Photojournalism

Executing high quality photojournalism means that a reporter is able to convey emotions and a story with little to no writing. A camera is a reporter's best friend, and if at the right angle, it can catch the expression that neither a quote nor words can. A candid expression is the best, as there is no time to perform or alter what one would usually do. 

Why Candid Expression and Setting Can Replace Words

This photojournalism piece I produced is covering my school's 2025 homecoming assembly.  It doesn't need words for three reasons:

• Setting

  •  Because of the first picture, where the two girls hug on the stage, there is a sign to the left of them that says "Welcome to South Salem's Homecoming 2025." With the setting and information photographed within a pictre of people participating in the event, it makes sense that this is the current event. 

• Context

  • Everyone photographed is wearing formal attire and is wearing sashes which say "homecoming" on them. This adds credibility to the setting and event established in that first picture. 

• Expressions

  • While the story COULD just be about the event, that would be surface level and would not be digging deep and conveying a real story. But, looking at pictures of the cheerleaders, we can see that there are multiple cliques of the school involved, which gives the inclination that this is a school wide event, creating the idea of community and connectivity. And what about all of the kids' faces? Everyone looks HAPPY! Everyone is feeling and looking their best; they have on their best clothes while under the bright lights and the attention of the student body. 

• Conclusion

  • The story here is that South Salem High appears to have a strong community culture, and that when given opportunities to express themselves, students flourish and enjoy the structured environment that a school provides. And that right there is a story that requires no words. When you can capture raw emotions, they tell the stories themselves. 

What Makes This a Good Photo?