An Introduction Of Photojournalism

Here I want to share something with you all about photojournalism. First time I heard about that word when I was in first month involve in photography. One girl asked me "Will you involve in photojournalism?" I was blank because I don't know what is it and I just ignore it until I meet one photographer at facebook, Mr. Rabani HM Ayub.

He told me that Photojournalism is about making a big deal about your subject and the best photos are the ones which, not only attract attention because of the colors and the exposure but also containing related information. Study your subject very well and you will have good story as well as good photos and be a part of your subject. And his second advice to me was if you want to be a better photographer,stop being a photographer.

Interest right? After that I think deeply what does he said and then I found book title "photojournalism: an introduction" at library. After read and read and then I understand what does Mr. Rabani advice. Dont just shoot as you see, or blind shoot. It will be nice but it mean nothing without story behind that pictures. Here I want to share something from the book "photojournalism : an introduction" by Fred S. Parrish in how to gatering information. And here I picked from his book and paste it for us to share some knowledge.

Caption help put images into perspective and explain details that are not visually obvious or clear. Photographers must gather information about their pictures so caption can be written. The 5Ws is a good way to discuss caption information gathering.


Who - Always ask subject to spell their names as they want them to appear in print. Misspelling a name is a journalistic sin. If subject do not object, recording all information they tell you is helpful. Always get children's ages. Request adults' ages only if they are relevant because some people sensitive about their ages.

What - Always accurately and completely identify the overall event. Get a brief description and the title of the event if it has one. Seek detailed information about each individual image. The participant and what they are doing and other information relevant to the scene. Get as much specific information as you can about what is going on in the picture.

When - Note the day, month, and year and the specific time of day if it is relevant. If you have any doubt, use about approximately, or a spread.

Where - Use formal names first, followed in parentheses by any informal names. Do not depend on common usage to reflect formal names. People often do not know formal names, including people who have long been associated with a place or structure. Be specific as possible.

Why - Make sure you get the real why, not what some uninformed or misinformed person proclaims. Always try hard to confirm information with at least on other source. This category may or may not relevant to caption information. This is a judgment call. If you have any doubt, get the information.

Other Information - Always seek and explanatory information that does not readily fit into any of the preceding categories, such as technical information and its lay description. Write down or record any informative quotes.

Already read? It it useful if you want to be a good photographer. Not just simply point and shoot your subject and then walk around like nothing happen. If you see someone fall down, you mau shoot it and then run as fast as you can to help him/her. When you jump into street photography, asked your subject as much as you can.


Thank you. Enchek Izaan.