The Significance of Brian Skerry's Photographic Work as an Art Form

Introduction

Brian Skerry once said, ''photography can be a powerful instrument for change, and photojournalists can tell stories that will make a difference.'' Brian Skerry is an American photojournalist who has specialized in marine wildlife. Notably, Brian Skerry's previous interest was emerging as the world's best sea diver, but this changed after he attended an event where photojournalists were presenting their works, thus the reason why he decided to specialize in marine life since he was already a diver. While the photojournalist was born in 1961, he has continuously contributed to photography for National Geographic since 1998, and this proves that his duty on marine wildlife photography is reliable. Therefore, the paper intends to provide a detailed analysis of the significance of marine wildlife photography which is performed by Skerry, as that will also feature a review of one of the best photos from Skerry.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

The Importance of Skerry's Photographic Works

First, Skerry's action to engage in marine wildlife photography is significant since that ensures the maintenance of the sea's health. Whereas most people might assume that the photojournalists participate in the sea diving and taking of pictures for fun, the truth is that it is through that activity that he manages to take pictures and present them to National Geographic so that they can study the sea's health (Froggatt 1). For instance, one of the most important matters regarding the sea's health is that there are limited chances that it will offer the people with enough oxygen in an event where the waters are affected with dirt. Moreover, marine wildlife is essential since that is the only means that the National Geographic manages to take care of the deep sea creatures. The details from the photos which are taken deep in the sea show the marine wildlife experts on whether the waters are safe for the sea creature or if they need improvements, thus proving that Brian Skerry's duty is essential.

Second, Skerry's photographic works are also significant today since they apply as educative platforms. The fact that most of the sea pictures that are taken by the photojournalist in the analysis are published on the National Geographic magazine proves that they aim at educating people about sea life and the living things that are found deep in the waters. There are chances that most people would never have seen an opportunity to study the sea creature were it not for the emergence of marine wildlife photography, thus proving that Skerry's work is reliable (Heimbuch 4). The publication of the pictures in the magazine also ensures that school children acquire education on matters regarding sea creatures. While the information on sea creatures such as whales has always existed, there is a high chance that the people will understand or find it interesting in after they have had a preview of the pictures. Moreover, the other possible importance of the pictures which are taken underwater by the journalist is that they are also used for entertainment purposes. Many persons would wish to visit exhibitions so that they can have a look at the marine photographs for entertainment purposes.

An Example of Brian Skerry's Marine Wildlife Photos

The above picture is one of the critical marine wildlife photos that was taken by Skerry, and here are some of the reasons why it is a good picture. First, the photo provides a viewer with a story. One of the most critical roles that an image must play is telling a story, as that will ensure that the people understand the possible happenings during the capture (Skerry 3). For the picture in the analysis, it is possible to tell that the shark is trapped under the water and that it is struggling to save itself, thus making it a good picture since it has a story. Moreover, image sharpness is also essential in determining a good picture, and that is evident in the photo that features in the analysis. Additionally, a good picture is one which captures emotional, and that is also present in the image by Skerry. A view will easily tell that the trapped shark is stressed as it struggles to free itself from the trap.

In brief, the paper has provided a detailed analysis of Brian Skerry who is a photojournalist who has specialized in marine wildlife. The details in the study indicate that Skerry started taking marine pictures in 1998, and the National Geographic magazine publishes most of his works. Therefore, it was essential to analyze some of the crucial reasons why the Skerry's work on taking sea pictures is significant. Notably, the main reason why marine wildlife photography is essential is that it provides the people with an opportunity to learn and find out more details regarding sea creatures. It would remain impossible for people to learn about sea creatures without seeing them, but the action makes it successful. Moreover, it is because of marine wildlife photography that the National Geographic can ensure sea health.

Works Cited

Froggatt, Emma. Marine life halved: Brian Skerry's rare images of most endangered - in pictures. 15 October 2015. 11 January 2019.

Heimbuch, Jaymi. How Brian Skerry tells epic ocean stories, one photo at a time. 1 April 2014. 11 January 2019.

Skerry, Brian. Brian Skerry on Capturing the Soul of the Sea. 18 October 2018. 11 January 2019.