe in being compassionate and caring towards others, especially when they are suffering. I could not imagine seeing someone helpless in front of my own eyes, and not stop what I am doing to help. From one human being to another, I would have absolutely stepped in and took the girl to a safer environment. Also, as a devoted mother to my child, it would be completely inhumane and unethical for me to leave another child in danger. Therefore, I believe that the way Kevin Carter photographed this little girl would violate nearly everyone’s personal ethics because it is safe to say that most people’s personal ethics and values, including mine, consist of respect, responsibility, and being caring and compassionate towards others.

My Ethics Map

Trials and Triumphs

Image Source: https://www.apag.us/charlotte-brooks/

Obvious Main Subject: This photograph of Charlotte Brooks is a close-up. She is the obvious main subject in the photo because she takes up most of the photograph.

Black and White: This image is in black and white, which was obviously not the photographer’s choice because color was not an option when this photograph of Charlotte Brooks was taken. The black and white image, therefore, speaks for the age of the photo.

Texture: The texture of this photograph is grainy. The texture of the photo also speaks for the time period in which this picture was taken, along with the black and white color.

Why I Chose This Image: I chose this image of Charlotte Brooks because it was the best photograph of her. It shows her holding her camera, which was very important to her, since photography was her passion. This image perfectly compliments a description of her.

Charlotte Brooks (born Charlotte Finkelstein) was a photojournalist born in New York City who worked for Look magazine from 1951-1971. She was a sociologist as well as a photojournalist, therefore she liked to document changes in American life, including politics, health and science, education, families, urban and suburban issues, entertainment, racial conflicts, and women’s roles. Her story is quite incredible because she achieved her objectives at a time when her gender, religious background, and sexual preference presented her with major challenges.

Brooks was the only long-term woman staff photographer in Look magazine’s nearly 50-year run. She felt as if she was accepted as “one of the guys.” While most of her contemporary female colleagues were confined to soft news and the women’s pages, Brooks covered the same kinds of issues as the men photographers. Her 450 photographic assignments for Look magazine form a two-decade long sociological survey of the United States.

Brooks did not immediately want to become a photojournalist. She faced many struggles in her past that led her to the realization that photojournalism was her calling. After graduating high school, Brooks attended Brooklyn College and changed her surname from “Finkelstein” to “Brooks” to avoid anti-Semitism. The surname “Brooks” was derived from her grandmother’s maiden name, “Eisenbruch.” She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and went on to graduate school to become a Clinical Psychologist. She was discouraged by many professors, when she was singled out and told that “you people (Jews) are suppose to be intelligent.” She then tried to transfer into a social work program, and remembered being warned, “We have a quota for people of your kind.” Frustrated, Brooks turned to her favorite activities, one of them being photography. In exchange for free admission to Berenice Abbott's photography class at the New School for Social Research, she reluctantly agreed to pose in the nude for art classes.

Two days a week, Brooks worked at Barbara's home studio in Scarsdale, New York. When she picked up a camera there to make some outdoor shots on her own, Brooks experienced what she referred to as "buck fever," comparing herself to a jittery, inexperienced hunter anticipating her first kill. Photography, she realized, was her calling. From that point on she devoted her life to it. Brooks was largely self-taught as a photographer, but also studied other photographers' work to broaden her own approach. Brooks loved being a photojournalist, however, she struggled to live on such intermittent income. Desperate for income, Brooks joined her family's business, manufacturing ladies' sportswear but knew her services were unnecessary. She became depressed and agonized about how to go on with photography. 

In 1951, Brooks then scored an interview at Look magazine through her network of friends, and she accepted a job. Coming out every other week, Look emphasized in-depth feature stories and also presented such controversial topics as the labor movement, segregation, and mental health. Brooks, as a sociologist with a camera, was very interested in such topics. Look's focus on middle class life suited Brooks well. She enjoyed showing how people lived because that was exactly the kind of topic that had motivated her earlier to pursue social work. Her work also enabled her, from a recent immigrant family, to observe the American way of life. In 1953, she negotiated hard to change the gender differential in pay, an issue that is still ongoing. Simply being a female magazine staff photographer in that era set Brooks apart, and she was highly successful.

