A question that we are often asked, "Can you shoot Photojournalistically?"The short answer is, "yes". The long answer is that
there is a fine line separating 'photojournalistic' and what is actually a 'documentary' style that is often blurred by circumstance and subtle intention. The commonly used (and often misused term), 'photojournalism' has currently been relegated to the position of a 'popular marketing catch phrase', that appeals to customers who are actually interested in a very candid but none-the-less 'documentary' recording of their event.
Photojournalism requires an instinctual anticipation, a realization of the precise moment to capture an image that may communicate with the viewer in a personal, intellectual or spiritual way. Good photojournalism can illicit feelings which lead to actions that may cause a change in the point of view of one person, a community or society as a whole. It involves an extremely minute and subtle amount of manipulation of the subject being shot, so little, that for the most part the subject remains unaware. It is rather like a dance with a partner who does not know that you exist. As soon as the subject becomes 'aware', the images stop being instinct and anticipation and instead on some level, though they may be outstanding and meaningful, become choreographed and controlled.
Documentary coverage of an event will always benefit from the experience and the instincts of a good phojo shooter. If an event is to be 'documented' and comprehensively captured, there are going to be situations where subtle coaching and direction are necessary. The difference between coverage that looks contrived and artificial and that which appears natural, relaxed and spontaneous is dependent upon the experience, creativity and confidence of the photographer. They must be a definite presence and must be sensitive to the dynamics of the subject matter in order to create meaningful images and do justice to the documentation of the event.
there is a fine line separating 'photojournalistic' and what is actually a 'documentary' style that is often blurred by circumstance and subtle intention. The commonly used (and often misused term), 'photojournalism' has currently been relegated to the position of a 'popular marketing catch phrase', that appeals to customers who are actually interested in a very candid but none-the-less 'documentary' recording of their event.
Photojournalism requires an instinctual anticipation, a realization of the precise moment to capture an image that may communicate with the viewer in a personal, intellectual or spiritual way. Good photojournalism can illicit feelings which lead to actions that may cause a change in the point of view of one person, a community or society as a whole. It involves an extremely minute and subtle amount of manipulation of the subject being shot, so little, that for the most part the subject remains unaware. It is rather like a dance with a partner who does not know that you exist. As soon as the subject becomes 'aware', the images stop being instinct and anticipation and instead on some level, though they may be outstanding and meaningful, become choreographed and controlled.
Documentary coverage of an event will always benefit from the experience and the instincts of a good phojo shooter. If an event is to be 'documented' and comprehensively captured, there are going to be situations where subtle coaching and direction are necessary. The difference between coverage that looks contrived and artificial and that which appears natural, relaxed and spontaneous is dependent upon the experience, creativity and confidence of the photographer. They must be a definite presence and must be sensitive to the dynamics of the subject matter in order to create meaningful images and do justice to the documentation of the event.
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