Is Photojournalism Art?




Photo by: Jacob Riis

Year Created: 1892

Rule of Thirds: The subject is off to the side to show the living conditions.  If the man was centered, a lot of detail would be missed.  With the man on outside of the photo there is a complete view of the back wall. It shows how small the area is.  

Subject's Expression: While the subject's facial expression is not entirely noticeable, his body language is very relaxed.  He is slumped over, but appears to be un-phased. He seems unbothered by his current situation and the photo seems as though it was captured in his natural state.  This photo captured a common, unbothered reality. 

Keep it simple: This photo is clearly cluttered.  It is an organized chaos, however.  While it seems dirty, there is order.  The man has his boots and kettle hung.  I think this picture holds a lot of irony in the shot is very direct but has a lot going on.

Why did I choose the image?: I chose this image because I was interested in all the indiscernible objects.  It is clear that there is clutter, but what exactly is there is unknown.  We see the man is impoverished but there is more to his environment that is not clear.






Photo by: Eric Salomon 

Year Created: 1920's - 30's

Background Compliments:  While the women in conversation look to be very elegant, so is the painting in the background.  The interior design (furniture, pottery, etc.) compliments the focus of the two women. 

Depth of Field: Looking closely the sharpness is concentrated around the women. However, the details of the background are still noticeable as they show the sophistication of the environment these women are in.   

Obvious Main Subject:
The main subject of this image is the women.  If it were just a picture of the interior, it would just be a well decorated room.  The women on the settee make the room important.  It makes the room a place for riveting conversation, whatever it may be.  

Why did I choose the image?: I chose the image because of the elegance. I like the style of the women and how in-depth they are in conversation.  It makes me wonder what they could be talking about as they appear to come from wealth. 





Photo by: 
James Nachtwey

Year Created:
1994

Contrast Appropriate: this photo has a lot of deep contrasts to it.  The darks are really dark while the whites are brighter, but still deep.  I think the point of heavily contrasting this picture is to see the depth and details  in the injuries to this man's face.  

Texture:  I think the texture in the man's face is very clear.  You can imagine the feeling of the scars and it makes the severity of the situation almost tangible, in a way.  

Black and White: 
I think this picture is in black and white so that there are not many distractions.  Because everything are just lighter and darker shades, the scarring really stands out.  It is difficult to explain but it makes the picture feel even.  

Why did I choose the image?: I chose this image because it is very straightforward.  I think it is interesting that you know it conveys violence in a very blunt manner.  It is a very vulnerable picture and I am interested in the emotion in the man's face.  He does not look entirely upset but rather, indifferent.    







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