Schools of Photojournalism

Description of the Department: The Department of Theory is concern in gather the most important concepts about photojournalism throughout the history of this are of the journalism and photography. It is especially important to know the most noticeable theorists and their schools. Any proposal to enrich our investigation and data is welcome as a professor, student or researcher to share free knowledge worldwide.

Objectives: Underlining the main concepts of definition for the photojournalism area as a basic concept for any further study.

Credits: This Department applies either for the Faculty of Journalism or Fine Arts.

Photojournalism is a form of journalism that has to see directly with photography and video. As journalism, it is also a collection, edition and presentation of information in the form of news, reports, documentaries and others that have to see with journalism.

Photojournalism is characterized by the following factors:

The image must be of something that is on the news or a current event.

The situation implied by the image is a fair and accurate presentation of the events depict in both content and tone.

The image must combine with other news elements (written article, for example), to make facts relatable to the viewer or reader on a cultural level.

The image must keep the basics principles to make photography at the professional level.

Photojournalism is defined from Ethics as well. Here some of the most important codes of ethic on photojournalism from around the world.

NPPA Code of Ethics: This USA based organization of Press Photographers sees photojournalism as a right of the people to be informed within the freedom of press. You can find more information about it in the Photojournalism and Law.

For NPPA, photojournalism “operates as trustees of the public” and its main role is the faithful and comprehensive depiction of the subject at hand.”

At the other hand, NPPA points out the responsibility of photojournalism in preserving history through the images.

In this case, photojournalism has a great ethical meaning as information spot that could benefit or harm the people according with the role it assumes in communication.

See NPPA Code of Ethics: "Preamble", National Press Photographers Association, link retrieved on July 7, 2008.