As the world celebrates the World Photography Day on Monday, the Guild of Professional Photographers of Nigeria (GPN) joined forces with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to educate and inspire the next generation of photojournalists. The partnership aims to introduce Gen Zs to the nuances of photojournalism, highlighting its critical role in shaping public opinion and documenting history.
The event, held at the NIJ campus in Lagos, was highlighted with seminars, and interactive sessions led by seasoned photo journalists. Participants were exposed to the ethical considerations, technical skills, and storytelling techniques that distinguish impactful photojournalism.
To kick start the August event, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, the Photo Editor of DAILY INDEPENDENT Newspapers, and an affiliate of the professional association highlighted the importance of nurturing young talents in the field of photojournalism as he told the stories behind virtually all the photographs exhibited at the event.
Dr. Boye Ola, Deputy Provost, NIJ, echoed similar sentiment in his speech, stressing the need for professional training in an era where digital media often blurs the lines between news and misinformation.
The highlight of the event was an exhibition showcasing some of the most iconic photographs in Nigerian history, accompanied by discussions on the stories behind these images. Young participants were encouraged to engage with these visuals, sparking conversations about the impact of photography on social change.
The event centered on the theme “An Entire World and the World in My Frame,” and featured a thought-provoking lecture delivered by a renowned visual analyst, journalist, and anthropologist.
During the lecture, the speaker, Mr. Akintunde Akinleye reflected on the complexities and limitations of photography in capturing and representing the world. Drawing from his experiences as a graduate student at Carleton Film School in Ottawa, Canada, the speaker explored influential theories that have shaped his understanding of visual representation. He discussed the works of two key theorists: Roger Scruton and Christian Metz.
According to him, Scruton, an English philosopher, questioned the ability of photography to be a “genuine art of representation.” He argued that while photography may possess compositional beauty and harmonic aesthetics, it lacks the intentionality and imaginative creativity that characterize painting as a true representational art. Scruton contended that photography’s mechanical nature restricts it to a causal process rather than an intentional act, thereby limiting its capacity to capture the entirety of the world.
In contrast, he said Christian Metz, a French theorist, examined the fetishization of photography in his work “Photography and Fetish.” He highlighted the inherent connection between photography and death, particularly in still images. Metz argued that while photography aims to represent the objective world, it simultaneously celebrates both life and death, capturing moments that were but no longer are.
The lecture emphasised the symbolic castration and limitations of photography in its attempt to represent the world. The speaker noted that photography, by its very nature, can only capture fragments of reality, leaving much of the world outside its frame. This limitation was poignantly illustrated by the Yoruba proverb, “Ilu Gangan ‘laye, oju t’oko si eniyan kan, eyin lo fi ko si elomiran,” which translates to “The world is like the Gangan drum with circular two faces, when one side faces you, the other side faces others.”
The event also recognised Nigerian photojournalist Kunle Ajayi, who, through his work, has acknowledged the limitations of photography in journalism by captioning his photographic pages with “In My Frame.” This caption, according to the speaker, serves as a reminder that photography can only present a slice of the world, not its entirety.
Despite these acknowledged limitations, the lecture underscored the importance of photography in preserving history and representing the world. The speaker noted that photography, alongside film and written texts, remains an essential tool for capturing and preserving the past.
The event concluded with a discussion on the future of visual storytelling, particularly in the context of emerging digital media technologies. The speaker encouraged the audience to consider how new forms of digital photography and animation might continue to shape our understanding of the world.
As the world continues to evolve, so too does the field of photography. Events like the 2024 World Photography Day celebration at NIJ serve as vital platforms for reflecting on these changes and exploring the enduring power of the photographic frame.
