Why is visual journalism so important?

Have you ever scrolled past a digital article or skimmed through a magazine because it looked too 'wordy'?

We've all been there.

But then, there are times when a single powerful image or a compelling infographic stops us in our tracks, making us absorb, reflect, and engage.

This magnetic pull is the essence of visual journalism.

Today, we're diving deep into why this mode of storytelling isn't just a trend but a transformative force in the world of media.

What is visual journalism?

Visual journalism uses images, graphics, videos and other visual elements to communicate news stories.

While traditional journalism often relies on words, visual journalism speaks a language everyone can understand - the language of visuals!

3 reasons why visual journalism is a game-changer

1. It grabs attention 

In an era of information overload, capturing someone's attention is gold. Visuals break the monotony and immediately draw your eyes in.

2. It makes complex ideas digestible 

A single image or graphic can often explain what thousands of words might struggle to.

3. It is emotionally engaging 

A well-crafted visual story can tug at heartstrings, evoke laughter, or create a sense of motivation.

 The magic behind visuals 

Visual journalism isn't just about picking an image from a stock library and hoping it fits your narrative. Far from it!

Selective artistry

Just as a writer carefully selects each word, a visual journalist meticulously chooses the right imagery.

The right photo evokes emotions, sets a mood, or provides context.

It isn't just about what's visually appealing but about what adds depth to the story.

Balancing act

Visual journalism is the fine art of marrying a story with graphics and photographs. This means ensuring the aesthetics don’t overpower the narrative and vice versa. 

Think of it as a duet where both the singer and the musician need to be in perfect harmony.

Engagement beyond words

The goal is to craft a narrative where the audience doesn't just passively consume the news, but they feel it. 

They should experience a range of emotions - from curiosity and empathy to surprise and reflection.

Do you see a future in visual journalism?

If the concept of visual journalism has lit a spark in you, the MA in Visual Journalism and Storytelling at the University of Bolton is the perfect course for you.

By combining multimedia, photography, writing, reporting, and video, our course offers you maximum agility for telling non-fiction stories across various platforms with optimal impact.

At Bolton, we’re committed to training and supporting the next generation of image-makers to be forward-thinking, adaptable, and ethically aware.

Our experienced lecturers will support you every step of the way, ensuring you gain the skills that are essential for a career in this exciting, expanding, and evolving field.

If you want to know more about this 12-month postgraduate course, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or 01204 903903.