What do photos add to news stories?

Last month, I was reading up on unpaid intern stories in the media and came across this  BusinessWeek article. The first thing that caught my eye once I clicked on the link was the photo it uses at the top of the webpage.

In Journalism School, the Strategic Communication program and marketing conversations in general, there is plenty of proof that images enhance a person's likelihood to click on an article or check out a story. I was appalled when I saw this photo paired with the story on sexual harassment:

It's absolutely vital for publications - online and offline - to use good judgment when evaluating an image to go along with a story. Does this photo enhance reader's understanding of the story?
What does it contribute? What about this picture in particular insinuates interns? Is it helpful or not that you cannot see their facial expressions?

As the reader, I was perfectly capable of understanding the situation without this photo. Even if photos increase click-through rates and other key sales and effectiveness metrics, consider the image's value and the purpose of the story. Some serious matters like this don't need to be portrayed visually just to put something there, especially when they don't align incredibly well.

The Mizzou Botanic Garden

Because it was my last Mizzou spring, I took some extra efforts to capture some of my favorite spots on campus. There are few things that put a bigger smile on your face when heading from class to class and seeing the beauty of the Botanic Garden on Mizzou's campus. Check these out! 

The Columns

Memorial Union

Trees in front of Gannett at the School of Journalism

A closer view of the pink trees

The levels of the Reynolds Journalism Institute

Peace Park

The Chancellor's home on the quad 

Beautiful flowers by Speaker's Circle and the Hulston School of Law

Seeing the world through a different lens

After completing just a few photography assignments, I'm already starting to look at moments from a different perspective after attempting to capture them on camera. Manually taking photos has really made me gain an appreciation for still moments in time. I have been challenged to find decisive moments, facial reactions and interactions--and realizing how difficult they were to capture reminded me how special they truly are. I can enjoy the physical appearance of a friend's laughter, a memorable exchange between a group of people or the details of a scene...and sometimes even wish I had a camera with me.

Because of that, photo work has taught me the importance of context in everything humans do. We are constantly curious, and expect to see see the full scope of what is happening around us. We are not satisfied with just one facet of an atmosphere and demand additional information because it is so easily accessible. Therefore, photography has affected my worldview because it reminds me to take note of context, place scenarios with accurate background information and appreciate the moments going on right in front of your face--rather than trying too hard to find moments that won't arise.

The Art of Photojournalism

This week was a learning experience in manual photography, since it was my first time using a camera where I could change the ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Prior to playing with the camera, we completed a tutorial in class as well as a series of readings from the Nikon website and from photojournalism professionals. Taking good photographs requires curiosity, patience and good timing to capture moments and emotions. Detailed pictures aren't just present to enhance a story, they contribute to the story by showing an aspect of it that the reader can't envision already. Below are some inspiring ideas that I plan to incorporate into photojournalism assignments the rest of the semester:

• Framing- Choosing which elements to include in a photo and blending them with the environment in a balanced manner requires a lot of thinking. Applying concepts like the Rule of Thirds and placing subjects strategically will enhance future photo projects. 

• Preparation- Being prepared seems like it's obvious, but rather than being prepared to just take a picture, you must be prepared to interview the source as well. I plan on having background questions ready to really obtain the context behind the story. 

• Showing interaction- Photos should show interaction not only between people, but between humans and their environment. Assuring that captured moments use angles and emotion to show that communication will add a layer of meaning to pictures.