Photographic Technology Timeline

Technology Timeline: 

Wet Plate Collodion- 1851

Nikolova, Irina. "Origins and History of Photography." Origins and History of Photography.   DPTips-Central.com Blog, 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <http://www.dptips-     central.com/history-of-photography.html>.

Lighthizer, James. "« Back Photography and the Civil War." Civil War Trust. Council on Foreign Relations, 2014. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. http://www.civilwar.org/photos/3d-photography-special/photography-and-the-civil-war.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Rosenblum, Naomi. "History of Photography." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia          Britannica, 15 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.  https://www.britannica.com/technology/photography

Photos: 

Photo by Genesee Libby Studio

Image Source: http://geneseelibby.com/workshops/

Photo by Mathew Brady

Image Source: http://www.lincolnimages.com/Abraham_Lincoln_Photographs.htm

Dry Plate Collodion- 1871

Pedersen, MarkMark. "The Silver Gelatin Dry Plate Process." Alternative Photography. Word Press,

06 Aug. 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/processes/gelatin-silver/silver-gelatin-dry-   plate-process/comment-page-1

Nikolova, Irina. "Origins and History of Photography." Origins and History of Photography.   DPTips-Central.com Blog, 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <http://www.dptips-     central.com/history-of-photography.html>.

Nordell, Professor. "Before There Were Pixels - Part 1." YouTube. YouTube, 25 May 2013.  Web. 19 Oct. 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ4JfnPkgcA

Photos: 

Photo by Tai Oliphant

Source Image: http://www.derivedlogic.com/Traditional%20Photography/DryPlateProcess/DryProcess.html

Photo by Leonard Dakin

Image Source: http://inventors.about.com/od/weirdmuseums/ig/Illustrated-History-Photograph/Dry-Plate-Photograph.htm

 The Rotogravure- 1890

Ohio Gravure Technologies. "About Gravure." What Is Gravure? Ohio Gravure Technologies Inc, 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. http://www.ohiogt.com/company/gravure_about.html

Wegiel, Jason. "Pre-Digital Photographic Technology." History of Photojournalism:. Blogger,            23 Sept. 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. http://jasonwegiel.blogspot.com/2016/09/pre-digital-photographic-technology.html

Nordell, Professor. "Before There Were Pixels - Part 1." YouTube. YouTube, 25 May 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ4JfnPkgcA>.

Photos:

Photo by unknown

Image source: http://eiuifc.com/rotogravure-a-short-history/

Photo by J.C. Burrow

Image Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/richardhjames/rare-flash-photography-shows-cornish-miners-in-the-1890s-toi?utm_term=.slNJ1bOBm#.pg9nBZkdL

Speed Graphic Cameras-1912

Klotz, Leigh. "The Graflex Speed Graphic FAQ." The Graflex Speed Graphic FAQ. Graflex,  2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. https://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/

Photos:

Photo by Unknown

Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/548735535827391832/

 Photo by Arthur Feligg

 Image Source: https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/weegee/

 Photo by Dave Burnett

 Image Source: http://www.davidburnett.com/gallery.html?gallery=London+2012+%2F+Olympics#/0

35 mm SLR cameras-1959
Smith, Rene. "History of Cameras." History of Cameras - Timeline - Film, Digital, SLR,           Compact, Instant, Disposable. Science Kids, 8 July 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.   http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/photography/historyofcameras.html

Fellig, Arthur. "Weegee Tells How." YouTube. YouTube, 09 July 2009. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP4Y_fAvOgY

Nordell, Professor. "Before There Were Pixels - Part 2." YouTube. YouTube, 26 May 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqZ1mv3ngS0

Davis, Tom. "35 Millimeter SLR Cameras." What Is an SLR Camera? TomDavis, 20 Mar. 2000.        Web. 19 Oct. 2016. http://www.geometer.org/beginner/slr.html

Photos:

Photo by Stephen Gandy

Image Source: https://www.cameraquest.com/fhistory.htm

Photo by Bruce Davidson

Image Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2357217/Time-change-Remarkable-black-white-pictures-1960s-bring-life-historical-events-intimate-moments-civil-rights-era.html

Digital SLR Cameras-1991

Aasland, Jarle. "Kodak DCS 100." Kodak DCS 100. NikonWeb, 2015. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.   <http://www.nikonweb.com/dcs100/>.

Benson, Thor. "What Is a DSLR? It’s the Camera That Raises You from Amateur to Advanced           Hobbyist."Digital Trends. Digital Trends, 22 Nov. 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.      <http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-is-a-dslr/>.

