Emotion: Defined Through Photography

To define a word, we often look to sources such as the dictionary. However, I believe that some words, specifically emotions, can be defined better through images rather than words. In America, our droughts are defined by restrictions on when we can water our little patch of grass in suburbia. Housewives complain that their pansies are wilting and we say that the ground is thirsty. 

[James Whitelow Delano]

This African man is searching the desolate landscape around him for even a small puddle of water to gather. He is desperate to provide his family with one of life’s most essential elements-- water-- he truly is thirsty.

Now what about the definition of mercy? Is it a compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or is it a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion? Or is it best defined this picture of an old Russian woman who watched as her sons were taken away from her?

[Andy Rain]

And finally, do we define praise as the expression of a favorable judgment, the glorification of a saint or an expression of approval? To this group of young people at a religious gathering in Manila, Philippines, praise cannot even be described through words. With arms outstretched and tears streaming down their faces, it is evident that their emotions can not be described through words.

[James Whitelow Delano]

Some say that photojournalism is dead. Mr. Banks, the owner of extremely successful Luceo Photography believes that “it is absolutely ridiculous to say that photojournalism is dead.”  Photographers from Banks’ company took the above photographs which were published in a book on emotional photography last month. The incredible success of Luceo is evidence to the continued need for photography in journalism.

Those who say that photojournalism is dead should attempt to evoke the same emotion through words that these photographs provide visually. They will soon find that their words will fall flat and are insufficient to fully explain a story. Readers respond to visual cues, and photography only enhances a story. What can be said in words, can be seen through photojournalism.