Changes in Photographic Technology

          The rapid advancement of technology has majorly changed the way people take pictures and view images. Digital technology and social media have revolutionized photography, making it easier for people to share images with the rest of the world. As Professor Nordell says in his video, “Facebook if by land, tweet if by sea.” Throughout history, we have used different kinds of photographic technology to take pictures of images that evoke emotions and tell stories. Cameras, as well as other equipment necessary to produce the perfect shot have helped capture key moments in history, and have impacted how people view the world. As photographer Bob Capa once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” The evolution of photography has changed the way photojournalists are able to take pictures, allowing them to be closer to the action. This change has created a more dominant role for photojournalism in mainstream media.

            Cameras have radically changed throughout history, and new advances in technology have allowed modern day cameras to capture crystal clear images. However, in earlier years, cameras did not have the same features as they do today, making it harder to take a perfect shot. In May of 1959, the 35 mm Single Lens Reflex camera was developed, and helped improve the way photojournalists took pictures. Unlike any other camera of its time, the 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera, as author Rene Smith explains, “use[s] a mirror and prism system to allow photographers to accurately see the image that will be captured. This system uses one optical light path whereas previous cameras had two, one through the lens to the film and the other to the viewfinder.” This camera gave photographers the chance to see images at eye level, directly through the lens and also allowed them to change the lenses. Photographers were able to capture images as they truly were. The 35mm SLR camera, which contains a 35 millimeter film, was made to be lightweight and easy to use.

            The 35 mm Single Lens Reflex camera had a major impact on photojournalism, by allowing photojournalists to take more accurate pictures that could be shared with the world. Since the camera was more compact and lightweight, photojournalists were able to take photos of people or events instantly without having to lug around heavy equipment. Unlike the SLR cameras, the earlier photojournalists, as author Eric Niiler explains, needed “an entire wagon worth of equipment and chemicals… Each time they moved, they had to secure bottles of chemicals and plate,” "Each time they stopped, it had to be level.”’ With the invention of this new hassle free camera, it allowed for photojournalists to travel to different places and capture images, all while storing their camera in their bag. The 35 mm Single Lens Reflex allows a photojournalist to be where the action is, and as Arthur Feligg says in the video, “Quality does matter, especially since our reputation is staked behind it. But we still need to be there, and we still need to get the shot. Otherwise, we’ve got nothing.” When trying to take a picture, photojournalists try to capture images that show the truth, no matter the place or time. The 35 mm Single Lens Reflex camera gave photojournalists the ability to take shots using different lenses. As Professor Nordell explains in his video, this camera had “the ability to have different lens, and the technology and film changed so you can take pictures in areas where it was darker, which was a great help for photojournalists. Also with these lenses some were really wide angled so if you were in a tight space you could take a shot…some are much longer... if you can’t get close to a subject.” Having a camera that gives you the ability to change lenses makes it easier to get a shot, especially if you cannot be up close to the action. Photojournalists were able to take photos like never before with this camera and it did not matter the location of the event. This camera also allowed the photographer to see an image as it really was. As author Tom Davis says, “the scene that is projected on the film is exactly what you saw through the viewfinder.” This changed photojournalism because people were able to see exactly what the photojournalist saw when taking a picture. The photos taken were not distorted and these photos gave people a real perception of the conflict or event.

             With all the modern day advancements in photographic technology, it is hard to imagine what it would be like taking a picture using an old camera. Nowadays, people are so use to using their phones as cameras, that they are able to take pictures anytime they want. When taking the picture of the sunset on the lake, it was super easy and convenient because all I had to do was pull out my IPhone and hold it up to the landscape. By just pressing on my phone once, the camera adjusted the lighting and focused the image all by itself. It was so easy and fast to take the picture and I was able to view it right away. If I had tried to take the picture using a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex camera, I think it would have been much more difficult. First off, since it was getting dark outside, I would have had to put a different lens on the camera that was specifically designed for night time. I would have also had to adjust the focus on the camera, as well as possibly zoom in or out. Since the camera takes 35 mm film, I would have had to wait to get my negatives developed to see the picture I took. However, both types of cameras are easily portable and do not take up much space, which allows photojournalists to travel the world and document what is occurring.

