There are several different types of documentary modes that are used in Photojournalism that helped distinguish their work. Bill Nichols discusses these modes and gives examples for them. 1. The Expository Mode. This mode uses the voice of God and is easily identiable. The expository mode has been described to be very direct with the audience and has a 'voice of God syndrome'. 2. The Poetic Mode. This mode is considered to have an inner truth to its work because of it's artistic style and "poetical manipulation. 3. The Observational Mode. This mode uses the fly on the wall technique due to the fact that nothing in the shot is staged and is real and natural. 4. The Participatory Mode. This mode is identified when there is a relationship between the filmmaker and the subject of the documentary. 5. The Reflexive Mode. This mode makes the viewer aware of the process in which the documentary is being made. So the sound, editing etc... 6. The Performative Mode. This mode makes the viewer aware of the emotional and social impact of the subject that the documentary is based on.
"Hands off! I do not molest what I photograph, I do not meddle and I do not arrange." This quote was spoken by Dorothea Lange who was considered to be an influential American photographer, best known for her work during the Depression in America during the 1930s and working for the FSA (Farm Security Administration) to stress the importance to society to help those in poverty. Her work is reflective of the Political Reflexivity mode of documentary, she is making society aware of the issues and the effects of the Great Depression that has taken hold of those that were less fortunate than others at the time. The photograph below is entiled Mirgant Mother and the work of Dorothea Lange has become one of the most citied photographs. When one looks at this photo it is hard to suggest whether the image has been "staged" or not. One may argued that this image is an example of the "indecisive moment". This is when the subject poses for the camera so the photographer can capture the emotion that is given to them. Such as this image, the woman, Florence Thompson, mother of seven children, looks away from the camera into the distance. She is the only face that we can see, two of her children's faces are hidden from view, to show emotion and the hardship that they are in.
 Andrea Giacobbe is another photojournalist that centers his work around the area of fashion photography. http://www.andreagiacobbe.net/ His style of photography reflects the Peformative mode, the Reflexive mode and/or the Political Reflexivity mode of documentary. He uses social issues so he can portray them through fashion to convey such meanings. What is interesting about Andrea Giacobbe's work is how they are not focused soely on clothes and any other garments. The models are there to expressed the desired emotion that conveys the tone of issue that is being presented. The image belows is an example of the three mentioned documentary styles. Looking at the two faces that are being shown, they have the same facial features, in fact they are the same. The model is not looking at the audience, her gaze is averted elsewhere. But she is pointing to the baby doll that is hanging from strings, connected to her fingers. This image could represent the idea of Pro-Choice among female audiences. That all females have the chance to make a choice in this topic.  |
