Monday, January 9, 2017

Women Photojournalists - Trials and Triumphs



Margaret Bourke-White was born on June 14,1904. Born in the Bronx, New York to father Joseph White and mother Minnie Bourke. Margaret attend Cornell University, in her home state of New York. It was not until the mid 1920’s that Bourke- White became well known in the field of photojournalism. She had been capturing images of construction in the city of Cleveland, Ohio when she truly began to rise. Bourke-White caught the eye of Henry Luce, a magazine mogul of the era. 


















Photo by: Margaret Bourke-White
Year created: 1945
Principle #1: Quality of Light - The quality of light in the photo creates a very bold and dramatic setting. The survivors facial expressions are all evident and grim. The light also allows the viewer to see the outrageous attire forced upon the individuals. There are also darker portions of the image that give to the depth of the photo. 
Principle #2: Contrast Appropriate - The contrast is decently high and there are almost as equivalent light to dark spots. The contrast contributes to the feeling the image portrays. The individuals in the photo look cold, restless, and malnourished. The contrast helps show the different facial structures of the individuals which also contributes to the hard image. 
Principle #3: What feeling does the image create? - The image creates a feeling of despair. It also makes me feel lucky to live where in the country that I do. I feel terrible for the individuals in this camp, and cannot even begin to imagine what that would be like. Overall the image makes me feel melancholy. 
Why did I choose this image? - I chose this image because it is extremely powerful. Many individuals have not actually seen some of these grueling World War 2 images. The people in the photo cause the viewer to feel a range of emotions. These emotions all contribute to the power of the image.

When it comes to the field of photojournalism, females are at a natural disadvantage. For example, as Addario says in her interview, “I was punched in the face a few times and groped repeatedly”. Females in the world of photojournalism are prone to not only physical abuse that men are, however sexual abuse as well. Females such as Addario do not denounce these facts, but rather embrace them. Addario spoke about two of her male counter parts in her motivational video and said “Two friends were killed in Libya last week and they were men. They have paid the highest price”. The misgivings that come from photojournalism are not exclusive to men or women, however women are in fact subject to more hardships than men. 

Paul Melcher touched on an interesting point from the male perspective, “Why is a photojournalist’s gender relevant to their work?”. The article questioned if there was a need to include one’s gender with the image itself. Many females commented on the post, which may have been more informative than the article itself. The first lady to comment was Karen, she said that “Women’s groups are more about social bonds than excluding men”. This quote resonated throughout the entire comment section and clearly opens the male eye that there is in fact discrimination that in turn creates the need for these groups. Female photojournalists are subject to more discrepancies than their male counter parts. However, the truth about photojournalism is that the image is the utmost important factor of good photojournalism, not gender.


















Photo by: Paige Stoyer
Year created: 2013
Principle #1: Keep it simple - The image here is quite simple in itself. These two females are in fact photojournalists. They seem to be enjoying their occupation as they are smiling. The image creates a warm feeling through it's simplicity. 
Principle #2: Subject's expression - Both females in the image are happy. Neither of the two look as though they are over posed. The image is in fact a candid. They seem to be enjoying themselves and each others company while photographing. 
Principle #3: Is the image black and white or color? - The image is taken in color. However, I believe no matter how it was photographed, the content would still be the same. The color adds to the image, but it does not create the whole image. The colors do add visual appeal for some viewers with the few colors represented. 
Why did I chose this photograph? - I chose this image because it portrays female photojournalists. The image is also upbringing compared to the more depressing one prior. Both females look to be in a natural position. It is an excellent candid photograph. 

















Photo by: Warrick Page
Year created: 2014
Principle #1: Depth of field - There is just the right amount of focus in this image. The main subject is in clear focus. Out of focus, a car is on fire, adding to the drama in the image. The use of both focuses is key to the images message. 
Principle #2: Abstraction - The image is both abstract and sensual. The abstract aspect is clearly the dangers women face in photojournalism. The clear image shows that there is a car on fire and havoc is upon the situation. The photographer's use of abstraction in the image adds to the power it holds. 
Principle #3: Background compliments or detracts from composition - The background is absolutely crucial in this photo. Without the burning car in the background, the image lacks power. Although the combination of the army helmet and burning car create the feeling that it is a very hostile situation. The background is key in the image and without the image would not be powerful and would seem awkward.
Why did I chose this photograph? I chose this photograph because it expresses the challenge of female photojournalists in war zones. The background creates a visually appealing and grasping image. The female running also adds to the power in the image. All in all, the photograph shows the danger and risks photojournalists take in their occupation. 

No comments:

Post a Comment