Photo By Burt Glinn 

Image Source: http://www.burtglinn.com/Favorites.html

Photo by Brittany Burnett

Shot on an IPhone

Can A Photo Change the World?

        Photos allow us to have insight into what is happening around the world, and therefore help us to visualize the truth. Although photos may not directly impact the world, I do believe that they play a major role in helping us understand and connect to the situation or conflict that is occurring. As Jonathan Klein explains in his video, “images themselves do not change the world, but we are also aware that since the beginning of photography, images have provoked reactions in people, and those reactions have caused change to happen.” Photos can help create a better understanding and connection to the event that is happening, making us emotionally invested. People may not know how serious a situation might be until they see an image of it. An image has the power to evoke a variety of emotions, which can greatly impact a person. All it takes is one photo to make someone want to help make a change happen. 

            A photo can be viewed in different ways and may have an impact on one person, but not another. As photographers Gary and Anita Fender say, "It is, in the end, a personal relationship between viewer and image. The power of a picture is in the mind of the beholder.” When looking at a photo, the image may truly resonate with someone, causing them to want to take action, and help change the situation. Without the photo, the person may have never know about the conflict, and therefore would have no connection to it. A photo helps spark the emotionally interest in an event, and as writer Susie Linfield says, it helps “create our moral and political consciousness and even, sometimes, to determine our actions.” Photos have the ability to shape our perception of the world and allow us to make sense of what is going on in different countries.

            Although a photo may not change the world directly, it can impact a person’s life and how they view the world around them. Personally, photos have a big impact on how I view things and can spark emotions that I would not have if reading from text. One photo that has personally affected me is Eric Miller’s photo of a group of students learning under a tree in Mozambique, South Africa. This photo truly spoke to me because it was so heartbreaking to see the children having to learn under a tree with no textbooks, pencils, or desks. In the photo, there are roughly 50 students who are crowded around one chalk board to learn information being taught by only one teacher. As a future teacher, it is hard to imagine not being able to have a classroom full of textbooks and equipment that is necessary to teach students. This picture shows the lack of quality of education and resources in third world countries. Everyday we hear about how schools in the United States are suffering from budget cuts and are not given the proper tools to teach our students. When looking at this photo, it is hard for me to see how we can complain, seeing how other countries have so little. I think that sometimes we forget how lucky we are to have schools and the necessary tools to teach our children. This photo has truly impacted the way I view schools in America, and makes me want to teach students in other countries, who have nothing. Photos such as Eric Miller’s, have made me want to help others and possibly join an organization such as Teachers Without Borders. This photo makes me cherish what I have and I feel blessed to have had the resources to get me educationally to where I am today.

            Everyday, the newspapers, magazines, and television use images to convey a meaningful or powerful message about current events that are happening around the world. However, most people do not wonder if the media is censoring what images we see or not. In an article by Ashley Lutz, she explains that, “Media has never been more consolidated. 6 media giants now control a staggering 90% of what we read, watch, or listen to.” These companies have the power to censor anything they deem too graphic or violent, and therefore we are sometimes not seeing the whole side to a story. People only see what the companies want them to see and this can cause people to become unaware of how serious a situation may really be. Luckily though, citizen journalists are on the rise, using social media sites, such as Twitter, Instagram, and blogs, to share their photos about current events that are happening all around us. You no longer have to be a professional photojournalist to get images out to the world. As author Katie Hawkins-Gaar says, “many are regular people who simply felt compelled to share their stories with the world.” People want to be able to photograph the truth and show the world the reality of situations. People are very interested and concerned about different conflicts that are happening, and citizen journalism is a great way to keep everyone informed on current events.

            Photos that are shared by both professional photojournalists and citizen photojournalists can have a great impact on the world. I agree with author Joan Gage when she says, “Photographs have a unique ability to move us and drive us to take action, …reporters and editors should never have to apologize for showing us the truth of what they see.” One photo that has changed the world is Sean Adair’s photo of the Twin Towers erupting in flames on September 11, 2001. This photo really put things into perspective for Americans and showed that there are people who are trying to hurt us. People became a lot more aware about how serious the problem of terrorism is. I think that people look back at this photo and become more humble and grateful for their loved ones and the ones they have lost. It reminds us to never forget all the brave people who risked their lives that day and every day since. I believe that this photo reminds everyone of exactly what unfolded on September 11, and evokes a lot of emotions, not just in America, but worldwide.  Horrific events can happen at anytime, to anyone, and when you least expect it. This photo helps show people that we are human beings and that even though we may think we are invincible, we are not. This photo will live on in history, having captured an event that forever changed our lives.

