Photojournalism: Visual Storytelling

The expression "a picture is worth a thousand words" is an age-old adage. However, is this the case when it comes to transmitting political and humanitarian messages rather than just recounting a story or event? And why is this so? What is it about the human cognitive machine that is moved by photos in a way that is uniquely powerful when compared to reading mere text? The following images are examples of potent, informative, and emotive photojournalism pieces that show firsthand the state of humanity in a variety of countries. In highlighting mundane details of these anonymous people's lives and situations, these photos place the viewer in each subject's living context and reaches out to us.

Daily routine at the Syrian Refugee Camp Domiz: Although drinking water is provided by the UNHCR, many refugees like this girls have to stand in line to get fresh water.

Shawkat is 20 years old and comes from Bangladesh. Along with thousands of migrant workers he lives in the notorious camp Sonapur. He builds Dubai's mansions and skyscrapers. 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. For 200 dollars per month. In free time he cuts hair for small money in his "open air saloon" on the camp yard.

A woman with her child walks through the busy streets of Erbil.

Mea Shearim/Jerusalem: Free candy for all: Jewish kids jostle for sweets during the Sabbath in Mea Shearim, which is mainly populated by the Haredi Jews.

These photojournalism examples were all gathered on the following site: http://www.topphotographyfilms.com/professionalphotojournalists/evoking-emotions-photojournalist-bartek-langer/

Look out for a deeper dive into WHY and HOW photos influence the human brain in ways that are unique to words.