The Art of Photojournalism

Photojournalists have long had a romantic mystique about them, and with good reason. Risking one’s life to capture images that reveal what is happening behind the headlines is extraordinary.

These days, however, as Pieter Hugo, Zanele Muholi, Alec Soth, Mikhael Subotzky and others create artworks in documentary-photography formats and photography is widely accepted as a valid artistic medium, certain photojournalists are also increasingly capturing the attention of the art world.

In fact, the word “photojournalist” is out of vogue, giving way to the wider umbrella term “documentary photographer”, which crosses over into both spheres.

Pernilla Holmes

The Financial Times – April 5th 2014

8th October 1952: Reverend John Richards, vicar of St John the Baptist church, Harrow, standing amidst the wreckage of a triple train crash at Harrow and Wealdstone station, London. The three trains involved were the Night Scot bound for Euston, the Euston to Liverpool express and the Watford train to London. 112 people were killed in the crash and 340 injured. Photo by George Philips.

Our Focus

Audrey Hepburn makes up for a performance of Gigi in dressing room. Published in Picture Post, 1952. This was before she became a movie star. By George Douglas.

St Petersburg ballet dancers standing at telephone booth by Lucy Young.

Kids and woman on Curbstone at Paris P.A.P Montmartre by Marilyn Stafford.

Those contributing to Fleet Street’s Finest have had their work published daily in the newspapers of the world. We want you to appreciate the work of photojournalists who’ve spent a lifetime at the very cutting edge of news.

Many have worked all their lives providing front page pictures while witnessing momentous events. From toppled Prime Ministers and the weddings and births of the British Royal family members. News that has happened while they work before their very eyes. They have trained their lenses on disaster and have seen spectacular sporting events around the world.

So now is the moment for them to express their personal passion in photography. Now they find the opportunity to produce and share the stunning images of the world around them. Skills previously honed while producing world class news photography are now apparent in the illumination and exploration of their surroundings. MORE