What is Documentary Photography?
What is Documentary Photography?
Documentary photography is a genre of photography that seeks to capture real-life events, people, and places in a truthful and objective manner. The purpose of documentary photography is to tell a story, convey a message or document a specific moment in history. This genre has been used to shed light on social issues, bring attention to forgotten communities, and to document significant events throughout history.
Styles of Documentary Photography
There are three main styles of documentary photography:
Observational: This style involves observing and capturing moments as they unfold without any intervention from the photographer. The goal is to create an objective record of events.
Participatory: In this style, the photographer becomes part of the story, interacting with the subjects and becoming a part of their world. The goal is to create a more subjective and personal view of the subject.
Expository: This style involves using images and captions to create a narrative that tells a specific story or conveys a message.
3 Key Tips for Capturing Great Documentary Photos
If you're interested in trying your hand at documentary photography, here are three key tips to keep in mind:
Research: Before you start shooting, research your subject thoroughly. Learn about their history, culture, and customs. This will help you understand them better and capture more meaningful images.
Be patient: Documentary photography requires patience and persistence. Wait for the right moment to capture your shot, and be prepared to spend time building relationships with your subjects.
Be respectful: When photographing people, always ask for permission first. Show respect for your subjects and their culture, and be sensitive to their needs and feelings.
Looking For Other Types of Photography?
This type of photography is one of a wider group of photography styles. If you are looking for other photography styles visit the page “What Styles of Photography Are Available?”. This article provides a quick guideline to each style of photography including portrait, wildlife, street, fine art, black and white, macro, sport, fashion, astrophotography, aerial or drone, underwater, food, and product photography.
3 Iconic Documentary Photos
Three famous documentary photos that have captured the attention of the world are:
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange, 1936: This photo depicts Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother of seven who was living in a migrant camp during the Great Depression. The photo is a powerful representation of the struggle and poverty that many Americans faced during this time.
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener, 1989: This photo captures a lone protester standing in front of a line of tanks during the Tiananmen Square protests in China. The image has become a symbol of courage and resistance against authoritarianism.
"Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry, 1984: This photo features a young girl from Afghanistan with striking green eyes. The image became a symbol of the human cost of conflict and the plight of refugees.
In conclusion, documentary photography is a powerful tool for capturing real-life events, people, and places. By following these key tips and experimenting with different styles, you can create impactful and meaningful images that tell a story and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
More Photography Stuff
For more articles about photography, photographic experiences, or simple guides and tips, visit the Articles link here. To find out more about the photographer, visit the BIO page. If you would like to see the latest photographic adventure, go to Adam’s Journal.
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