Introduction to the History of Photojournalism

History allows us to learn about and understand events that occurred in past. There are many reasons why history is studied.  In the video "Why Study History?", Joanna Hayes answers this by saying, "And understanding the past is key to understanding the present." This concept relates to many subjects beyond photojournalism. For example, many "Introduction to..." college courses begin with the history of the concept. It is impossible to learn current information without learning how something began or why it began. 

According to the video, "What is photojournalism?" by Professor Nordell, "A good way to look at photojournalism on a fundamental level is to divide the word into two words: photo and journalism." On a simple level, photojournalism may be defined as journalism through images.  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines photojournalism as:  "Journalism in which written copy is subordinate to pictorial usually photographic presentation of news stories or in which a high proportion of pictorial presentation is used." The word photojournalism directs my thoughts to the various social media platforms. For example, the application Instagram is a blog where the users only post photos with captions. These photos relay some of the aspects of people’s lives including happiness, success, failure, love and more. Photojournalism has created a way for people to communicate and express themselves to others around the world. 

One popular way photojournalism is demonstrated is through the news. Almost always a news article contains a photo that correlates with the story. For some people it is hard to believe things that they cannot physically see. Photos and media are proof. This really makes news more of a reality for people. They develop a trust for the information they are reading or hearing about. It creates a different perspective. Imagine living in a different country and never seeing any photos or videos of the 9/11 attack... would you believe it happened? Maybe you would, but you probably would not be as emotionally affected by this tragedy without seeing the damage and pain it caused.  

Photo of 9/11 by Robert Clark

Photojournalism has been used so frequently to appeal to people’s emotions and interests. I remember being young, and I would flip through magazines just to look at the vibrant pictures. The most intriguing aspect of photojournalism is versatile it is. Photojournalists can photograph so many different subjects. In the video, Photojournalist, Jason Henske says, "Morning could start out and you could photograph small children on their way to school for a story on crosswalk safety and then noon you could photograph a fatal accident on the interstate and then come five o'clock it could be a concert." It allows people to visualize the beauty and hardships of places they have never traveled to or events they were not alive for. Photojournalism unites the world! 

Photo of Riomaggiore, Italy by Jim Harmer