"M12 - Chapter 9 - What Motivates Photojournalists"

"M12 - Chapter 9 - What Motivates Photojournalists"

Motivation can be described in many ways depending on what you are like as a person. Their motivation allows them to complete their short and long term goals which is important in every aspect. So when researching on a variety of photojournalist I have found out that they have a lot of reasons on how they get motivated. The photojournalist might be motivated by money. Another possibility is to be motivated by being published. So when researching I came across Lynn Johnson, who I thought was a very interesting women when reading her bio. Lynn Johnson explained that her motivation is revolved around being a female in a male dominated profession. Johnson stated, “documenting women’s issues feels like a responsibility as a woman photographer”. When looking at her bio, I thought it was easy to notice where Lynn Johnson gets her motivation and inspiration. Since being involved in this class I have found out that Women photojournalists have faced serious scrutiny from male photojournalists and others throughout history. So Johnson uses this to motivate her so she can be a better journalist.

Taken by Lynn Johnson

So whatever industry you plan to work in one of the main things they think of is the money aspect. Even if you are on the starting salary wage you want to raise your salary as soon as possible. So to do that you need to increase your reputation and to do that you need to take a lot more quality pictures. So when looking at photojournalist I came across EstherHavens, who is a popular person who provides great work for people to see. Esther Havens is that type of person that wanted to find more information of the people he was taking pictures off, she wasn’t interested about the money, she was more interested about sending powerful messages.  For instance, one of his photos had an impact on how she thought of work. One day Havens didn’t pay much attention to the child’s misery and it had an effect on her. So since then Havens focused more on the stories of individuals. Rather than just taking the picture to add to her portfolio, she wanted to know more about the person she was photographing.  That’s what she used.

Taken by Esther Havens

Lastly I came across Stacy Pearsall who worked with the US air force Reading her background I found out that she loved working with the soldiers and getting to know them in person. When finding out what motivates her she stated that , "I think of the military of a slice of America at large. So many cultures and so much diversity and that really what I wanted to share with everybody” Stacy wanted to give something back to the people that put their body on the line so others can live. Stacy would make trips to all of the veterans who were still in hospital and help in any way she could.

Photo taken by Stacy Pearsall

The most important thing that motivates me is my family. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today and for that I am grateful. So whenever I am having a bad day I always think of them and that helps get me through.

Taken by Matthew Jones 

Photojournalism and Bias

Photojournalism and Bias

In this picture I can see that a very emotional navy shipman paying his respects at the Franklin D. Roosevelt's burial. When looking at this picture I see a lot of passion and love from this shipman. This could mean that he respected Roosevelt and what he stood for.

Photo taken by Ed Clark

The three principles that is used for this image were Black and White, Background compliments, and Subject Expression. The Black and White element helps the image look more powerful. Emotional images look better when made in Black and White. Background Compliments was also a huge factor because you could see all of the supporters that were at the funeral meaning that Roosevelt was well loved and respected. The next principle that was used was the Subject Expression, this is clearly shown in the picture. You can see the emotion that the shipman shows which sends a clear message to what he is thinking.

Photo taken by 

Natalie Nougayrede

Truth Photo: This picture depicts the reaction of Britain leaving the European Union. The hot air ballon represents the country being isolated from the rest of the European countries. The truth behind this is that there will actually have to look after themselves rather then being in a committee. On the other hand it can show freedom and it shows that Britain can look after themselves rather then being in the EU. When looking at module 10 Professor Nordell stated "Its of vital importance to look at the biases of the publications that presents imagery, So that the good think about this image because it isn't one sided.  This picture can send a message in various of ways which is why this image is so fascinating.

One of the principles in this image is Rule of thirds. The hot air balloon is positioned on the left so it looks like it’s moving away from everything else. Which again sends a clear message to the audience what the topic is about. The next principle is Background compliments. You can see clouds in the distance were symbolized freedom from other countries of the European Union. The next principle is that it sends a clear message to the audience of what this image is about. When looking at the picture you automatically know what the topic is about.

Photo taken by 

Michael Curtis

False: This picture was taken from when Neville Chamberlain arrived back in London after having talks with Adolf Hitler. This image was false because you could tell that his facial reactions wasn’t similar to his physical actions. This showed later on when promises were broken between the two countries.

The first principle that is used in the image is Black and white, this image makes the stamen more powerful and at the time it needed to be when people had to be convinced that what Chamberlain did was for the good of the people. The next principle is that there is a main subject which is Chamberlain holding the white paper up in the air. The image focus on her while the background is blurred out. The last principle used is there is a feeling created when looking at the image. This picture can make people feel angry because it made Britain look weak and desperate.