Question 1:
“The quality of a good photograph is dependent on some major variables. How can the angle of view, magnification, and perspective be used to achieve the desired purpose?”
Answer:
The quality of a photograph is determined by several factors, including the angle of view, magnification, and perspective. These elements influence how an image is perceived and interpreted.
1. Angle of View:
The angle of view refers to the position from which a photograph is taken. It plays a crucial role in storytelling and composition. There are different angles a photographer can use:
- High Angle: Taken from above the subject, making it appear smaller, weaker, or vulnerable.
- Low Angle: Taken from below, making the subject appear dominant, powerful, or larger than life.
- Eye Level: Captures the subject at normal eye height, providing a natural and balanced view.
- Bird’s Eye View: A shot from directly above, giving a unique and often dramatic perspective.
- Worm’s Eye View: Taken from ground level, making the subject look towering and grand.
2. Magnification:
Magnification refers to how much the subject is enlarged in the frame. It is influenced by the camera lens and the distance between the camera and the subject. It affects the details captured in an image:
- Close-up Shots: Show fine details, making the subject more intimate and engaging.
- Medium Shots: Balance subject and background, often used in storytelling.
- Long Shots: Capture a wider scene, placing the subject in a broader context.
Photographers use zoom lenses or move closer to the subject to achieve the desired magnification level.
3. Perspective:
Perspective refers to the spatial relationship between objects in an image and how depth is portrayed. It affects how the viewer perceives size and distance.
- Linear Perspective: Parallel lines converge towards a vanishing point, creating depth.
- Forced Perspective: Manipulating objects in the frame to appear larger or smaller than they actually are.
- Aerial Perspective: Uses lighting, haze, and contrast to create a sense of depth.
By carefully adjusting angle of view, magnification, and perspective, a photographer can enhance the visual impact, convey emotions, and guide the viewer’s attention to specific elements in a photograph.
Question 2:
“The purpose of composition is to heighten the effect of the picture. Discuss.”
Answer:
Composition in photography refers to the arrangement of elements within a frame to create a visually appealing and meaningful image. The primary goal of composition is to enhance the impact of a picture by guiding the viewer’s eye and emphasizing the subject or message of the photograph. A well-composed image improves storytelling, evokes emotions, and maintains balance and harmony.
Ways Composition Heightens the Effect of a Picture
- Rule of Thirds:
- The rule of thirds divides the image into a 3×3 grid. Placing the subject at one of the intersection points rather than the center makes the composition more dynamic and engaging.
- This technique helps to direct the viewer’s attention naturally.
- Leading Lines:
- Leading lines are natural or artificial lines within an image that guide the viewer’s eyes toward the subject.
- Examples include roads, railways, rivers, or architectural elements that create depth and movement.
- Framing:
- Using elements like windows, doorways, tree branches, or other objects to enclose the subject can help draw focus and add context to the image.
- Framing isolates the subject and adds depth to the picture.
- Balance and Symmetry:
- A well-balanced image creates harmony, whether symmetrical (mirror-like) or asymmetrical (creative placement of elements).
- Asymmetrical balance can make an image more interesting by positioning the subject off-center.
- Depth and Perspective:
- Adding foreground, midground, and background elements enhances the three-dimensional feel of a photograph.
- Perspective techniques, such as converging lines or a shallow depth of field, can create emphasis and draw the viewer into the image.
- Contrast and Color Composition:
- Contrast in light and shadow makes images more striking.
- Complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) can enhance the visual appeal of the photo.
- Simplicity and Minimalism:
- A clutter-free image with a single, strong subject is often more powerful than a chaotic composition.
- Negative space (empty areas around the subject) can help highlight the main focus.
Conclusion
Composition is a crucial element in photography that helps to heighten the effect of a picture by improving its structure, storytelling, and emotional impact. By using composition techniques effectively, photographers can create images that are not only visually appealing but also communicate a clear and compelling message.
Question 3:
“With the aid of a good diagram, explain the concept of the tripartite nature of news judgment.”
Answer:
The tripartite nature of news judgment refers to the three essential factors that determine whether a news story is worth publishing or broadcasting. These three elements are:
- Audience Interest:
- News should be relevant to the target audience. A story that interests one group may not appeal to another.
- Factors such as location, demographics, and culture influence what people consider newsworthy.
- Timeliness:
- A story must be fresh or recent to be considered news.
- The more current an event, the more impact it has. Stories that are delayed lose their value.
- Significance (Impact and Consequence):
- The importance of the story and how it affects people determine its newsworthiness.
