Week 12: Photojournalism

'An image showing the two vehicles involved in a fatal accident that took place at the traffic light junction of Jalan Jerudong and Jalan Tutong in Sengkurong yesterday. Also seen are personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department. Picture: Courtesy of National Road Safety Council'

'An image, altered due to its graphic nature, of a vehicle driven by a victim who lost her life in a fatal accident that took place at about 6am, at the traffic light junction of Jalan Jerudong and Jalan Tutong inSengkurong yesterday. Picture: Courtesy of National Road Safety Council'

(The images above was taken from http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/10/27/36th-victim-fatal-car-accident-year)


Why did you choose this news over others?

I chose this news because personally, it has an impact on me until today. I have gotten my driving license last year and this accident happened months after. As a 'freshie' on the road, I have instilled in my mind to always be careful when I am driving on the road. Being on the road is a matter of life and death. The images have affected me as it is a memorable image, although I have not experienced an accident before (not that I wish I would). Lester (2006) stated that "memorable images, either directly experienced or seen through a mediated format, are those that you think about". Needless to say, this news has the compositions to "immediate impact" me. It makes me think of how precious life is and that we only live once on Earth. The above images are two good examples that could touch the rational aspects of my mind's personality. They are pictures that I could accurately picture in my mind even long after the incident itself.

Is the narrative component of the story necessary or is the picture enough to express the intended message of the news?

For me, the two image especially the second one "speaks a thousand words". The blood and aftermath of the crash is enough to express that such tragedy could means "Be more careful and alert on the road". Or "Wear a seat belt". Or "Remember your loved ones". The main point is, the news/image brings a point that every road user is advised to not text while driving (emphasizing on the use of mobile phones), to always wear safety belts/helmets for motor cyclers, make sure that the car is in a good condition and obey to traffic lights and follow the intended speed limits. What more could such images actually aim to the public? Obviously, all that has been mentioned of course!


Did the picture and writings capture the “truth” of the event?

Yes, they do. The second image was altered due to its graphic nature but readers/audience would probably know how far the altered image convey the truth. Road accidents do happen in real life. They happen everyday, anytime and anywhere. Yes, with today's world technology, they have the "ability to manipulate the truth using specific methods of production" (Woo, 2012). But if one has a critical mind, he/she would know if the image and the content of its narrative makes logical sense. Furthermore, in a world of visual communication, we have to have a broad mind and think outside of our comfort zone when analysing the world around us.



References:

Lester, P. M. (2006). Visual communication:Images with messages. USA: Cengage Learning. 

Woo, C. (2012). Photojournalism. Retrieved on November 17, 2012 from https://dl.dropbox.com/u/35336835/Analysing%20Visual%20Communication/Lecture%2012_Photojournalism.pdf