Chapter Three: The Art of Photojournalism

Photographic, Artistic and Compositional Principles to use when Assessing Photographs

 

 

Photo by: Matthew Brady
Image Source: http://www.environmentalhistory.org/revcomm/photography/photography-1/
Year Created: September 1862

Principle 1: Contrast Appropriate

Although this image is black and white, there is a contrast between the color of the dead bodies below, the background color, and the two individuals that are alive and looking down on the aftermath. Other than this stark contrast, the remainder of the image is relatively low contrast. However, at first glance, I thought the two blurry individuals were the perpetrators of the killings, especially with their dark shadows.

Principle 2: Exposure Time

After listening to French photographer Henri Cartuer-Bresson's commentary, I believe that this image was created using a very slow shutter speed as this can produce a blurry result.

Principle 3: Black and White

During the Civil War, Matthew Brady had no choice but to photograph in black and white. Color Photography was not invented until March 24, 1914.

Photo by: Dorothea Lang
Image Source: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/316062.html
Year Created: February 1936

Principle 1: Obvious Main Subject

In Dorothea Lang's image of the 'Migrant Mother' it is clear to see that she is the main subject, she is centered and is significantly larger than the other subjects. This principle is reinforced further by having her three children all turned away from the camera. If the children were removed from this image, in my opinion this would reduce the dramatic impact.

Principle 2: What feelings does the image create?

When I look at Lang's photograph I feel as though the main subject has given up and lost all hope. For me, it is a very pessimistic image and illustrates a life full of constant struggles. Her children appear to be the only things that she has left to live for.

Principle 3: Subject Expression

The subject in Lang's image looks far from relaxed. She is staring right at the camera, she is not posing or showing off. In my opinion her expression is genuine and portrays the suffering at the pea pickers' camp. Furthermore, the position of her hand on her chin is very appropriate for her gloomy facial expression.

 

Photo by: Horst Faas

Image Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/world/asia/horst-faas-vietnam-war-photographer-dies-at-79.html
Year Created: 1966

Principle 1: Texture

In the above image taken in Bao Trai, Vietnam, the use of texture is incredible. The muddy and murky water of the canal enhances the struggle the four subjects are enduring. In addition to this, the roughness of the twigs and branches and pieces of floating wood present further obstacles. The texture of the photo helps to create feelings of sorrow and helplessness as the viewer.

Principle 2: Rule of Thirds

Horst Faas effectively uses the rule of thirds in this photograph. The subjects are not placed in the middle of the frame. The chief subject is placed at the front to the left hand side of the frame and therefore this adheres to the rule. Moreover, it makes the image more aesthetically pleasing.

Principle 3: Subject's Expression

Two of the four expressions in this image are extremely powerful and striking, however, all four look natural considering the circumstances in VietNam during this time. The main subject looks beyond exhausted trudging through the muddy canal with her family clinging on to her for survival. The child clinging on looks terrified. Their body language definitely matches the facial expressions in this image.