This document discusses the power of images to convey information and evoke emotions. It notes that emotional and awe-inspiring images are most likely to be shared on social media. Vivid images that present content in a visual "language" can be understood by all people regardless of factors like literacy or culture. The document then examines a case study of the New York Times selecting a photo to accompany a story about the Somali famine, considering criteria like subject, quality, relevance, effect on audiences, and taste. Commenters debated whether the selected photo sensationalized the crisis or compelled action, and the line between journalism and advocacy.

1. of
Social
Justic
e

2. Conveying information through images is
one of the most effective, emotion-arousing
forms of communication.
- Research has shown that emotional content is the most
likely to become viral, as are “awe-inspiring” stories that
force readers to view the world differently.
- News-related images are more likely to be shared than
humorous ones, according to research by Social Media
Expert Dan Zarrella.
- “Vivid” images are particularly effective because they
present content in a “language” that is understood by all
people, regardless of literacy, culture, etc. All brains have
the same capability of interpreting images.

3. In Perspective
Read this Washington
Post story and view
some photos depicting
the 1999 Kosovo
conflict.
Note the differences in detail between these two
features: the use of imagery through words versus
imagery through photos.
• Photos were successful in capturing emotion through
tears, facial expressions, dead bodies, etc.
• Which medium did you personally prefer?

4. What goes into consideration when
selecting images for publication?
1. Subject: immediately recognizable; audience can
easily understand the point of the photo
2. Quality: colors, shading, resolution, size, clarity are
in harmony
3. Relevance: the photo directly relates to and
complements the accompanying story, if there is one
4. Effect: provoking discussion, emotion, action from
audience
5. Taste: Will the photo offend, frighten, or disturb the
audience? Disclaimer necessary?

5. Why is it such a big deal?
There is an argument that the media’s use of dramatic,
compelling photos sensationalizes serious issues, or
exploits them for profit rather than journalistic purposes.
Controversial Examples:
Click photos to enlarge and read more

6. ACTIVITY
You are the editor of the New York Times. You
must select one of these photos to accompany
a front page story about the Somali famine.
How will you make your
Click to view larger
decision? images

7. Remember the 5 criteria
Subject – Quality – Relevance – Effect – Taste
Are the photos
“scary?” Do they
add to the story?
Evoke emotions?
Based on
previous
examples, discu
ss potential
audience

8. The Times’ actual front page

9. Results
“The fact that people far away can see with visceral immediacy the facts of a crisis
like the one now hitting the Horn of Africa is one of the most optimistic aspects of
the modern world. Consciences are awakened by the camera ... [these pictures]
tell the whole world what will happen across the region unless urgent international
action comes immediately.” – Jonathan Jones, The Guardian
“The photographs fail to show the reason why so many people have reached this
state of destitution. Underneath the high visibility famine lies an age-old and
sustainable way of living that has been disrupted by a modern world system, and
whose ability to adapt to the cycle of drought has been severely undermined.” –
Helen de Jode, The Guardian
NYT Executive Editor Bill Keller stood by it:
“[Our photographers] sent us a harrowing story
and vivid, arresting photographs. We put them
before the attention of our readers. That's our job.”

10. Images, continued
Discussion:
• How did you feel after viewing the Times’
slideshow?
• After seeing the photos, do you feel more
compelled to take action to help the Somali
cause?
• Where is the line for journalists between
informing the public and advocating for a
social issue?
• Is it okay for TIME’s “100 to advocate for global
Related content: journalistsPhotos that Changed the
World” Are there exceptions?
crises?