2. Conveying information through images is
one of the most effective, emotion-arousing
forms of communication.
- Research has shown that emotional content is the most
likely to become viral, as are “awe-inspiring” stories that force
readers to view the world differently.
- News-related images are more likely to be shared than
humorous ones, according to research by Social Media Expert
Dan Zarrella.
- “Vivid” images are particularly effective because they
present content in a “language” that is understood by all
people, regardless of literacy, culture, etc. All brains have the
same capability of interpreting images.
3. In Perspective
Read this Washington Post
story and view some photos
depicting the 1999 Kosovo
conflict.
Note the differences in detail between these two features: the
use of imagery through words versus imagery through photos.
• Photos were successful in capturing emotion through tears,
facial expressions, dead bodies, etc.
• Which medium did you personally prefer?
4. What goes into consideration when
selecting images for publication?
1. Subject: immediately recognizable; audience can
easily understand the point of the photo
2. Quality: colors, shading, resolution, size, clarity are
in harmony
3. Relevance: the photo directly relates to and
complements the accompanying story, if there is one
4. Effect: provoking discussion, emotion, action from
audience
5. Taste: Will the photo offend, frighten, or disturb the
audience? Disclaimer necessary?
5. Why is it such a big deal?
There is an argument that the media’s use of dramatic, compelling
photos sensationalizes serious issues, or exploits them for profit
rather than journalistic purposes.
Controversial Examples:
Click photos to enlarge and read more
6. ACTIVITY
You are the editor of the New York Times. You must
select one of these photos to accompany a front
page story about the Somali famine.
How will you make your decision? Click to view larger images
7. Remember the 5 criteria
Subject – Quality – Relevance – Effect – Taste
Are the photos
“scary?” Do they
add to the story?
Evoke emotions?
Based on previous
examples, discuss
potential audience
reactions.
9. Results
“The fact that people far away can see with visceral immediacy the facts of a crisis like
the one now hitting the Horn of Africa is one of the most optimistic aspects of the
modern world. Consciences are awakened by the camera ... [these pictures] tell the
whole world what will happen across the region unless urgent international action
comes immediately.” – Jonathan Jones, The Guardian
“The photographs fail to show the reason why so many people have reached this
state of destitution. Underneath the high visibility famine lies an age-old and
sustainable way of living that has been disrupted by a modern world system, and
whose ability to adapt to the cycle of drought has been severely undermined.” –
Helen de Jode, The Guardian
NYT Executive Editor Bill Keller stood by it:
“[Our photographers] sent us a harrowing story and
vivid, arresting photographs. We put them before the
attention of our readers. That's our job.”
10. Images, continued
Discussion:
• How did you feel after viewing the Times’ slideshow?
• After seeing the photos, do you feel more compelled
to take action to help the Somali cause?
• Where is the line for journalists between informing
the public and advocating for a social issue?
• Is it okay for journalists to advocate for global
crises? Are there exceptions?
Related content: TIME’s “100 Photos that Changed the World”
