ART PHOTOGRAPHY

 

PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

1. The main differences and similarities between art and press photography;

The main similarities between art and press photography are they both tell a story. All photographers have their own style, and technique, but both types of photography can give the viewer an emotional connection.

The main difference is that the art photographer is allowed to stage and the press photographers are not allowed to alter their photographs.

Both art and press photography are similar in the sense that they both require a camera, a subject and a photographer. They both tell a story but with specific styles and techniques. An emotional connection can be made with both types of photography. For example, when looking at a news photo of war, or disaster it may make one feel empathetic while an art photo might display a certain mood. The photo, whether press or art, can invoke the viewer’s feelings.

 

“Kertesz was not a journalist, but his pictures tell the stories as they happened. He was able to freeze the information on his photographs.” The objective is to capture an image that tells a real story as it happens. Press photographers are able to see the photos and to capture them in the right moment, because for them even just by getting a light-meter out or a tripod the moment is lost, once the moment has passed, it is gone there is no such thing as asking somebody to pose again or try and get the same expression once more. Press photographers to me are not allowed to alter their photography at all. They have to wait for the perfect time to take a picture and capture moment as best as they can, as soon as they take the picture, their job is complete. 'A camera for Kertesz was a little notebook, a sketchbook that connected with his life.'

 

2. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs? Why? Why not?

Yes, I think that it is acceptable to alter art photographs. Art photography involves creativity and the photographer has the ability to express what they wish to get across to the viewer in an artistic and creative way. Art photography has less structure, therefore the photographer is able to manipulate and alter their photographs to get a point across or to express themselves.

 

3. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why not?

Some of the standards set by the National Press Photographers Association are that they must be accurate and comprehensive, not manipulated or staged and subjects must be treated with respect and dignity. It is neither ethical nor acceptable to alter press photos because they must be as accurate as the news they are supposed to be telling. (NPPA, 2011) Press photography must follow the NPPA Code of Ethics.

 

 

NPPA. (2011). NPPA Code of Ethics. http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html

 

Photo’s

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/violet-blue-rose-ii--flowers-macro-fine-art-photography-artecco-fine-art-photography--photograph-by-nadja-drieling.html

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/natashaalipour-faridani/with/2896570922/

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/feb/11/world-press-photo-awards

 

http://grind365.com/news/world-press-photos-for-2011/

- What's the role of photo journalism?

Photo journalism is a particular form of journalism which is the collecting, editing, and presenting of news material for publication or broadcast, they create images in order to tell a news story. It is now usually understood to refer only to still images, but in some cases the term also refers to video used in broadcast journalism. Photojournalists create pictures that contribute to the news media.

- Are there rules that photojournalists should follow? Why? Why not?

Photojournalists operate as trustees of the public. Their primary role is to report visually on the significant events and varied viewpoints in our common world. Their primary goal is to produce faithful and comprehensive depiction of the subject at hand. As photojournalists, they have the responsibility to document society and to preserve its history through images.

- Is the ethics of taking journalistic photos different than the ethics of writing a news story?

There are the new ethical issues raised by the rise of new image technology. These images include both photographs and video. Citizens and professional journalists have new and easy ways to capture and transmit images, such as cell phones linked to the internet via wireless technology. They have new technologies for altering and manipulating these images.

Another issue is whether a journalist or a citizen used technology to alter the photograph, e.g. to add an object to the picture or to take an object out. The manipulation of images is so tempting that mainstream newsrooms have fired a string of photojournalists over the past decade to discourage fraudulent practices.

Even with manipulation, not all issues are clear.

Photojournalists often talk about how it is permitted to change the ‘technical’ aspects of a picture such as altering slightly the tone or color of a photo. But they draw the line at any further changes. Changing the meaning or content of the image so as to mislead viewers is considered unethical.

However, the line between a technical change and a change is not always clear. An image maker can enhance the colors of a photo until it is quite unlike the original picture of the object or the event.

- What's the impact of altering press photographs? Should they be edited (at all) in postproduction?

Altering press photographs should not be allowed because it changes the viewer’s perception and can impact society in many ways. Photographs can be altered to a certain extent, and depending on its use of purpose, these changes can be very limited. Only limited alteration should be done in post-production which includes changing the brightness, contrast, etc. just to improve the quality of the image. Taking someone out of the photo, or placing someone in the photo, changing the background or structures, altering facial expressions and features, are all examples of alteration which are strictly prohibited as stated in the list of guidelines all photo journalists should follow.