Magazine Photography MCP

{ "name": "Documentary Photography", "technical": { "focal_length": "35mm-85mm standard lenses preferred for natural perspective; 24-35mm wide-angle for environmental context; 85-135mm for intimate portraits without intrusion", "depth_of_field": "Variable based on narrative needs - deep DOF for environmental context, moderate DOF for subject isolation while maintaining background information", "shutter_speed": "1/60s-1/250s for handheld stability; faster speeds 1/125s-1/500s for action/movement; slower speeds acceptable with stabilization for available light", "lighting": "Natural/available light preferred; minimal artificial lighting to preserve authenticity; reflectors and fill flash used subtly when necessary", "camera_format": "35mm film historically dominant; full-frame digital sensors; some medium format for higher quality archival work; rangefinders and SLRs for discretion" }, "aesthetic": { "composition": "Strong geometric compositions; rule of thirds; leading lines; framing through environmental elements; balanced but not overly stylized arrangements", "subject_background": "Background provides context and narrative information; environmental elements support story; careful attention to avoid distracting elements", "tonal_range": "Full tonal range with good shadow and highlight detail; moderate contrast; emphasis on detail retention over dramatic effect", "color_approach": "Natural color rendition; muted, realistic palettes; black and white common for timeless quality and focus on content over aesthetics", "texture_detail": "High attention to texture and fine detail; sharp focus where narratively important; preservation of environmental textures and surfaces" }, "shooting_approach": { "subject_distance": "Variable - close for intimate human moments, medium distance for subject-environment relationship, wider for contextual scenes", "angle_perspective": "Eye-level perspective most common for human connection; slight variations for narrative emphasis; avoid extreme angles that distract from subject", "subject_relationship": "Primarily candid and unposed; subjects often unaware or comfortable with photographer; natural expressions and body language prioritized", "environment": "Real-world locations essential; subjects photographed in their natural environments; studio work rare except for formal portrait documentation" }, "context": { "typical_uses": [ "Photojournalism and news documentation", "Social issue advocacy and awareness", "Historical record keeping", "Anthropological and sociological studies", "Personal documentary projects", "Corporate and institutional documentation" ], "historical_context": "Emerged in 1930s with photographers like Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange during Great Depression; formalized through FSA projects; evolved through civil rights era and continues as digital medium", "key_characteristics": "Commitment to truth and accuracy; minimal manipulation; strong narrative content; social consciousness; respect for subjects; technical competence serving content", "related_styles": "Street photography, photojournalism, social documentary, environmental portraiture, reportage photography" }, "era_variants": { "has_temporal_variations": true, "notes": "1930s-50s: formal, large format approach; 1960s-80s: more intimate 35mm style; 1990s-2000s: color acceptance increased; 2010s+: digital tools enable new distribution but core ethics remain" }, "confidence_score": "HIGH", "generated_at": "2025-11-13T09:27:01.715533", "llm_model": "claude-sonnet-4-20250514" }