Introduction to the History of Photojournalism: Chapter One

Prior to enrolling in this class I undoubtedly appreciated words much more than images and photographs. I have always been a writer and for the most part, I never run out of things to say or write. Also with descriptive language, you can cover all sides of an issue in as much detail as you deem appropriate. With photography you are much more limited and may only have one opportunity to get “the” shot. However, the introductory photojournalism modules have definitely transformed my whole perspective, especially discovering the definition of photojournalism as opposed to photography alone. Having the opportunity to view many Pulitzer Prize winners has broadened my horizons and I now strongly believe that an iconic picture really is worth more than a thousand words. I was just ignorant to this possibility before. With the click of a button we may capture a compelling moment and consequently have the potential to change the world and leave a distinctive mark on history. A prime example of this was Alexander Zemlianichenko’s image of the Russian president Boris Yeltsin dancing away at a concert. This photograph alone was an influential factor in the president’s re-election for a subsequent term and the image will always be remembered and discussed on a global scale.

In my opinion, for a photograph to be considered historic and have the potential to influence the world as a whole, the image must be captivating, influential, unforgettable, and at times even a little controversial. It does not have to be associated with one specific notion, it can be related to an array of divergent themes. Many of the iconic photographs I have encountered thus far are plagued with pessimism: malnutrition, poverty, suffering, violence, and ultimately death. The original photograph I posted on my first blog post of the starving Sudanese child attempting desperately to reach the closest refugee camp has had a profound impact on me personally. Although the Kevin Carter photograph won a Pulitzer Prize, he faced harsh criticism as the photographer failed to help the child and instead prolonged his suffering by waiting for the vulture to enter into the frame so he could capture a prize winning shot. Similarly, Nick Ut’s image of the terrified children running from an aerial napalm attack was also very powerful for me. I was immediately drawn to the naked child and the young boy in the foreground, their expressions convey pure agony.

On the other hand, two more positive images that I feel undoubtedly changed the world are the portrait of young Anne Frank and also the first ever human X-ray. For those who are familiar with the story of Anne Frank and her infamous diary, this particular image finally put a face to a name. The teenager gave great historical insight into Nazi rule and Hitler’s dictatorship and also the extermination of the Jews in the Holocaust. Her work was influential worldwide and although this image is only her portrait, her eyes are tremendously compelling. Similarly, the first Human X-ray taken in 1896 by Wilhelm Roentgen was also significant and historic. This image paved the way for crucial developments within the medical field.

Overall, any successful photograph has the potential to impact millions of people. I believe the bottom line is that each photograph is unique in its own way and contributes a piece to the historical jig saw or a chapter in the story. Any image that has a profound impact on its audience, positive or negative, is worth a thousand words.