technical aspects of modern photojournalism

There are many technical aspects that need to be taken account of when it comes to photojournalism (and taking pictures in general). F-stop. Shutter speed. ISO setting. Proper zone setting. However, what can be more important is the necessity for a photographer to have good timing and pay attention to detail.

No one can go through any kind of U.S history class (or at least history of American photography) without seeing Alfred Eisenstaedt's photograph- V-J Day in Times Square. Eisenstaedt didn't know this image would result, but a good-eye and careful timing helped created one of the most famous photographs from the end of World War 2.


Alfred Eisenstaedt V-J Day in Times Square

"I was walking through the crowds on V-J Day, looking for pictures. I noticed a sailor coming my way. He was grabbing every female he could find and kissing them all... Then I noticed the nurse, standing in that enormous crowd. I focused on her, and just as I'd hoped, the sailor came along, grabbed the nurse, and bent down to kiss her."
--Alfred Eisenstaedt (The Eye of Eisenstaedt)


One very prominent change in a technical aspect of photography is the move from 35mm photography to digital photography. In the 1960 the availability of electronic flash, auto-focus, and better lenses made taking pictures easier. With digital cameras, photojournalists don't have to worry about toting around film because hundreds of images can be stored on one single memory card. Additionally, images can be sent from photographer to editor instantaneously. Although many photographers will argue that 35mm photography results in better images, digital definitely has its advantages.