In one of my articles, I wrote that as a budding photographer, shooting all genres of photography will help you expand your skill set before you become an expert in one. Yes! it’s true because at the end of it all you will only become good at doing one particular type of photography. Photojournalism/documentary photography is one aspect of photography that I really have passion for and I will run you through the definition, characteristics, etc. of photojournalism.
PHOTOJOURNALISM
Photo (photograph) is explained as using light to draw an image. i.e every image taken or you see out there are produced with the help of light. While journalism involves the collection of event news for presentation through the media, this can be any form of media either for publication, radio, television etc.
Photojournalism is the act of compiling strong images to tell stories; it is the process of telling stories using photography as a medium through which the story can be told. A journalist puts their pen on paper to tell stories while a photographer uses the camera to capture or document a visual representation of the story.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PHOTOJOURNALIST
- CURIOUSITY: One main thing about photojournalists is the curious mind they posses, they have a curious child like mind about events and things happening around the world. Mostly for me, I always want to find a new perspective even if I have been to or traveled to a place or an environment, it poses new ideas and breath-taking stories.
- WANDERLUST: I haven’t traveled much but if there’s an opportunity to do that I will. Now photojournalists go the extra mile not minding the dangers and how far it may take them away from their family. We take the unimaginable risk and follow each story, exploring, connecting and meeting people from different cultures.
- COMPASSION: Photojournalism is about capturing candid moments, not just moments but moments that can be referred to in years to come. However, this does not mean that photojournalists are detached, stealthy observers hiding behind a lens. Great photojournalists have an innate ability to connect with people, reaching out across the borders and boundaries of race, age, ethnicity, and language.
- CONFIDENCE: The ability to take dreadful risks in unpleasant situations to tell stories of people, places and things. Photojournalism is not for the timid. It might not be a war you’re photographing, but even capturing street moments requires a lot of confidence. The best images usually aren’t taken from behind a pillar in the shadows. I have documented a protest where there’s shooting and firing of tear gases. Photojournalists don’t call attention to themselves, but they don’t shy away from putting themselves in the best position to get the best shots.
- CREATIVITY: All photographers are creatives. They have the ability to be able to know when to click and position themselves to capture the best shot that tells the desired story. Every photojournalist must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera.
