Think back to any news article you may have read relating to natural disasters or poverty and illness. One of the first things that comes to mind may be a photograph of a young child after separation from their family, or a wounded soldier being carried out of battle by their peers. These images are ingrained in our heads, in a way which is much more significant and emotional than words on a page. Yes, writing can offer a narrative, and each individual may create images in their mind of what a scenario may look like. But, photography acts as a middle-man between the writing and the imagination. No, it does not take away the readers’ ability to form their own opinion or create an image, rather, it acts as a stepping stone. From the photographs the audience sees, they continue reading, forming other scenes and actions with the base formed by the imagery provided on the paper, or attached to the article.

Alongside this, the photos attached tend to play on emotions, specific sensitivities of the general population. A skill often used in marketing, writers may choose photos which tug at heart strings, sensitive subjects which will compel the audience and leave an image ingrained in their head. Writers and photographers alike do this to portray a potentially emotional and important subject with significance and power. Topics and events, specifically relating to advocacy and awareness, will incorporate imagery to ensure infliction of interest upon the readers and encourage talk concerning the subject.

Reporters often use photography to create a precedent for a story, to set a scene so to speak. Photography in the news allows for inspiration and the use of powerful, memorable imagery. The focus of news writing tends to be to educate and increase awareness of events or differing opinions / experiences; photography goes hand-in-hand with that. Take any university for example. Some schools, and towns, at all levels, offer newspaper and writing opportunities. In St Andrews, for instance, our local student-run paper incorporates art and photography into, nearly, every article produced and published. Not only is it eye-catching, but it draws attention to specific pieces which may be of interest to each specific reader. Next time you are flipping through a paper, think, which articles stand out the most to you? Those with, or without photography beside / within them?