Photojournalism and Bias

 

Photo by: Ed Clark

    The feelings that this image created was apparently the truth about the variety of emotions from the nation's loss. I can objectify the grief from this photo and in the perception that showing the sincerity and appreciation to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His achievements and what he did to the nation has a significant impact that it reflected the sad emotions displayed in this photo. Personally, when I take photos, I think the legitimacy and validity of the image is anticipated from the subject's emotions. A good concrete example is, in sports, the emotions of the athletes are mixed that photographers able to capture. Not just emotions but the movement also is what makes the photo authentic. The ingredient present in this photo from the photographic, artistic and compositional principles,  is that the background has complimented and helped to complete soul of this picture. I think the interpretation would be different if the people from the background are laughing and smiling. In this photo we can see the uniformity of their emotions. Now let's say for example, if this image was altered that the people from the background were placed by laughing faces. It would be completely a different story. Mandy Jenkins from, How Photos Fuel the Spread of Fake News said "Photos play a key role in making fake news stories go viral by bolstering the emotional tenor of the lie. They elicit an emotional response, which makes it far more likely that someone will click the link, then share it. “That emotion may be anger, outrage or joy." When the image is obscured from the reality, the true message that the photojournalist is disseminating will also be hidden and that could lead to false history. Another principle that is present in this image is the impact of black and white. This color represents the history and really focused the sadness that it brings to the viewer. It would be different if it was colored, because color brings the sense of happiness.

Photo by: William Hendra

    From this image by William Hendra, it illustrates the authentic emotions by spontaneously capturing the image without the subject's knowledge. From the video, Photojournalism and Bias Part 1, Professor Nordell stated that "truths can change essentially over time". It is especially mainstream when a person sees a photographer that he/she will formally pose for the photo thus not getting the truth behind the image. The story that is represented by the newlywed couple is especially objectified to their emotions that affects the viewers emotionally. From the article, The Rules of Photojournalism Are Keeping Us From the Truth stated, "Today, the photographer, the storyteller, has the control of stories if he or she accepts that responsibility."Without the photographer, we cannot share the joy and happiness to the world, which would also keep us from knowing that fulfillment exist. The quality of light in this image is artistically complimented the event in the image. We can see that there is not a lot of shadows that covers the face of the subjects. This lighting has produced a vibrant mood. In this photo also, the body language fit the facial expression of the subject and the people from the background. The newlywed couple is expressing contagious happiness and celebratory laughter. Another principle that applies to this image is the appropriate use of contrast. The photographer had balance the dark and colored area which makes the image more engaging to the viewers. And it also added a vibrant mood to the image which also compliments the event happening in this photo. Lastly, is the rough texture produced by the walls and the floor. It brings life and vibrant to the image. And in this photo the texture is not overpowering the subject.

Photo by: Alessio Mamo

    On the other hand, this image by the photojournalist Alessio Mamo look staged. I know directly from my sense of perception that this photo is not real. I can sense that this can be either staged or edited. The color of the table cloth and ample of foods does not compliment to the real situation behind this image. I believe that this photo is extremely insensitive that it took the dignity and respect from this poor kids.  This has similarities to the pictures depicted from the Yellow Photojournalism which are altered from the fabricated events. From the Photojournalism and Bias Part 2, Professor Nordell said that, "It is vital importance to look at the possible biases of the photojournalist creating the images". Now the question is, what is the possible bias of this photojournalist when he took this photo? I believe that this photojournalist shows a bias against the people from developing country like India, where there is a copious amount of family living under the poverty line.  He probably thought that these people living in third world country are powerless that he could just easily ask them what he wanted to do to finish the project. This image violated the code of ethics not just by manipulating the image but also by harassing the human rights of these kids. This image used a maximum depth of field. The technology has evolved to an extent that some photojournalist can take advantage of it. From the article,  How Photos Fuel the Spread of Fake News, Susie Linfield said, "I don’t think that’s the fault of photography, but the fault of technology and the way people are using it.” The image has a lot of depth and focus from near to far. It took my attention because it shows the reality behind and the delusion on front. This image is also showing simplicity but not uniformity to the situation. What makes it simple is that the background is very plain and gloomy. The photo also appear to be clear and highly detailed that brings life to the eyes of the viewers. It makes the image more dramatic.