Chapter 3 - The Art of Photojournalism

Bandit's Roost, 59 1/2  Mulberry Street
1888
Photo By: Jacob Riis

Image Source: http://100photos.time.com/photos/jacob-riis-bandits-roost-mulberry-street

Depth Of Field

The depth of field in this image is only one component that makes it a great picture. As you look at each man, their faces become more unnoticeable making the image mysterious and almost dangerous. Your eye is immediately drawn in to the man on the left but continues on to each face as if you are really there.

Background Compliments or Detracts from Composition

The background of this image really brings out the focal point of the piece as a whole. The bright background, which seems like sunlight in the distance, brings an ominous feel to the scene. It darkens the foreground making the subjects seem important and intimidating. 

Texture

The texture of this image brings just another level of intrigue when looking at it. The people are gritty, the light is ominous, and the texture is gritty. I think Jacob Riis did a phenomenal job of capturing the true identity of these people snd the setting they were in. They seem cold and emotionless, just as the textures of the photo are rough and gritty. 

Why did I choose this image?

I chose this image because it immediately made me curious about the time and place it occurred. The men in the image do no not look like they are interested in being photographed, yet they allow the picture to be taken. The second reason I chose this image is because the location is not beautiful, but it has unmatched character. 

The Steerage

1907

Photo By: Alfred Stieglitz

Image Source: http://100photos.time.com/photos/alfred-stieglitz-steerage

Use of Shadows

The use of shadows, whether done intentionally or not, presents an interesting take on the characters shown. On the top half of the image you have a bright sky and wealthy or higher class passengers. On the lower half you have lower class passengers and a dark and shadowed background. The use of shadows brings to the viewers attention the separation of classes in an almost abstract way.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Interestingly enough, the composition of this image is "simply cluttered". Although the subject, a mass of people, is cluttered and almost random, it is still obvious as to what the photographer was trying to capture. The photo being upstaged really gives the cluttered picture life.

Obvious main subject, about 1/4 to 2/3 of the image area

The subject of this image takes up maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition. Because of this, the background doesn't take away from anything in the foreground. If the image was closer up and on a more specific subject i don't think the image would have as big of an effect. 

Why did I choose this image?

I chose this image because it reminded me of how far society has come. Although there is still obvious separation when it comes to wealth and status, we live in a much more inclusive society today. Even though people still may judge others by how they look or how much money they make, people are not physically compartmentalized and looked down on because of their economic status. 

Miracle on Ice

1980

Photo By: Heinz Kluetmeier

Image Source: https://www.si.com/nhl/photos/2012/02/22miracle-on-ice#1

Subject's Expression

The beauty of this image is the purity of the subject's emotion. It was unplanned and a moment many people thought would never happen. Being able to capture this image at this exact moment was perfect timing. The expressions shown on the faces of the subjects are have gone down in history as one fo the greatest moments in sports history. 

 Exposure Time

This image was taken with a fast shutter speed. You can tell this because the people are moving but there is no blur around them. The fast shutter speed was able to capture the moment in a crisp nature. I think that has a lot to do with why the image is so famous.

What feeling does the image create?

The image automatically makes me feel excited. This is one of the most iconic moments in sports and olympic history. I'm very happy someone was able to capture this moment in time. 

Why did I chose this image?

I chose this image because it's from a time and event that I wish I was able to see in person. The image makes me proud to be from such a resilient and dedicated country and fanbase. It gives me hope for USA hockey in the future.