The Importance of Professional Photography For Journalism Industry

They say a photograph is worth 1,000 words.

But for us writers, photos will make the difference of whether our stories are read. most newspapers, relies on strong visuals use a backbone to writing. Without an artistic touch, even strongest stories have potential to go by the wayside to our readers.

After all, that’s why we dedicate a problem to that year’s best photography, and that’s something we thinking about keeping, unlike the Chicago Sun-Times with even its most experienced photojournalists.

Last week, the 65-year-old newspaper shocked the journalism world by announcing which it laid off its entire staff. Yes, not even Pulitzer Prize-winning John White was spared. This move baffled many journalists and media critics, so we too feel this confusion.

While it had been an obvious decision coming from a financial standpoint, it absolutely was one that will hurt the grade of journalism — both photo- and reporting-wise. Consider the example from earlier last academic year: the dumpster fire behind IHOP. After the Daily Illini was alerted to the incident, several reporters began asking those gathering questions: “Did you reside there?” or “How had you been alerted with the fire, and exactly how did you get out?”

We were attempting to crowd source to listen to from people who were affected and near the scene. Meanwhile, our photographers was snapping images because fire truck was hosing along the dumpster from above. Without a photographer on staff, we'd have had to depend upon reporters to capture the minute first before beginning to track down possible interview subjects.

And those amateur photography skills don’t include any technical aspects, like lighting or framing. Shortly after the announcement, the Sun-Times initiated mandatory practicing reporters in iPhone photography, that may undoubtedly help the standard of what we are able to potentially see on the cover. But there’s no training that may fill the sneakers left behind with a photographer — an agent who has specialized in her or his field for decades.

The newspaper carries a valid financial point: Demand for video is very high. We encourage the development of video — we are attempting to expand our video content also — however, not at the cost of an entire staff.

While using Getty Images or Associated Press wire photos are convenient, it will require away what a photograph can bring to your newspaper; often an iconic photo outlives a legendary story. A photo can show the hardships pursuing the Oklahoma tornado a story cannot describe. A photo can be back in time — even the most historic moments, like America’s civil rights movements, are depicted in images which can be indelible in American minds.

These photos, iconic or not, are what make stories jump out to readers quickly scanning the page. Yes, last week’s move was a step backward to the photo industry. But it’s too important for it never to continue. We depend upon it.