Photo Reportage in the Genre of Modern Photojournalism

This article is about that in modern conditions in system of genres of journalism which is used to represent something characteristics and definitions of certain genres become too blurred and not clear. Theorists and practitioners of photojournalism give their, sometimes not justified, definitions to genres which much more disorients people, who are trying to master the theory of photojournalism. The author pays attention to that in publications about essence and purpose of genres some genres, even photo reportage, are interpreted in different ways. The term “photo reportage” is used to name the genre, the way of filming and separate informative photo.

In this article is carried through a brief view on source base of problems of the research. Here are considered the main definitions, systematic characteristics and kinds of photo reportage as one of the main informative genres of modern journalism which is used to represent something. Here is emphasized its role and meaning in modern conditions and is emphasized on that photo reportage has to be informative, credible and documentary. In the article are outlined the most important problems and challenges which are faced by photojournalists and editors of modern mass-media while making and publishing reportages.

In the article is paid attention to professional aspects of preparation of high-quality photo reportage. For taking high-quality photos in this genre of journalism their author has to have life experience, know the laws of photography, principles of framing, features of composition, physical character of the light etc.

In this article are given examples of using the genre of photo reportage on first columns of periodical and pages of the Internet mass-media in Ukraine.

In conclusions are given the main requirements to preparation of skillful photo reporter for work in the genre of modern journalism which is used to represent something.