MDSA01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Frank Hoy, Crimewatch, Plaintext
Codes of objectivity in Photo-Journalism
• Photographs are coded symbolic artifacts whose form and content transmit identifiable points
of view.
• Photograph does not necessarily the reality in front of the lens.
• Using illustrations boosts circulations
• Tension between the natural and symbolic is an inherent aspect of photography.
• Important to take into account the agency and intent of photographer.
• Photojournalists are highly manipulators of the medium.
• The relationship between form and content plays a pivotal role in defining photojournalism.
• Photojournalists view content as primary, while form serves as its vehicle.
• When the viewer notices a form or content, it has called attention to itself at the expense of the
message. < Frank Hoy photojournalism professor advice.
Communication code of naturalism:
• A communicative strategy which seeks to obscure the articulatory apparatus utilized in the
production of a message, diminishing the perceived presence of an author and the significance
of intent or point of view.
• The photograph is interpretive, in that it can also present a point of view- the photographs
personal intellectual opinion or stance or unique attitude toward the subject.
Defining photojournalism:
• Aim of photojournalist is to communicate a clear message so the viewers can understand the
situation quickly. The power of a great photograph is the power of an immediately understood
message.
• You should report news so that readers wish they had been there.
Content: Fire, accidents, and crime
Spot News: The coverage of unanticipated events, photographed as they happen or soon afterwards. Ex;
Disasters, acts of violence.
General News: Refers to planned news events, such as press conferences, speeches, ceremonies, or
parades.
A news picture accrues value when
1. Its subject is famous
2. The event is or large magnitude
3. The outcome is tragic
People want to see pictures of disaster, and photographs show not only the emotions of the
participants, but also the size of a fire better than words can describe it.
Photo coverage should include:
1. Record shot
2. An overall shot, from high angle in order to establish the location and the size of fire.
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Document Summary
Codes of objectivity in photo-journalism: photographs are coded symbolic artifacts whose form and content transmit identifiable points of view. Defining photojournalism: aim of photojournalist is to communicate a clear message so the viewers can understand the situation quickly. The power of a great photograph is the power of an immediately understood message: you should report news so that readers wish they had been there. Spot news: the coverage of unanticipated events, photographed as they happen or soon afterwards. General news: refers to planned news events, such as press conferences, speeches, ceremonies, or parades. Its subject is famous: the event is or large magnitude, the outcome is tragic. People want to see pictures of disaster, and photographs show not only the emotions of the participants, but also the size of a fire better than words can describe it. Proximity to other buildings in the neighborhood: scene of the fire on the following day, visual filled with drama, excitement, and pathos.
