The Important History of Photojournalism

History is a record of past events that is important and sets the tone for what humans can learn from. Being able to define history is valuable but understanding it and studying the different parts is necessary. A specific part of history includes photojournalism which is journaling but using pictures instead to tell a story.

1. How can knowing the history of photojournalism help to understand what photojournalist from the past and in current time have to do? 

Knowing the history of photojournalism can help to understand what photojournalist from the past and current time have to do because it is seen throughout the years how it has transformed by their images. In the video, What is Photojournalism? by Professor Nordell, he states, "it started with Matthew Bradys photographs from the civil war, considered by many to be the beginning of the civil war... later as technology developed you could print photographs and newspapers." This shows how it is important to know the history of photojournalism because it helps people correlate between events happening from the past and the real-life images that happen now. Understanding what photojournalist did from the beginning to now shows how it has advanced completely through time. 

2. Why should I learn about the history of photojournalism, can't I just look at the pictures and move on? 

Photojournalism and its history are real and its roots stem deep into different aspects of life. According to Remembering Marcus Garvey published from the Afrobella Blog in the module 2 content, he states, "a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots". This shows how history in general is important, but every aspect whether being photojournalism, politics or government is necessary to learn about because it all tells a story about someone. 

                                                        Photo by Timmya Brown, 1/09/25

This image is an example of photojournalism because it tells a strong story. I took this picture because it was a beautiful view, but also because I knew I would have this photojournalism course, and it represents much more than looks. This image was taken in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico at a location called Castillo San Felipe del Morro which is known for its historical impact in protecting Puerto Rico when the British tried to attack. But, in current time it represents even more with locals flying kites and being free, while tourist come to view how impactful this landmark is. According to the video What is History? it states, "history is filled with larger-than-life characters who take on the starring role in history books... but they are nothing without the ordinary people who support them." This correlates back to photojournalism because everyone's story matters which is depicted in this photo to me as people coming together. 

                                                         Photo by Timmya Brown 1/07/25

This image is not an example of photojournalism because it doesn't depict a story. There is a sharp line between a regular photo and photojournalism and that is the purpose behind it. I took this photo knowing that I had this photojournalism course and wanted to express creativity. Now realizing that to me this wouldn't exactly express history or a story but instead is just another picture. In the video Jason Henske - Photojournalist he states, "you could photograph a fatal accident on the interstate and then come five o'clock it could be a concert, each day is vastly different." This shows how there are different pictures for different reasons throughout the day. I did also notice a trend with his photos being that there were people in almost all his pictures that tell some type of story, which this picture above does not. 

I am overall studying the history of photojournalism to gain more insight into the story behind the pictures but also the photojournalist taking them. I want to learn more about women's right which I know has a lot of history being depicted in photos such as with cases like Roe v. Wade. I am also curious and interested about healthcare and ethical/legal issues which can be tied back to photojournalism and the strong stories being told in certain images. This can all be correlated to the type of news I watch also. Since I am an unbiased person, I try to get my news from every viewpoint to see how people view different current event topics. Ultimately, I think the history of photojournalism plays a major impact in that from the beginning to now with current events.