Photo By Eric Miller

Image Source: https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/1432/an-objective-analysis/

Photo By Sean Adair

Image Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2011/09/911-the-day-of-the-attacks/100143/

What is Photojournalism?

            A photo has the ability to tell a story and allows people to see first hand an event or conflict that is happening in the world. As writer Shona Sanzgiri states, “photos that “show” the news—has the power to shape the world’s perceptions, tell stories and make history.” Photojournalism is a type of journalism where photos, instead of words, are used to convey a powerful or meaningful message to people about current events that are happening around the world. As Professor Nordell stated in his video, “Photojournalists take pictures of verbs, of things happening.” Images allow us to express what words can not. Whether it be a war or nature image, pictures used in photojournalism are unbiased and the reader must make their own conclusions about what is true. Photos are evidence that something occurred or existed, and therefore photojournalism is able to capture and record some of the world’s greatest accomplishments, as well as tragic events.  

Photojournalism acts as a visual truth, documenting and showing the reality of the world.        

Everyday, new conflicts and events are occurring, yet we may not even realize they are happening. Photojournalism gets us out of our personal bubbles that we are living in by showing us photos that portray real life issues on a deeper, more personal level. I believe that seeing a photo of something sparks a lot more emotions than reading it from a text. Photos can help create a better understanding and connection to the event that is happening, making us emotionally invested. As James Nachtwey explained in his video, that “...the strength of photography lies in its ability to evoke a sense of humanity.” Photojournalism gives people the chance to see an event through the eyes of the people who are physically there, even if we are not.  When looking at a photo, especially of people in a crisis, we feel a variety of different emotions because as human beings, we can relate to one another. In Abd Doumany's photo, which depicts the horrific aftermath of a bombing in Syria, he is able to pull at the heart strings and stir up emotion. Even though we do not personally know this man and his daughter, we feel sympathy and pain for the father. Photos help bring to light the seriousness of a situation and can have a lasting impact on a person. Photojournalism helps us have a deeper understanding of other cultures and unveil issues that impact the world.

            Whether it be on the television, in the newspapers, or even in a blog, photojournalism has played a major role when reporting on news and current events. The use of a photo to convey a story has radically changed how people respond to certain events. As Ed Kashi, author of What is Photojournalism explains, “Photojournalism can also work as an agent of change, often outside of its role in mainstream media….[it] expands the aesthetics of visual reporting, justifies its grand intentions of enlightenment and contributes to our deeper understanding of the world.” Photojournalism is a source of quick news, where one can look at an image of something and suddenly feel a connection. It is important to know the history of photojournalism because without photos, we would not have a fast and efficient way to share the triumphs and conflicts of the world. We would not be able to look back at our history and feel some kind of connection to it. The history of photojournalism has greatly shaped the way we view news, making it a more personal experience.

             Photos are evidence of history, for they can bring us back in time without physically ever leaving. Photojournalism helps solidify events that happened in the past, therefore giving us a better understanding and connection to the past itself. In the video, Why Study History?, Joanna Hayes states, “History is the window into the past.” Without history, we would have no idea as to what happened in our past. We would have no knowledge of how our world or the people in it came about. I believe that photos are also a window into our past, for they give us insight into the past. Just like photojournalism, history, according to Hayes, “keeps us informed on current events as they unfold.” History helps us remember why and how the world was shaped and the reason why some conflicts exist. The photo, Iwo Jima, taken by Joe Rosenthal, is a prime example of how photojournalism helps us connect to the past. This image shows a key moment in history when American soldiers raised the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. This photo allows us to remember the past and makes sure we will never forget this historic moment. While photos capture history, photojournalism helps us connect to it, and have a better understanding of other people and the world around us. Photojournalism conveys both the good and bad parts of history, allowing us the chance to remember the past, while looking forward to the future. 

Photo By Abd Doumany 

Image Source: http://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo/2016/general-news/abd-doumany

Photo By Joe Rosenthal 

Image Source: http://spartacus-educational.com/USAProsenthal.htm