Of Social Justice

Conveying information through images is

one of the most effective, emotion-arousing

forms of communication.

- Research has shown that emotional content is the most

likely to become viral, as are “awe-inspiring” stories that force

readers to view the world differently.

- News-related images are more likely to be shared than

humorous ones, according to research by Social Media Expert

Dan Zarrella.

- “Vivid” images are particularly effective because they

present content in a “language” that is understood by all

people, regardless of literacy, culture, etc. All brains have the

same capability of interpreting images.

In Perspective Read this Washington Post

story and view some photos

depicting the 1999 Kosovo

conflict.

Note the differences in detail between these two features: the

use of imagery through words versus imagery through photos.

• Photos were successful in capturing emotion through tears,

facial expressions, dead bodies, etc.

• Which medium did you personally prefer?

What goes into consideration when

selecting images for publication?

1. Subject: immediately recognizable; audience can easily understand the point of the photo

2. Quality: colors, shading, resolution, size, clarity are in harmony

3. Relevance: the photo directly relates to and complements the accompanying story, if there is one

4. Effect: provoking discussion, emotion, action from audience

5. Taste: Will the photo offend, frighten, or disturb the audience? Disclaimer necessary?

Controversial Examples:

There is an argument that the media’s use of dramatic, compelling

photos sensationalizes serious issues, or exploits them for profit

rather than journalistic purposes.

Why is it such a big deal?

Click photos to enlarge and read more

ACTIVITY

You are the editor of the New York Times. You must

select one of these photos to accompany a front

page story about the Somali famine.

Click to view larger images How will you make your decision?

Remember the 5 criteria Subject – Quality – Relevance – Effect – Taste

Are the photos

“scary?” Do they

add to the story?

Evoke emotions?

Based on previous

examples, discuss

potential audience

reactions.

The Times’ actual front page

NYT Executive Editor Bill Keller stood by it:

“[Our photographers] sent us a harrowing story and

vivid, arresting photographs. We put them before the

attention of our readers. That's our job.”

Results

“The photographs fail to show the reason why so many people have reached this

state of destitution. Underneath the high visibility famine lies an age-old and

sustainable way of living that has been disrupted by a modern world system, and

whose ability to adapt to the cycle of drought has been severely undermined.” –

Helen de Jode, The Guardian

“The fact that people far away can see with visceral immediacy the facts of a crisis like

the one now hitting the Horn of Africa is one of the most optimistic aspects of the

modern world. Consciences are awakened by the camera ... [these pictures] tell the

whole world what will happen across the region unless urgent international action

comes immediately.” – Jonathan Jones, The Guardian

Images, continued

Discussion:

• How did you feel after viewing the Times’ slideshow?

• After seeing the photos, do you feel more compelled

to take action to help the Somali cause?

• Where is the line for journalists between informing

the public and advocating for a social issue?

• Is it okay for journalists to advocate for global

crises? Are there exceptions?

Related content: TIME’s “100 Photos that Changed the World”