According to wikipedia, Documentary photography usually refers to a popular form of photography used to chronicle events or environments both significant and relevant to history and historical events as well as everyday life. It is typically covered in professional photojournalism, or real life reportage, but it may also be an amateur, artistic, or academic pursuit.
Documentary photography follows a topic or story over time, whereas photojournalists who cover real-time events such as breaking news. Documentary photography further deepens our understanding and emotional connection between unjust acts throughout the world. It can capture and sustain the public’s attention and mobilize people who are interested in important social issues such as human rights.
According toGeoff Harris, “a picture is worth a thousand words” The image below is from the Open Society Foundation. The person who took the image is called Christian Holst, who is a documentary photographer. He writes about the image in great detail, talking about who the man is, and a bit about his life.
“A novice monk puts on a clean robe in a monastery in Rangoon. Novices like this young man will study for 10 to 13 years before they are able to pass required tests and be ordained as monks….”
Christian Holst’s In the Quite Land: Life Under the Military Regime of Burma
Documentary Photography is very important because it has the power to highlight stories that aren’t gaining attraction. They create a diverse range of perspectives. Photography has the influence to inspire people, and tackle issues such as corruption and discrimination. Documentary photography does this.
Here are some more examples of Documentary photography.
