The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” is very true. You can write paragraph after paragraph of text and still not achieve the impact a well taken photograph will achieve. Photographs are immediate – it takes a second to look at one to convey a meaning – whether it be happiness, sadness, devastation any number of things. Consider something like 9/11 – a photograph of an aircraft crashing into the Trade Center would have an instant impact on the reader, who would then spend time reading the written journalism. In a newspaper, it’s a pretty natural reaction to be drawn to something graphic like a photo before anything else. It will act as an attention grabber.

As I mentioned, photographs or graphic images are more immediate than the written word. Another analogy – it is said “Never judge a book by its cover” – (although I think that has more to do with judging a persons character rather than looks) but if taken literally it is pretty well off of the mark. A well designed book cover will draw attention to the book.

I think it’s a combination of a good photograph along with a well written story that work well together so I don’t believe photographs can be “stronger” than the written word – they work together. For example, a photo of the Hindenburg exploding wouldn’t convey why it had happened – words would be needed.

A good photo story? A well judged and possibly dramatic photograph with a well written piece of journalism. I’d be drawn to the photo (and headline) first and then read the detailed story.

Sorry – I’ve rambled on a bit there – hope there’s something of use amongst it all! Anyway, good luck with your assignment.

you can answer this, just think about 9/11: did you read the articles or just look at the pictures in the papaers with horror and disbelief. Those images aid more than any written journalism ever could about the strength of people, determination, resourcefulness, wickedness and kindness.

Just look at some of the best pictures, they tell a story without saying a word. Look at a picture of a family watching their House burn. or a victim of an accident. It tells the story

Take a picture of garbage’s out in the nature that people trow every year.