Image Source: https://www.halt.org/types-of-workplace-discrimination/

Rule of Thirds: The photograph is divided into thirds, which guides the eye through the photo from left to right. The main subject is to the left, with a background that fades off to the right side behind her, making the image more dramatic.

Subject’s Expression: The main subject in the photo clearly looks saddened by the situation, most likely because the man behind her is getting the job. Her expression sets the mood of the photograph and makes it meaningful.

Background Compliments: The background in this photograph is faded out but it compliments the photo overall and adds the meaning of the picture. Without the background, the photo would not describe the situation. 

Why I Chose This Image: I chose this image because it perfectly describes workplace discrimination against women. The men behind her are shaking hands because the employer had given the job to the male applicant and he has accepted the job. The women, who is the main subject, is clearly upset by the situation and her emotions are captured in this photograph, making it perfect to use when speaking of workplace discrimination.

Professor Nordell says, "I believe that women photojournalists, along with women in many different professions, have encountered barriers, unlike any of their male counterparts have endured." This is definitely true, but to an extent. Workplace gender discrimination comes in many different forms, but generally it means that an employee or a job applicant is treated differently or less favorably because of their sex or gender, or because the person is affiliated with an organization or group that is associated with a particular sex or gender.  Even though the words “sex” and “gender” have different meanings, laws against discrimination at work often use them interchangeably. Workplace discrimination against women is probably most commonly seen and noticed, and is still an issue today. However, it is not just women who are discriminated in the workplace.

Discrimination in the workplace, today, usually occurs when jobs do not hire someone or pay them less because of their sex. For example, it is common for women in some jobs get paid less than men do even though they both hold the same exact job title. However, sometimes, even men can also be discriminated in the workplace, not just women. For example, men may be held to higher standards or be evaluated more harshly, or given harder work to do just because they’re men, who are thought to be stronger than women. 

The Art of Photojournalism

Photo By: Marc Riboud

Year Created: 1967

Rule of Thirds: The main subject of the photograph is at the far right of the frame. If she was centered, the photo would be much less dramatic and the viewer would not be able to see the other subjects in the photo, just the weapons pointing at the woman. The rule of thirds guides the viewer's eyes through this photo.

Texture: The image is grainy and rough-looking in texture around the woman in the front of the photo, also creating a dramatic effect. The photo also almost fades out into a smooth blur behind her in the background. The age of the photo can also be determined by this type of texture.

Use of Lines: The lines working with the rule of thirds in this image draw attention to the main subject of the photo. Along with the photo being divided into thirds, with the subject at the far right, the use of lines also guides the viewer's eyes from the left to right side where the main subject is, in this particular photograph.

Why I Chose This Image: The main subject of this photo is an American female protesting during the Vietnam War. Females protesting during this time period was considered a brave action, making the image very powerful, which I greatly appreciate. The photojournalist captured the innocence but also courage of this woman; it is an emotional photograph. 

Photo By: Dorothea Lange

Year Created: 1936

Obvious Main Subject: The main subject takes up most of this photograph. Very little of the image is background. This particular photo is a major close-up of the woman and children leaning on her.

Black and White: This image is in black and white only, which was not the photographer's choice. Photos were only taken in black and white during this time period, however, it definitely works well with this photograph. The lack of color sets the depressing mood for this image and also keeps the seriousness within the photograph.

Subject's Expression: The main subject in this photograph appears to be relaxed and does not necessarily pose for the photographer. Even though this picture is a close-up, it almost seems as if the photographer is not noticed by the subject. The subject's body language and facial expression also speaks for the Great Depression time period. 

Why I Chose This Image: This photo is the icon for photojournalism, in my opinion. This particular photograph comes to my mind when I hear or think of the word "photojournalism." This picture has always been meaningful to me since I have known of it.

Photo By: John Reekie

Year Created: 1865

Texture: The texture of this photograph is grainy and rough, which creates a dramatic effect and also speaks for the time period in which the photo was taken. The texture tells the viewer the setting and age of the photograph.

Background Compliments: The background of this particular photo helps complete the picture as a whole. Behind the main subject, there are men digging for the burial of the corpses. The details of this photo make much more sense with the background in addition to the main subject with the corpses in front of him.

