JOUR 225 Chapter 9 Summary
Chapter 9 focused on how to use images in the world of writing for the mass media.
First, the chapter impressed upon the reader the importance of images in media. Photos in particular are a fantastic way to bring the audience into a situation. They can show readers visually that words simply can’t convey.
Next, the chapter introduced the five basic concepts involved in photojournalism, which are as follows:
- Drama
- Action
- Expression
- Uniqueness
- Relationships
The next section of the chapter talked about the “threes” of phototography. First, the three different types of shots, which are the long range (or establishing) shot, the mid-range shot, and the close up. The close up, of course, is the most impactful shot.
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The other “three” of photography is the rule of thirds. This rule states that the image is cut in three pieces up and down and that the best arranged shots will be those whose subject lines up with the intersections.
Next, Chapter 9 talked about cutlines. Cutlines are the descriptions and explanation that accompany an image. Cutlines are important because they add important information about images that the average audience member would not have.
In the next section, the chapter gave a short and informative primer on photojournalistic ethics. The section explained that photographers must realize that they are working with a powerful medium that commands respect. However, the section also emphasized that the shot should always come first, and decisions about whether or not to run a piece can be decided on later.
Finally, the chapter briefly addressed using photo slideshows and graphs.
