News photography is becoming increasingly relevant to journalism. Some may say it is because they was we consume knowledge is rapidly increasing and a picture is the key to 'the real news.'
I just say it's because people are lazy and don't want to read a couple of paragraphs.
However what makes a good photo? What are the effects of enhancing images? How can a photo change the way a story is viewed.
In the lecture we were asked to choose out of three photos that were of essentially the same situation, however one of them was newsworthy. Living and being educated in Townsville of course the activity had something to do with Jonathon Thurston (I'm surprised there isn't a subject on offer based around him- great player but overexposure is horrific). The photo was taken at his uncles funeral- and no it wasn't displayed in the obituaries, it was front page news (why?).
The fact that someone lurched around a graveyard for a photo of a football player crying at a funeral disturbs me more than the fact that this is considered front-page news. But this won an award (most creepy photo published) so I guess that makes the questionable movements of the photographer justified.
In order to have an effective photo it needs to be front and center, and full of emotion. There's nothing quite like stalking a grown man until he breaks down in tears (satisfying.)
However in many cases, such as television news, actual substantial photos aren't even necessary. For example when One Direction visited Australia last year the news stations saw fit to include video footage, not of the actual boy band, but instead of throngs of screaming girls for five minutes (captivating.)
Next we enter the wonderful world of internet and magazine publishing, where you can play the game of 'which image is actually real, and which ones have been heavily edited.'
Lets look at this wonderful edit of Justin Bieber being helped out of his car by his bodyguard.
The Original
The 'more realistic but still fake' edit
This image will always be relevant. Always.
We all know just how viral the Internet can make things, primarily if it's a bad photo of someone. It's especially if it's a bad photo of a celebrity, because we really cant handle the fact that they are good looking and talented people, so therefore we must make them look ugly.
Even Queen Bey can't escape the combination of Tall Poppy Syndrome and the power of the Internet.
Don't worry Beyonce, your thighs look amazing!
When we enter the area of magazine publishing, retouching is used more than Microsoft Word. Even a Size 6 model is retouched, pinched in, prodded, illuminated, and essentially made to look nothing like themselves. The aim is to create a completely unrealistic representation of a physical appearance (nobody's skin is that clear).
Apparently cellulite isn't allowed- I don't care you're still sexy Kimmy K.
But this isn't to say photography is always fabricated and unless. Sometimes important stories require a photo that is almost iconic as the event itself, that represents the entire scene, such as the fated but iconic World Trade Center photo.
News photography is still relevant, just don't go hiding behind graveyards to get your photo (reeks of desperation).
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