What Else A Picture Can Tell

It’s always interesting observing how images are used to convey a message in the press.  Here in Northern Ireland, where there is a tradition of award winning photojournalism documenting The Troubles, there is a familiarity with the powerful message an image can convey. The adage ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ is often associated with the context the photograph is taken in at the time (and raises questions on whether documentary photography is truly objective – a blog topic for another time!). Selecting a certain picture over another speaks volumes too, it can provide insight into the mentality of the picture editor. Case in point with a story published on the 28^th March on the Belfast Telegraph’s Sunday Life website.

The story is about Fiona Hurley, a former Miss Northern Ireland who is now the new Agony Aunt for the Sunday Life. Very early on in the piece readers are informed she is a qualified hypnotherapist and psychology graduate who in her past had battled depression and low self esteem -  a seemingly perfect person to turn to for advice.  Whilst at times the story is showbiz in tone, it is clear that it was written to demonstrate Fiona’s credibility as a professional in the mental health care industry – someone worthy of being taken seriously as the new advice columnist.

I wonder, at what point did the picture editor think that it was appropriate to accompany the article with a photograph of Fiona modelling lingerie?  This picture undermines the premise of the entire article and worse, Fiona’s credibility. Classy work Sunday Life, quality all the way.