Photojournalism and Bias

Photo by: Ed Clark
Image source: http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209
Principle #1: Subject's expression - The subject of the photo seems to be experiencing a wide variety of emotions. The subject does not seem overly posed in the photo. The man seems to be experiencing natural emotion, not just emotion for the image. The background characters also seems to be upset.
Principle #2: Abstraction - The photo is in fact representational. The military man seems to be feeling emotions perhaps due to the fact that a fight is over. The image is titled "Going home" so perhaps the subject finally gets to see his family. The notion of going home springs a range of emotions clearly felt in the image.
Principle #3: Depth of field - There is the perfect amount of area in focus here. The main subject is in focus and his emotions can clearly be seen. Out of focus, in the background, other individuals are presented, with an equal amount of emotions. Both the subject in focus and individuals out of focus both add to the image and give it it's power.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph because is it is both emotional and powerful. The man in the photo is exerting extreme emotion caused by his situation. Those in the background are experiencing similar emotions, adding to the image. The use of black and white also adds to the depth of the photo.

In the image I see a soldier feeling a wide variety of emotions, most likely due to the fact that he can go home. Also in the image, are females in the background who seem as though they are grieving in some aspect or another. Perhaps the soldier is upset because he is one of the few who gets to return home. Perhaps the soldier is just extremely happy because he is going home. Bias, as defined by the Free Dictionary is "A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits partial judgement".  To me, this image does not represent bias, but only the hard truth. There are many emotions felt by soldiers after combat, and "Going home" truly exemplifies this range of emotions.

Image A
Photo by: Greg Semendinger
Image source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/photos/9-11-the-25-most-powerful-photos-slideshow/
Year created: 2001
Principle #1: Texture - The image has a lot going on in it. The texture of the large billows of smoke add to the power of the image. The hazy city seems to be in complete chaos, caused by the smoke. Buildings are drowned out by the plumes of smoke moving through the city.
Principle #2: Contrast appropriate - The contrast in the image is exactly how it should be. There are limited dark spots throughout the image. The light spots created by the contrast allow for the viewer to take in just how much smoke is traveling throughout the city. The contrast allows for the viewer to see buildings being consumed by the clouds of smoke.
Principle #3: In or out of focus - The image of the city is much in focus. However, there are portions of the image that are out of focus. This is due to the fact that the photographer wanted to capture as much of the city as possible. Both parts of the image, in and out of focus, create an image that is powerful, emotional, and truthful.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph for the shear emotion it creates. The visual representation is exactly how the city looked from above on September 11, 2001. The image gives the viewer a truthful look into New York City on the day despair. The magnitude of the situation is perfectly captured in this image.

The image above was taken on September 11, 2001. The image is a clear representation of the truth and unfortunate misgivings that occurred on that dark day. The tremendous amount of smoke present in the image shows how much destruction actually came about on 9/11. Many believe that the Taliban were the culprits. According to the Watching America website, "The Taliban proposal for talks with the U.S. is a welcome gesture". Even today, conflicts still rage between the U.S. and Taliban forces. According to the article on the rules of photojournalism, "the type of image being produced should never dictate the story". This image does not dictate the story, but rather document the terrible day in American History. I know this image represents the truth because of a few factors: sense perception, emotion, and logic. I was alive to witness the events on 9/11 and know that the emotions experienced are both sad and true.

Image B
Photo by: Christine Muschi
Image source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2016-11/28/content_27505677_6.htm
Year created: 2016
Principle #1: Keep it simple - The photographer kept the image rather simple, Santa's exiting a sleigh. There is a small amount of clutter of each side of the image. However, for the most part the image is quite simple. There are only a few subjects in the image.
Principle #2: Exposure time - A decent shutter speed was used to capture this image. The shutter speed used was chosen in order to capture the Santa's exiting the sleigh. The shutter speed also allowed for individuals on both the left and right side of the frame to be blurred in. Had a slower shutter speed been used, the image may not have had the aesthetic qualities it now possesses.
Principle #3: What feeling does the image create? - The image creates a sense of happiness. However, from an adult point of view, the image in itself is not a truthful representation of reality. While the image is a feel good image, some audience, particularly younger, is being duped. Overall, the image creates joy among many.
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this photograph because it creates happiness. I also decided to pick this image because it also does not represent the truth. As much as I wish Santa Clause to be real, it is not the case. However, according to the image, there is a multitude of different Santa's, inevitably tricking the younger audience into the common misconception of Santa Clause.

Although the image above creates a feeling of joy, I believe that the image does not portray the truth. I know this because of both sense of perception and reason. As much as I would love to believe Santa Clause was real, I know the reality of the situation. Professor Nordell says in his first video on photojournalism bias that "Truths change over time". This in fact the case with Image B. At one point in my life I would have thought this image portrayed a wonderful truth, however as I grew older I came to find out that it is only a fallacy. According to Majority World, "we are opening doors - creating visibility, market access, and respect". Christine Muschi would enjoy that quote, seeing as though her image creates visibility with Santa's and gives her market access, because Santa is a popular topic in the U.S. All in all, the image may show a conceived truth, however the reality of the image is that is misleading those who are unaware of the subject, particularly the youth.