IS3

I really want to get into photojournalism. The natural feel, emotion and overall interpretation generate such "bare" photographs. Photojournalism seems to be the most true to it's nature, and it is what it is. You can interpret it anyway you like.

Photojournalism was practiced as early as the 1850s, but the pictures werent't published until the 1880s, due to printing presses only being able to publish from engravings. The first pictures of photojournalism were of the Crimean war done by Carol Szathmari. The artform became more popular during the 1920s.

Here are three sites that I found to be useful:

Black Star
Photojournalism - Window to the World
Steve McCurry

Now, for the three pictures that I like:

Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry

This is a famous, famous picture that first appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. What really captures the viewer is the detail in her eyes and her expression. Her piercing eyes and alertness is what is so striking. There is also a nice use of complimentary colors that makes this picture even more interesting. I can sit and look at this picture all day.

Joy of Living by Arthur Fellig

What I like about this picture is how he creates irony with the sign in the background. It really gets you thinking how life is cruel sometimes, but we have to go on. Sometimes the joy of living is life itself, and that is clearly the case in this picture. There are so many other little things that you think about when looking at this picture.

Gandhi by Margaret Bourke-White

Gandhi, what more can I say? A moment that captures him in his element, his thought, and his life. So quiet, so peaceful, such a shame he was assasinated. Either way, it's a great composition and really captures the essence of Gandhi.