Documentary Photography​​​​​​​

Documentary photography is defined as art that captures a real moment, conveying a message about the world. It normally focuses on ongoing issues or stories shown through a series of photographs. Technically, documentary photography has been around since the mid 1800s not long after the camera itself was invented, as since then people had the capacity to capture the everyday happenings of contemporary life. Documentary photography, as it is supposed to be a reflection of true events or settings tends to steer away from any post-production manipulation or editing, this is to provide an accurate representation of the reality as the photographer saw it. However, unlike its close resemblance to street photography, documentary photography is normally more planned and thought out in order to tell a narrative rather than record random snap shots with no clear story. Possibly the first official piece made by a photographer encapsulating the meaning of documentary photography was 'Bandits' Roost, 59 1/2 Mulberry Street' by Jacob Riis in 1888. His photo captured the reality of slum life, Riis also perpetuated many of the stereotypical views of the era. 

The definition of portrait photography says it aims to 'capture the identity, personality, and essence of a subject utilising photographic techniques such as composition, lighting, and posing.'. In my project I would want to use the lifestyle type of portrait photography as this is more informal and captures everyday activities and environments. One of the most regarded lifestyle photographers is Robert Frank with his photobook 'The Americans' which contains a series of 83 non-narrative and nonlinear structure documenting the people of America and the politics, power and injustice in America.