Photojournalism is the craft of producing photographs that inform, document and convey the facts and context of events for mass media. Images are selected and captioned to ensure accuracy and to support a clear narrative.
History
Photographic reporting began in the 19th century. One early and influential figure was Mathew Brady, noted for his extensive coverage of the American Civil War. During the 20th century, newspapers and magazines often maintained staff photographers and invested heavily in competition for striking images.
Practice and ethics
- Accuracy: Photographs must represent events truthfully; captions provide necessary context.
- Manipulation: Digital editing that alters meaning is ethically problematic.
- Respect and consent: Consideration for subjects, especially vulnerable people, is essential.
Distribution, economics and modern trends
From the mid‑1900s to the 1970s photo staff were common; later the decline of print outlets and the rise of many new photographers made traditional employment harder to sustain. Today photojournalism operates across agencies, freelance assignments and digital platforms, while evolving with mobile photography, social media and multimedia storytelling.