Photojournalism is a form of journalism that uses photographs to tell a news story or document a particular event or situation. This visual art form has been practised since the introduction of cameras.
Images captured through photojournalism are often iconic, emotionally engaging, and powerful.
In Kenya, this art form has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of colonial rule.
One of the main purposes of this activity is to raise awareness.
Photojournalism is used to shed light on important issues and events that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Photographs have the power to capture the attention of viewers and convey a message in a way that words alone cannot.
They also shape public opinion- this provides a visual representation of events that can influence how people think and feel about a particular issue or event.
This can be particularly effective when the images are emotionally compelling.
Photojournalism acts as a perfect preservation of history, Photographs can serve as a historical record of events and can be used to document social, political, and cultural changes over time.
Photojournalism can hold leaders accountable by capturing images of events or actions that might otherwise be hidden from public view.
In this way, it plays an important role in promoting transparency and accountability.
Finally, photojournalism can inspire change by bringing attention to issues that need to be addressed. Images can spark public debate and encourage people to take action on important issues.
Kenya prides itself in having one of the most celebrated photojournalists named Mohamed Amin.
He was best known for his coverage of the famine in Ethiopia in 1984, which brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
To this day photojournalism is being practised in the country and globally, and skilled photojournalists are taking on the world stage. This practice is not going to die anytime soon.
Despite the challenges that come with the profession, photojournalism remains a vital and impactful form of journalism that can shape public perception and drive social change.
