photojournalism
FOH-toh-JUR-nuh-liz-uhm
/ˌfoʊtoʊˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/
The art or practice of communicating news by photographs, especially in magazines and newspapers.
Emphasizes the journalistic aspect of conveying information and truth through images, often under challenging conditions.
The story behind the word. The word 'photojournalism' is a relatively modern compound, combining 'photo' from Greek 'phos' (light) and 'journalism' from 'journal,' which comes from Latin 'diurnalis' (daily). It literally means 'daily light-writing,' reflecting its role in capturing daily events with light-sensitive film or sensors for news reporting.
Word relationships
- visual reporting: A broader term that can include infographics and video, whereas photojournalism specifically refers to still photography.
- news photography: More specific to news events, while photojournalism can also cover feature stories and documentary projects.
- fiction: Photojournalism aims for factual representation, unlike fictional narratives.
Commonly confused with
- photography: Photography is the general art/science of taking photos; photojournalism is a specific application of photography for news reporting.
Word family
- photojournalist (noun): A person who practices photojournalism.
Collocations
- award-winning photojournalism
- ethical photojournalism
- digital photojournalism
- the power of photojournalism
Example sentences
- "The golden age of magazine photojournalism brought the realities of war and social change directly into people's homes." Discussing the historical impact of visual media.
- "She pursued photojournalism with a passion, believing that a single image could speak volumes." Describing a career path.
Memory hook
Think of a 'PHOTO' that tells a 'JOURNAL' (diary) entry about the news. News Photos
When not to use
Do not use for general photography or artistic photography that isn't primarily focused on reporting news or events.
Fun facts
- The term 'photojournalism' is believed to have been coined in the 1920s, though the practice existed earlier.
- Early photojournalists often had to carry heavy, bulky equipment and develop photos on location.
Related words
Explore more words
journalism, paparazzi, journalist, tabloid, sensationalism, exposé
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