“Is It Possible to See Objectively?”
There is no such thing as pure objectivity because everything we perceive has it is own subjectivity. Yet, photojournalists are challenged to present series of images — that were originally their subjective interests — as an objective work. Whereas the work begins with subjectivity, I personally believe that it is possible for photojournalists to see things objectively if guaranteed that it is supported by facts and data.
It is often said that all works begin with subjectivity because people have their own interests based on their experience, level of education, culture, social environment, and values. For instance, when I cover sports, I have my subjectivity of determining the sport that I like most to cover. Once I am leaving home, I decide which field I will go based on my personal interest. In the field, I determine which matches I want to watch, in addition which athletes I will focus on. When it comes to interviews, I also choose the speakers and ask the questions subjectively.
This personal and subjective interest actually becomes an opportunity to raise a particular issue to the society, including themes about gender and sexuality, climate change, and fair trade. Furthermore, when presenting work to the society, it has to be as objective as possible; and at the same time minimize — even eliminate — the subjectivity. There are some reasons why it is important to see things objectively. Most importantly, photojournalists serve to the society. Nevertheless, the need for photojournalists to report honestly, accurately, and in a well-balanced manner. To make it possible, data is needed as the evidence so that what photojournalists are presented do not represent their own-voice anymore but it is already based on facts.
In conclusion, I personally believe that photojournalists have their own interests in capturing moments, but it will be better if photojournalists are able to see objectively. The existence of data and facts, and also scientific research methods, makes it possible to do so.
— Denty Piawai Nastitie —
A journalist of Kompas daily, Jakarta, Indonesia
Student of Diploma in Visual Journalism — The Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University)
References:
Adrian Hadland & Camilla Barnett (2018) The Gender Crisis in Professional Photojournalism, Journalism Studies, 19:13, 2011–2020, DOI: 10.1080/1461670X.2018.1500871
Liam Kennedy (2012) Framing Compassion, History of Photography, 36:3, 306–314, DOI: 10.1080/03087298.2012.673312
