At the time, photojournalism was uncommon because of the complex process of taking pictures. In order to take a picture, one must carry bulky, awkward and heavy equipment. And in this case, the areas being photographed were often dark. So in order for there to be “flash photography” a small explosive must be set off in order to provide the “flash” needed for the photograph. Because of the complex procedure of taking photographs, photojournalism was rare at the time that “How the Other Half Lives” was published. For this reason, most members of the middle and upper classes had never seen a slum. For many, the photographs published by Riis were the first visual account of the horrid living conditions of slums. Because the photographs published in “How the Other Half Lives,” were the first visual account of slum life for many, the shock value of the book
At the time, photojournalism was uncommon because of the complex process of taking pictures. In order to take a picture, one must carry bulky, awkward and heavy equipment. And in this case, the areas being photographed were often dark. So in order for there to be “flash photography” a small explosive must be set off in order to provide the “flash” needed for the photograph. Because of the complex procedure of taking photographs, photojournalism was rare at the time that “How the Other Half Lives” was published. For this reason, most members of the middle and upper classes had never seen a slum. For many, the photographs published by Riis were the first visual account of the horrid living conditions of slums. Because the photographs published in “How the Other Half Lives,” were the first visual account of slum life for many, the shock value of the book