Gavin, Allison. "Chapter 4-Working in the Digital Age." History of Photojournalism :. Blogger,         01 Jan. 1970. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <http://agavin123.blogspot.com/2016/10/chapter-4-     working-in-digital-age.html>.

Photos:

Photo by Benj Edwards

Image Source:  http://www.macworld.com/article/1156514/cameras/35yearsofdigitalcameras.html

Photo by Greg Marinovich

Image Source: http://gregmarinovich.photoshelter.com/image/I0000Mw404PsEVJE

 Photo by Gretchen So

Image Source: http://www.gretchenso.com/portfolios/evolving-territories-1/

Wireless Transmitters-2007

Nordell, Professor. "Working in the Digital Age - Part 2." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Feb. 2013.  Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_zltSFGD0&feature=youtu.be>.

Ollari, Robby. "Chapter 4 - Working in the Digital Age." History of Photojournalism:. Blogger,         01 Jan. 1970. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.            <http://historyofphotojournalismaic.blogspot.com/2016/10/chapter-4-working-in-digital-          age.html>.

Rehm, Lars. "CamFi DSLR Controller Now Offers Real-time Upload to Dropbox." DPReview.           Digital Photography Review, 5 Aug. 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.  

https://www.dpreview.com/news/1447808589/camfi-dslr-controller-now-offers-real-time-upload-to-dropbox

Photos:

Photo by B & H Foto

Image Source: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1044920&gclid=CKjcqJzi6c8CFQccaQodwwgC5w&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677802%2C&Q=&A=details

Photo by AP

Image source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1083152/Bush-hails-Obamas-historic-triumph-Americas-black-president-prepares-unveil-team.html

Photo by Lawrence Davidson

Image Source: http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/05/18/on-the-perennial-nature-of-u-s-urban-riots/

New Digital Market Places -2009 to present

 Fresco. "Fresco News Dispatch." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Sept. 2015. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.       <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3Dhw6YCT-U>.

Munthe, Turi. "Demotix: Inventing a New Marketplace." Nieman Reports Demotix Inventing a           New Marketplace Comments. Nieman Foundation, 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.      <http://niemanreports.org/articles/demotix-inventing-a-new-marketplace/>.

Nordell, Professor. "Working in the Digital Age - Part 2." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_zltSFGD0>.

Bercovici, Jeff. "Why Time Magazine Used Instagram To Cover Hurricane Sandy." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 1 Nov. 2012. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.            <http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2012/11/01/why-time-magazine-used-instagram-to-cover-hurricane-sandy/ - 53ef9ba22e21>.

Photos:

Photo by Snapwire

Image Source: http://venturebeat.com/2014/07/09/photo-marketplace-snapwire-opens-up-to-more-photographers/

Photo by Fresco News

Image Source: http://www.macrumors.com/2015/09/08/fresco-news-photojournalist-tools-update/

Photo by Virtual Photography

Image Source: http://virtualphotographystudio.com/2009/11/see-a-story-take-a-picture-make-some-money-%E2%80%93-the-future-of-photo-journalism/

The Changes That Come With the Digital Age

             The evolution of photographic processes revolutionized the way that photojournalists were able to share information and photographs with the world. Multimedia, such as online newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have dramatically changed the way people receive images and view conflicts. As David Campbell states in the article, “Nowadays we see it in multiple forms ranging from online photo galleries where pictures are combined with text captions, to audio slideshows, linear video (both short-from and long-form), animated infographics, non-linear interactives, and full-scale web documentaries and broadcast films.”  Multimedia, such as online newspapers, allows people to view and read an online version of a particular newspaper from the convenience of their phones or computers. New news stories are constantly being uploaded onto the News’ websites and people can share these stories with others by sending it digitally. Created on July 1, 1980, as David Shedden states in the article,  the first online paper “was The Columbus Dispatch. It was part of a unique CompuServe and Associated Press experiment about the potential of online papers.” Back then, no one truly understood just how much of an impact digital technology would have on the news, as well as photojournalism.

