photojournalism

Photojournalism is the practice of communicating news and information through photographs, combining visual storytelling with reporting. It aims to document current events and social issues in a timely, informative, and accurate way, often with accompanying text.

Traditionally produced for newspapers and magazines, photojournalism emerged with the rise of press photography in the early 20th century, aided by portable cameras and enabled by wire services. Iconic photographers such as Margaret Bourke-White, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange helped shape the field by capturing decisive moments that shaped public perception. War, civil rights, and social upheaval provided many assignments and opportunities to convey lived experience.

Practices include rapid field work, careful composition, and the use of light and timing. Photographers often work with editors and captions to provide context. The concept of the decisive moment describes capturing a fleeting arrangement of elements that reveals truth. With digital technology, photographers edit and distribute images more quickly, raising questions about manipulation and reliability. Ethical considerations include accuracy, fairness, respect for subjects, and avoiding staging or misleading framing. Many organizations adhere to codes of ethics and licensing standards.

Impact and scope include informing public discourse, shaping policy, and preserving historical record. Photojournalism spans news, politics, conflict, sports, and human-interest stories. In the modern era, online platforms and image agencies enable rapid dissemination, while debates continue about image rights, consent, representation, and the responsibility to provide context alongside compelling visuals.