Is this "photojournalism"?

[Geaux]

I need to submit a "photojournalism" pic for an assignment at a photography club I recently joined. This is a shot of a volunteer at our local humane society, preparing to walk one of the dogs. Does this qualify? What makes a good photojournalism shot?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7461279@N08/2294474851/" title="Shelter Volunteer by geaux, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2294474851_2fa79c872b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Shelter Volunteer" /></a>

Thanks for your feedback!

[jdepould]

Off the bat I'd say it needs a face and it's too wide. Composition is also very static, a different angle might benefit you here, maybe closer to the dog.

[Nicole]

I always think of photojournalism telling some sort of story by way of the image. In this shot, I didn't actually realize that there was a dog until I read jdepould's comment because the dog is so close to the dark edge of the frame. I would like to see something a little more active and probably closer and with a face as was already mentioned. Something that tells more of a story. Best of luck with your photo club assignment :)

[Nobie]

It feels like a snapshot, a B&W snapshot. I'm not drawn in and don't get any "feelings" from it. Also, it's not quite clear what the person is doing. It forces us to assume she's closing the cage door? I think photojournalism should be more direct, clear, obvious, and evoke some kind of feeling from the viewer.

[Geaux]

Thanks, jdepould. Are you thinking lower to the ground with the dog and just the volunteer's legs in the shot? Would motion be helpful?

[jdepould]

Closer to the dog, and more upward, so you can see the dog and the person's face

[Geaux]

It feels like a snapshot, a B&W snapshot. I'm not drawn in and don't get any "feelings" from it. Also, it's not quite clear what the person is doing. It forces us to assume she's closing the cage door? I think photojournalism should be more direct, clear, obvious, and evoke some kind of feeling from the viewer.

I always think of photojournalism telling some sort of story by way of the image. In this shot, I didn't actually realize that there was a dog until I read jdepould's comment because the dog is so close to the dark edge of the frame. I would like to see something a little more active and probably closer and with a face as was already mentioned. Something that tells more of a story. Best of luck with your photo club assignment :)

Good points Nobie and Nicole. I'm struggling with "telling a story." This is the hardest assignment for me - something I don't usually shoot. I think I'll try to get something different, using your tips. :)

[Geaux]

Closer to the dog, and more upward, so you can see the dog and the person's face

I found this one - is it more in line? This guy loves the shelter dogs. (I know I shouldn't post two - forgive me this once).

Should I try another subject? Thanks!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7461279@N08/2295351202/" title="Volunteer 2 by geaux, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2295351202_48d94d9688.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Volunteer 2" /></a>

[Nicole]

I like that second one a lot better actually. It says that he loves dogs. With an appropriate "headline" / title I think it does start telling a story on it's own. :)

PS, I also think it's really difficult to tell a story with a single shot, so I can sympathize ;)

[jdepould]

Second one is better, but I still think it would work better as a tighter shot.

[RussHeath]

I'm coming into this discussion a little late, but the second one is definitely more photojournalistic. I agree with jdepould that you could crop it in closer. All the action is where the dog is licking the guy's face.

[Geaux]

Thanks for all the tips - I have a much better idea what I need to be looking for!

[Nobie]

Much, much better. You're getting the shelter dog "thanking" the volunteer. Now we have a story. :)