Semiotics & Representation

Semiotics is the study of signs/images
Representation is how people and places are viewed through images.

Semiotics is the study of sign systems. Any word that ends in "ics" is the study of something. Semiotics is when media texts are taken apart to show meanings. It also shows important aspects of the text such as trust are created. Semiotics show that meanings can be developed at the simplist of levels.

Denotation is the single basic or literal meaning
Connotation when semotics are used to explore the secondary or associated meanings of signs and codes that become interesting.

Photo Journalism

Photo Journalism is showing reality through pictures. The key is to getting the moment right, "the decisive moment" is pressing the shutter at the most optimum moment.

Some of the most influential photographers were Robert Cappa, Man Ray, Paul Strand and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Robert Cappa was born on October 22nd 1913 and he died May 25th 1954. He became one of the most famous war photographers to date. One of the pictures he captured was a man being killed by a bullet.

Another influential photographer was Henri Cartier-Bresson. He was born August 22, 1908 and died August 3, 2004. He helped to develop "street photography" which has shaped the way journalism has developed over the years. His most famous piece was `Behind the Gare St. Lazare Paris. The way he took the picture showed how Europe was taking a step into the unknown just as the man was doing in the picture.