Saturday, March 23, 2013

Photojounalism, Editorialized Documentary Photography and Sensationalism

This is a really interesting article, illustrating some interesting exhibits:

http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_22842922/denver-photography-shows-enter-strange-worlds-different-styles

But, I'm not sure I agree with the premise.  I think of "documentary" work as still aiming to be unbiased, hence "documenting."  What the author describes seems to be more editorial.  But, it is interesting, and this raises an important question of whether some photography, whether journalistic, editorial, or art, just goes for shock value.

It's human nature, that we all rubber-neck at an accident, even if horrified, because curiosity in the tragic, piques our interest.  At the same time, photographers often feel an obligation to show the world what is happening, without judgement, which in turn may spark some action.  It's a fine line.  In any case, this one is worth a read.

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