Chapter 3: The Art of Photojournalism

Is It Art?

1871

Photo by John Thomson. Image source: https://www.americanphotomag.com/these-wet-plate-portraits-capture-chinese-culture-in-19th-century#page-4

The principles

Space/Perspective: The photo is literally and artistically about perspective. He was a scottish man in china, photographing his experience through his own lens. The man is closer in the foreground than the two men in the back. 

Line: The photo is kind of dicided by a few lines. From left to right, the line the cuts off part of the man's arm draws the focus to him. And then the white wall in the middle separates the scene from the two other subjects.

Rule of thirds: The main focus is kind of off balance. There's a portion of each part of the photo that is filled out. You're not just drawn to the center. 

I chose this image because I honestly didn't know much about European influence in Asia. So I tried to find an area that I haven't been exposed to to start myself out. I just loved the contrast between the native chinese men in their traditional clothing in comparison to John Thomson on the left. It's almost like a criss-cross of time.

Around 1940

image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108086459780405220/?lp=true

The principles

Balance: The two subjects take up the frame of the picture very well and it isn't lacking or empty in any parts of the photo. The composition is pretty symmetrical. 

Value: The man and woman are more shaded and yet, the contrast from the more lightened or faded background really makes them pop. 

Unity: The people are quite harmonious in this shot, evenly distriputed and equally visible.

I chose this image simply because of the sweetness of it. It's a tender but possibly heartbreaking moment because the context is that he is either coming home or leaving his family to go off to war. And that interpretation makes the image interesting to look at. 

1965

Photo by the Estate of Grey Villet. Image source: https://www.americanphotomag.com/loving-victory-civil-rights#page-2

The principles

Emphasis: The highlight of the natural light is hitting her face and it makes it impossible to not be drawn straight to her expression. 

Rhytmn/Movement: The subjects were seemingly in motion. With the context I read, the woman was greeting her husband at the door. It's a small moment, but that movement is captured here. 

Pattern: The man's shirt is a pretty clear pattern. It's probably one of the first things that catches your attention. 

I chose this image because I really like intimate moments captured in history. It really humanizes the people that we could so easily forget were just like us. This particular photo of Mr. and Mrs. Loving of the historic Loving v. Virginia Supreme court case was a tumultuous moment in history and this espression on her face is pretty enchanting.