            With the rise of multimedia, such as online newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, more “everyday” people are taking pictures and sharing them with the world, which greatly affects photojournalism. With the creation of social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, people are easily able to upload their pictures digitally, allowing thousands of people to see them. With the rise of camera phones, companies and businesses are turning to everyday citizens to go out and take snapshots of the action or conflict. The idea of “street journalism” has become increasingly popular within the last few years. 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 Professor Nordell says in his video, “there is a declining skill set that is needed to get a decent picture, and so it has really effected the market for photojournalism.”  Companies, such as Fresco, which is a news dispatch, and Demotix, a photo agency for citizen journalism, are changing the way images are shared with the world. As Turi Munthe explains in the article, “Demotix is a place where anybody from anywhere can share their stories with people throughout the world—and with the global mainstream media.” Although the images and stories that are being conveyed can truly help people have a better understanding of the world and the seriousness of a situation, the companies are taking jobs away from photojournalists. However, with the rise of multimedia, photojournalism has taken a more dominant role in the news and has allowed people to share powerful messages faster. People no longer have to wait for newspapers to come out, and instead can simply look up the stories or images on their phones and computers. Multimedia has created a faster, more efficient way to share images with the world.

            Before the age of digital technology and the ability to use multimedia as a way to share images with the world, people relied on the creation of the rotogravure to print mass amounts of images that could be put into newspapers. Created in 1890 by Karel Klíč, the rotogravure, as Ohio Gravure Technologies explains in the article, “is small cells recessed into a cylinder that hold ink. The cylinder is washed with ink; a doctor blade removes the excess, leaving ink only in the cells. The ink is transferred to a substrate(paper, plastic, film, and more) using a rotary press.” The invention of the rotogravure allowed newspaper companies to produce high quality images at a faster rate than any of the other printing methods of that time. Even though using the rotogravure was more expensive, newspapers, like the New York Times, as Professor Nordell states in his video, “would do a special Sunday addition with photographs. It was the most read pages of the news paper.” The rotogravure printing process allowed newspaper companies to mass produce images and stories at a faster rate and share them with the world.  

            When looking at the rotogravure printing process and the use of multimedia, both of these photographic processes are rapidly able to produce images that can be shared with the world. Both of these processes of sharing photos with people were very effective during their times, providing companies with fast, efficient ways to mass produce an image. The rotogravure was an amazing and convenient tool during the 19^th and 20^th century, rapidly printing high quality images that could be sent out in the daily paper.  However, within the last decade, the world has shifted towards digital technology, and the rise of multimedia, such as online newspapers, Instagram, and blogs, have lessened the need for newspapers and printing presses. People can conveniently look up news stories digitally and cell phones and computers make it faster and easier to share photos with friends and others. Unlike with the rotogravure, multimedia allows people to have the details and photos right then and there, instead of having to wait for a paper to be printed and delivered. We live in a fast paced world where people want the news to be right at their finger tips. Multimedia is a quicker and more convenient way for people to produce a picture and share it with the world. News is being updated every minute, providing people with more information about a conflict or event than the rotogravure printing process can. The images that were produced from the rotogravure came out daily, not a couple of times a day, so the information was only available as fast as the company could print the papers and deliver them. The rise of multimedia has also allowed for more than just photojournalists to share their images and stories with the world. Anyone can now take a picture and put it on Instagram or send it to a news station. Back when the rotogravure was being used, different media sources would publish photos that were taken by their photojournalists. The pictures had to be high quality and appropriate for people to view. Nowadays, multimedia has little say as to what images can be shared with the public. Newspapers and magazines may still filter images, but sites such as Instagram, blogs, and Facebook, allow people to express their ideas and convey any photos that people believe the world needs to see. As Arthur Feligg once said in his video, "you take everything in stride. The same camera that photographs a murder scene can photograph a beautiful society affair at a big hotel." No matter what type of image a person wants to share with the world, both the rotogravure and the use of multimedia are effective tools that have greatly impacted the way society can view and share images.   

Photo by Karen Ducey 
Image Source: http://karenducey.photoshelter.com/image/I0000tXkSTALCb5s

        

















Photo by Unknown: Provided by NY Time Magazine
Image Source: https://www.periodpaper.com/collections/ny-times-original-rotogravures-1923-sports-travel-wwi-art-hunting-yachting/products/1923-rotogravure-wwi-battlefield-artillery-shell-casings-british-soldiers-burial-239896-rto7-001

Elements of Photography

Photo by Mathew Brady

Image Source: http://www.mcmahanphoto.com/bradyphotos.html

Year Created: 1862

Keep It Simple

          This image is very simple in the fact that there is not a lot of action going on. A viewer does not have to look from object to object to see what is happening. By capturing a simple photo, the viewer is not distracted from the main subject, which in this case are the corpses. This image conveys a powerful message and shows the unfortunate consequences of war.  