- A story with a broader impact (such as political changes, natural disasters, or economic issues) is more newsworthy than one with limited reach.
Diagram Representation
A simple diagram for the tripartite nature of news judgment:
+--------------------+
| Newsworthiness |
+--------------------+
/ | \
/ | \
/ | \
+------------+ +------------+ +------------+
| Audience | | Timeliness | | Significance |
| Interest | | | | & Impact |
+------------+ +------------+ +------------+
Conclusion
The tripartite nature of news judgment helps journalists and editors decide what makes a story newsworthy. By considering audience interest, timeliness, and significance, media organizations ensure they deliver relevant and impactful news.
Question 4a:
“What is a photo essay? Examine the digital demands of a photo essay.”
Answer:
A photo essay is a series of photographs arranged in a way that tells a story or conveys a specific message. Unlike a single image, a photo essay provides a more detailed narrative by combining multiple pictures with captions or brief text descriptions.
Types of Photo Essays:
- Thematic Photo Essay: Focuses on a single theme or issue, such as poverty, climate change, or street life.
- Narrative Photo Essay: Tells a story in a sequential order, such as a wedding or a day in the life of a worker.
Digital Demands of a Photo Essay:
With advancements in digital media, modern photo essays require:
- High-resolution images to maintain quality across different platforms.
- Proper sequencing to create a logical and engaging visual story.
- Captions and brief texts to provide context and enhance meaning.
- Digital platforms and social media integration to reach a wider audience.
- Editing and post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for enhancement.
Question 4b:
“Explain four (4) qualities of a good picture story.”
Answer:
A good picture story must be well-structured and visually compelling. Key qualities include:
- Strong Narrative Flow:
- The images should tell a coherent story from start to finish.
- There should be a logical sequence that engages the viewer.
- Emotional Impact:
- The images should evoke emotions such as joy, sadness, or curiosity.
- A good picture story connects with the audience on a personal level.
- Clear Subject and Focus:
- Each photo should have a clear subject that stands out.
- Avoid clutter or unnecessary distractions.
- Technical Excellence:
- Proper lighting, sharpness, and composition enhance storytelling.
- Poorly captured or low-quality images reduce the effectiveness of the story.
Question 5a:
“Trace the historical development of photojournalism in Nigeria.”
Answer:
Photojournalism in Nigeria has evolved over the decades, influenced by technological advancements and historical events.
- Colonial Era (1900s – 1960s):
- Early photojournalism in Nigeria was influenced by British colonial rule.
- Newspapers such as The West African Pilot used photographs to document events.
- Post-Independence (1960s – 1980s):
- The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) increased the demand for photojournalists.
- Photographers documented war scenes, political movements, and cultural shifts.
- Military Rule and Media Censorship (1980s – 1999):
- Journalists faced restrictions under military regimes.
- Photojournalists risked arrest for publishing politically sensitive images.
- Democratic Era (1999 – Present):
- The rise of private media and digital photography expanded photojournalism.
- Social media and online platforms have made photojournalism more accessible.
Question 5b:
“What type of pictures can be used by a photojournalist to make up stories?”
Answer:
A photojournalist can use various types of pictures to build a story, including:
- News Photos:
- Images capturing breaking news events like protests, accidents, or natural disasters.
- Feature Photos:
- Pictures that tell human-interest stories, such as a day in the life of a market woman.
- Portraits:
- Individual or group portraits of key figures in the story, such as political leaders or victims of a crisis.
- Action Shots:
- Dynamic images capturing movement, like a football match or a rescue operation.
- Environmental Photos:
- Images that provide context to a story, such as photos of flood-affected areas.
- Candid Shots:
- Unstaged photos that capture real, spontaneous moments.
Conclusion
Photojournalism plays a key role in storytelling by using different types of images to capture reality, evoke emotions, and provide insight into events.
PAPER 2 THERE
Question 1:
“One of the commonsensical definitions of investigative and interpretative reporting is ‘that it is a report that reveals the news behind the news.’
Give and explain at least two definitions of this concept. Who is an investigative reporter? What are the features/qualities expected of him or her?”
Answer:
Definitions of Investigative and Interpretative Reporting
- Investigative Reporting as In-Depth Journalism:
- Investigative reporting is a form of journalism that involves in-depth research and fact-finding to uncover hidden truths, corruption, or issues of public interest. It goes beyond surface-level reporting and requires detailed analysis.
- Interpretative Reporting as Contextual Journalism:
- Interpretative reporting not only presents facts but also provides explanations, background analysis, and expert opinions to help the audience understand complex issues.
