Is Photojournalism Art?

 

Photo by: Jacob Riss Year created 1870

Quality of Light: 

In this image, I would say the lighting is engaging because as you look at the image you tend to get drawn by the different shades. For example, the background gives more light to the image's purpose which is to highlight the men in the picture and the conditions. 

What feelings does the Image create: 

As I look at this image I can feel a sense of intimidation. All the men are staring with serious faces and at any moment they can engage. The more you stare at the picture the more that you can learn what the image is representing. The feeling of the image is showing laborious men but it also in a way highlights poverty. 

Obvious Main subject, about 1/4 to 2/3 of image area: 

I will say that in this image I am not sure that I see one main object. The background along with the men all standing and staring is what gives the picture more impact. If the men were removed from the image I would look at it as just another alley. 

Why did I choose this image?

I chose this image because at first as I looked at it I didn't really understand much of the meaning behind the image but as I learned more about the image I could tell what the photojournalist was trying to capture in a sense. To me, I feel that he was trying to capture how threatening this area was in the 1870s.

Photo By: Elliot Erwitt Year: 1850

In or out of focus: 

The image is out of focus. It focuses on the center of the image which is the black African American woman. However, it is also focusing on the white mannequins that surround her. 

Is the image black and white or color?

This image was taken in the 1950's and although that was the year that color pictures became popular not many photojournalists had access to them. However, I do feel that the black and white created a more impactful image to look at. 

Background compliments or detracts from composition:

I believe that the background of the image is what helps tell the story of what's going on in the picture. All of the same shadows in different areas of the image help capture the main idea which is the black woman living in an era where it's all about white supremacy. 

Why did I choose this image?

I chose this image because it shows a different style of photography that I never really focused on. I also found it very interesting how the image allows you to think for a second about what truly is going on in the picture.  

Photo by: Jewel Samad Year: 2024

Quality of light: 

The quality of the image is bold showing a moment of accomplishment. The light helps focus on Shacari Richardson by blurring out the rest of the background to enhance the main person. 

Subject expression: 

Even though she is not looking at the camera the person in this image's face fits the body language. The image shows her in front of everyone else and screaming in a way of accomplishment as her team just won the gold medal in the 4x100m. 

Exposure time: 

In this image speed freeze action was captured. The photographer was able to capture a speed movement because the runner was still at the end of her race and he was able to capture a moment in the race which shows Shacarri in first place. 

Why did I choose this image: 

I chose this image because I find her story very intriguing and how she was able to overcome obstacles. Another reason why I specifically chose this image was because to me it gives a sense of women empowerment. I love how the image captures Shacari already celebrating her victory as a USA gold medal olympian.