Feelings Created By Image: This image would immediately capture the attention of many because of its shocking and disturbing content. The sight of the skulls and other parts of the dead bodies is very hard to see and would bring many negative emotions to viewers. This photograph is definitely one that would create a lasting impact on people based on the feelings or emotions it creates.

Why I Chose This Image: I was immediately shocked when I came across this photograph. It was very disturbing to me to see the dead bodies, however, it truly speaks for the Civil War time period in which the photo was taken, which I found rather interesting. This particular photo was taken at the site of a massive battle, and it is a raw image of what war really looks like.

Can Photographs Change the World?

Young man finds out his brother was killed photo credits: Nhat V. Meyer

 This photograph of a young man sobbing and holding his chest after finding out his brother had been stabbed to death during an altercation in San Jose, California, had a great impact on me personally. When I look at the expression on the young man’s face and his body language in the photo, I can picture myself in this position a few months back, when I lost my sister. After hearing from the doctors that my sister had not survived being hit by a drunk driver while she was walking to the store, my family and I were instantly overwhelmed with sadness; an indescribable amount of pain that I have never felt in my lifetime. When I look at this photo of the young man hearing about the loss of his brother, it instantly takes me back to that time; my family and I sitting in the consult room at Baystate Medical Center, having to hear the news about my beloved sister’s passing. This photo did not only impact me greatly; I can feel this photograph.

In June of 1963, Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk Thích Quang Duc burned himself to death at a busy intersection in Saigon. 

Photo by Malcolm Browne 1963

In my opinion, photography does not necessarily change the world. However, I believe that photos can change people’s views on certain things, how they perceive things, bring awareness to issues going on in the world, and impact people emotionally. Photos are much more powerful than words because a photo provides evidence of things that people need to see to believe something. Though the world itself cannot be changed with photography, people themselves can be swayed by a photograph if it greatly means something to them. Strong opinions on certain topics can be formed; any social injustices can be addressed to the world with the power of a photograph.
A photo that had a great impact on the world, for example, is the Burning Monk, taken by photojournalist Malcolm Browne in June of 1963. The photograph shows Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc burning himself to death in the center of an intersection in the busy city of Saigon. This was done in protest to the South Vietnamese Diem regime’s pro-catholic policies and discriminatory Buddhist laws. There was an outrage over the banning of the Buddhist flag as well, causing such negative reaction. Browne had captured the scene in Saigon for the Associated Press, which ended up becoming an iconic photograph and brought a lot of attention.
Many people around the world were shocked by the black and white photograph; it made many feel very emotional, and some angered.  It has also been said that this protest may have been the reason that the United States got involved in the Vietnam War.

What is Photojournalism Exactly?

Don't tell my kids that my profession doesn't exist. They'd wonder what I do all day... (Photo by Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

       Photojournalism defined is the process of using photography as a main story-telling device. The reason why it is considered to be “photo” journalism is because a regular journalist would use just simply pen and paper to tell stories, while the photojournalist uses their camera to capture the visual representation of a story (Icon Photography School). Photojournalism is a very powerful, unique, and interesting form of storytelling. Rather than just reading a words off of a piece of paper or a screen and having to imagine what is going on inside your head, you can see what is going on right in front of your eyes through a photograph. 

Photojournalists usually travel to take pictures for news articles, magazines, social media, etc. These photos can then be used to either tell the stories themselves, or provide visual images that accompany a news article. A photojournalist’s job is much more complicated than just taking photographs. They are also responsible for editing the photos they take and preparing them for publication (Photojournalism: How to Become a Photojournalist). Besides all of this, most of them risk their lives and enter dangerous situations to even capture these visuals just so we can have another important piece of history. However, why are people so interested in studying history? Why is it so important?

Photojournalist of the Year, large market: John Thompson, a close friend of Philando Castile, castigated St. Anthony police for the death of his coworker, a person he called a "brother." Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Basically, history is like the window into the past. In order to understand the present, understanding the past is key. History is so important because it allows us to make more sense of the current world. Analyzing history strengthens our critical thinking skills and helps us solve problems in the present by applying information from the past. History also keeps us informed on current events as they unfold. 

History also helps us to appreciate multiple perspectives and interpretations. History offers so much information about how people and societies behave. It gives us an understanding of other people and cultures. History is important in our owns lives personally, too, since learning about events in the past is interesting and gives us the excitement of discovery (Why Study History?).