Who is an Investigative Reporter?
An investigative reporter is a journalist who conducts extensive research to uncover facts that are not readily available to the public. This journalist digs deeper into issues of corruption, crime, governance, and human rights to bring hidden information to light.
Qualities of an Investigative Reporter
- Curiosity and Persistence:
- Investigative reporters must be highly curious and persistent in seeking the truth.
- Strong Analytical Skills:
- They must analyze data, documents, and witness accounts to piece together facts.
- Courage and Objectivity:
- Investigative journalism often involves risks. A good reporter must be fearless yet remain neutral and fact-based.
- Ethical Standards:
- They must maintain high ethical standards by verifying facts before publication.
- Excellent Research and Writing Skills:
- Effective investigative reporting requires thorough research and the ability to communicate findings clearly.
Question 2:
“Recent investigations revealed that professional Investigative and Interpretative journalists are no more celebrated. Some scholars attribute this finding to myriad of untold hazards in the act while others hold that quackery and fear are the cause. Review these points and take a stand on what could be described as the major internal and external challenges of contemporary investigative reporting.”
Answer:
Investigative journalism has declined due to both internal and external challenges.
Internal Challenges
- Quackery in Journalism:
- Many self-proclaimed “journalists” lack professional training, leading to false or poorly researched reports.
- Lack of Funding:
- Investigative journalism requires extensive resources, but many media houses lack the funds to support deep investigations.
- Fear and Censorship:
- Journalists fear for their safety due to threats from powerful individuals or organizations.
- Declining Public Interest:
- In the digital era, audiences often prefer quick news rather than in-depth reports.
External Challenges
- Government and Political Pressure:
- Many governments restrict press freedom, making it difficult for journalists to expose corruption.
- Legal Risks and Defamation Lawsuits:
- Investigative journalists risk lawsuits from individuals or corporations exposed in their reports.
- Technological Challenges:
- Digital surveillance and hacking make it harder for journalists to protect confidential sources.
My Stand
While fear and quackery play a role in the decline of investigative journalism, the bigger issue is external pressure from political and corporate interests. Journalists need more protection, financial support, and public backing to thrive.
Question 3:
“Outline and extensively explain the critical steps that should be followed in developing and writing a good investigative and interpretative report. What should be in an investigative reporting?”
Answer:
Steps in Writing an Investigative and Interpretative Report
- Identifying the Topic:
- Choose a story of public interest that requires deep investigation.
- Gathering Information:
- Use multiple sources, including documents, interviews, and expert opinions.
- Verifying Facts:
- Cross-check all data to ensure accuracy before reporting.
- Structuring the Report:
- Organize the report into an introduction, background, evidence, and conclusion.
- Writing Clearly and Objectively:
- Use simple language and avoid personal bias.
What Should Be in an Investigative Report?
- A strong lead that captures attention.
- A clear narrative with evidence-based facts.
- Quotations from credible sources.
- Photographs or documents as supporting evidence.
- A conclusion that calls for action or further investigation.
Question 4:
“The beauty of an investigative report lies in its in-depth nature of interpretation. Discuss the importance of interpretative reporting in print journalism and how it contributes to the development of a society.”
Answer:
Importance of Interpretative Reporting in Print Journalism
- Provides Deeper Understanding:
- Helps readers understand complex issues by giving context and expert analysis.
- Encourages Critical Thinking:
- Challenges people to think beyond surface-level information.
- Holds Leaders Accountable:
- Exposes corruption and mismanagement.
- Informs Public Policy:
- Investigative reports influence government decisions and reforms.
How It Contributes to Society
- Promotes transparency and good governance.
- Encourages civic engagement and activism.
- Protects human rights by exposing injustices.
Conclusion
Interpretative reporting is essential for an informed and democratic society as it provides in-depth analysis and holds the powerful accountable.
Question 5:
“An investigative report is of no social use until it is adequately, accurately, and appropriately interpreted for public consumption. Discuss.”
Answer:
Investigative journalism is only useful if the public understands it.
Why Accurate Interpretation Matters
- Avoids Misinformation:
- If a report is unclear, people may misinterpret the findings.
- Increases Impact:
- A well-explained report encourages action from policymakers and citizens.
- Enhances Credibility:
- Clear and factual reports build trust in the media.
- Simplifies Complex Issues:
- Some investigations involve technical details (e.g., financial fraud). Proper interpretation helps make them understandable.
Conclusion
An investigative report must be clear, factual, and easy to interpret to create social impact. If it is not properly explained, it loses its value to society.