Black and White Image

          During the 19^th century, photographs were only taken in black and white, which gives this picture a timeless look. If this photo was not in black and white, I think that the color would have taken away from the subject. Being a black and white photo, there are no distractions and the viewer can simply focus on the corpses. The black and white gives this photo a darker tone and helps highlight the negative space in the image. The negative space in this image allows for the viewer to focus on the corpses and separates the bodies from the background.  

What in the image created a feeling?

             In this image, the sight of seeing dozens of dead bodies on the ground makes the image seem gruesome and tragic. I think that it helps that the main subjects of this image are the corpses. Showing soldiers in such a fragile state is a perfect way to have people see and understand the aftermath of a war.

 Why I Chose This Image

           I chose this image because although it is a simple picture, it conveys such a powerful message. I thought this picture captured the horrific consequences of war without having to be too gruesome or violent. This picture shows people what was going on during the Civil War without them actually having to witness it themselves. I believe that the images of the aftermath of a war are stronger than the events that happen during it.

Photo by NASA

Image Source: https://www.wired.com/2009/07/dayintech_0724/

Year Created: 1950

 Quality of Light

           This image looks like it is from a movie, in the way that the light shines on the rocket. This photo is very bright, and the lighting is focused more in the middle of the photo, which is where the main subject is. There is a good balance between the amount of light on the rocket and the sky. Since the sky is a little darker, it really illuminates the rocket and makes it stand out more.

 Background Compliments Composition

            The background does a beautiful job complimenting both the rocket and the people, for it is not distracting. Since it is a simple sky background, the viewer can focus attention on the rocket and the people, without having to worry about missing anything in the background. The fact that the photographer used a cloudy sky as a background can show just how small the rocket and people actually are, compared to the rest of the photo. The sky looks endless, giving us the illusion that the rocket can take us to places that we can only imagine.  

Contrast Appropriate

          Although there is only a low contrast in areas, I think that the contrast between the rocket and the dark parts of the sky make this image seem more magical and surreal. The contrast between the people standing to the left of the rocket and the white smoke behind them makes the people stand out more. If the smoke was darker, the people would blend into the background. The contrast between the clouds and the sky really help make the rocket pop out at the viewer.  

Why I Chose This Image

            I chose this image because it looks as though time had been paused for the picture to be taken and the black and white color makes the photo look timeless. This picture is simple, but I think that by showing the abundance of sky in the background, it really puts into perspective just how small we truly are. I think it is also interesting to see how rockets looked when they were first created and to be able to see how small and almost simple looking they were. I think this photo is ground breaking to Americans because the rocket was one of the first that was ever made, and the photo allowed people to see how technology was advancing. This photo evokes amazement and looking at it is almost mesmerizing.   

                 

Photo by Eddie Adams

Image Source: http://rarehistoricalphotos.com/saigon-execution-murder-vietcong-saigon-1968/

Year Created: 1968

Subject’s Expression

          In this image, you can clearly see the subject is scared and looks as though he is going to breakdown. His body language definitely fits his scared expression, for he looks defeated and helpless. This image captures the moment a person realizes they are going to die and is waiting for the inevitable, as shown on this young man’s face. His expression in this photo embodies the reaction that most humans would have if this was happening to them. His expression of terror is real and that is what makes this image so compelling.  

 Rule of Thirds

          In this image, the young man is slightly to the right, making the viewer want to look at the rest of the image to find out why he looks terrified. I think that by putting the subject slightly to the right, and instead showing the arm with the gun in the middle, gives the picture a more dramatic feel. I think that by having the main subject not in the center, it engages the viewer more and creates a balance, where the picture is not too crowded. With the subject positioned slightly to the right, we can also focus on the subject’s environment and the other subjects around him.

 In Focus

          This image is both in and out of focus, where the main subject and everything towards the front of the photo is in focus, while the background is a little out of focus. When looking at the photo, the main subject is in perfect focus, which draws attention towards him. As you look past him, the background becomes soft and a little unfocused, showing the viewer that the main focus should be on the front part of the photo. I think that by softening the background of the photo, it makes the viewer closer to the main subject.

Why I Chose this Image

                  I chose this image because the photographer was able to capture raw human emotion and express it in a singular picture. This photo was startling and makes me wonder how I would have reacted if this ever happened to me. The photographer does a good job of pulling the focus towards the subject and I believe that the young man’s face tells a story of suffering. I think it was amazing that the photographer was able to capture the moment right before the man’s death and shows the cruelty of war. 

                 

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