Why photojournalism is important

Sara Darr looks at how photojournalism can make a difference.

A man stealing maize from a starving boy at an MSF feeding centre in Ajiep, southern Sudan - Tom Stoddart

Photographs have only been around for about 150 years and yet they exploded onto the scene of everyday life because everyone - no matter what their language or background - can understand them. Photojournalism is a universal language that breaks down barriers between different groups. It reveals history to future generations and allows us to see an unlimited amount of images outside of our direct experience.

A still-photograph, unlike a moving image, freezes the action - and the captured momentary image can sum up the complete flow of events. Photographers therefore have a huge responsibility – they can shape the public’s perception of an event merely through their choice of image. This is especially important when it comes to documenting events from around the world such as conflict and poverty.

Photojournalism and war have gone together since the beginning of the photograph. From the American Civil War to today's Middle Eastern conflicts, photojournalists have been there to demonstrate to the public the shocking events happening across the world. Photographs appeal to people’s consciences – highlighting specific events in a direct and moving way.

A photojournalist who demonstrates these points is Tom Stoddart. He has documented many incredible events including the scourge of famine and HIV/AIDS, the strife of the civil war in the Balkans, and the war in Iraq. Stoddart aims to develop the public's knowledge and understanding of global events. He tries to change peoples’ opinions and offer them the opportunity to do something about the images he presents.

For example, the photograph to the right showing a man stealing maize from a starving boy at an MSF feeding centre in Ajiep, southern Sudan, was published nationally when Tom Stoddart returned from recording the ongoing crisis in Sudan. It is a powerful image that speaks volumes about Sudan’s situation.

It must be a tough decision for a photographer such as Stoddart to capture a series of painful and shocking events, and then decide whether or not to show them to the public - the photographer’s main aim may be to educate but he/she will inevitably upset people at the same time. However, if photojournalists chose not to present their work then we would not necessarily acknowledge such terrible and inhumane events. As the saying goes: “a picture speaks a thousand words”, and I believe that a photograph really can change or enlighten a person's opinion.