The Concept, Characteristics and Methods of Documentary Photography

Documentary is one of the basic characteristics of photography, and a large number of photographic works we contact in our daily life exist with documentary as its main feature and function. Documentary photography should actually be called social documentary photography. Refers to the kind of photography that reflects the living environment of human beings. The following is the concept, characteristics and methods of documentary photography I compiled for you, hoping to help you!

The Concept, Characteristics and Methods of Documentary Photography I. Definition

1935 American economist Roy? Roy stryher put forward the definition of documentary photography, but so far, there is no accepted definition. Among them, the earlier definition and the latest definition can let us see many characteristics of documentary photography. The Definition of American Documentary Photographer Rosija Dole Other Langer. Documentary photography reflects the present, but makes documentaries for the future. Its argument is:

1, the relationship between people, record people's war behavior at work, and even repeat activities in a year.

2. Describe human systems: family, church, government, political organizations, social groups and trade unions.

3. Reveal people's activities:

First, accept the lifestyle

B, the way to show piety

Ways to influence human behavior

Documentary photography needs not only professionals but also amateurs.

Her definition points out the characteristics of documentary photography, the subject matter to be reflected, the concerns in the subject matter and the participants in photography.

1985 stphani eAm Rlein, a master student at the university of south Carolina in the United States, said in his paper "the new definition of documentary photography":

1. Documentary photography is a series of photos taken by a skilled and dedicated photographer with any kind of frame camera, which can capture the realistic essence of human condition. Show the living conditions, whether good or bad.

2. Documentary photography is an intuitive description of the social situation studied. It shows the photographer's concern and shows what changes may be needed.

3. Documentary photography is an explanatory photo to explain the relationship between people and the environment and between people and social activities.

The concept, characteristics and methods of documentary photography II. type

1. photo story: a specific description of a person and an event, emphasizing plot and continuity. Pay attention to the shooting of non-critical moments and make it a thrilling moment.

2. Picture series: the same theme, interrelated group photos, static documentary, no time limit and change.

3. Photo comments: For the understanding of a certain thing or a certain group, each work is independent, with comments and no mutual acceptance.

One, one series, all composed of a group of photos.

B, have a clear theme and content.

C, in-depth study of the theme, as well as society and philosophy.

The concept, characteristics and methods of documentary photography. way

1. Waiting rabbit method

Choose a good angle when the action is repeated, adjust the focal length, and wait for the ideal picture to appear and shoot immediately.

Step 2 divert attention

When shooting by covering method, the subject, the photographer and the non-photographer form an isosceles triangle, focus on the non-photographer, observe the subject with the rest of the eyes, and shoot immediately when the action and expression of the subject reach the picture required by the photographer.

3. Covering method

It is a kind of cooperation between two people. The cooperator stands in front of the subject and pretends to take pictures of the cooperator, but actually takes pictures of the subject.

4. Blind Shooting Act

That is, you don't need a viewfinder to find the scenery and concentrate on shooting. Visual focusing, small aperture increases the depth of field (f8, f 1 1). Fully familiar with the perspective of the lens used. Make a second composition cut on the photo after shooting.

5. Sudden attack method

Shoot before the subject has time to react and leave immediately to reduce trouble.

Step 6 force

Disturb the subject intentionally with the direction of the lens and force him to respond. To get a sense of existence.

Documentary photography has no clear definition, and the common ones are history, street shooting and news. Generally speaking, photos are mostly series and themes, which are used to record the time and society at that time, and can also be used as an auxiliary means to describe time, people and places. Most importantly, documentary photography needs people to appreciate and understand the environment, atmosphere, feelings of people and photographers at that time, and can bring out stories, just like an article.