ETHNOGRAPHY VS. PHOTOJOURNALISM VS. DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
In conversations about photography, these three genres are often confused and used as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. They may look similar on the surface — images of people, communities, lived realities — but the intention behind them is different and intention matters. As photographers, especially when working with people, we carry responsibility. Understanding where our work sits helps us move with more care.
What Is Ethnography?
Ethnography comes from Anthropology. It is not primarily a photographic genre — it is a research method.
One of its founding figures, Bronisnaw Malinowski, emphasized long-term immersion in the early 1900s. Ethnography asks for time, immersion, field notes, interviews, analysis of the culture, and self-awareness from the researcher.
The goal is not just to show what something looks like, but to understand how people live and what meaning it holds for them.
Julius E. Muller —Zeno Shindler — Frederick Wulsin
What Is Photojournalism?
Photojournalism is tied to journalism. It exists to inform. It documents events as they unfold and delivers images to the public quickly. Its priorities are accuracy, timeliness, clarity, and public awareness.
Lee Miller — Robert Capa
What Is Documentary Photography?
Documentary photography lives between art and social observation. A historical figure often associated with this approach is Walker Evans. Documentary work typically involves long-term projects and engagement, a cohesive body of work, and authorial point of view.
Lewis Hines — Margaret Bourke-White — Gordon Parks — Walker Evans
Where They Appear To Be Similar — and Why It Matters
Visually, these genres can look similar — but the difference lies in purpose.
Ethnography seeks to understand.
Photojournalism seeks to inform.
Documentary seeks to reveal.
I often encourage my students to slow down and observe carefully before pressing the shutter button. I don’t claim to be the authority on these genres, but Ethnography, as I understand it, asks us to do more than just look — it asks us to stay, to listen, and to observe with care.
Learn more about Bronisnaw Malinowski, here!
As always, best of luck!
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