Abstract:

While photo alone is a communication tool, it can be supported by explanatory assistant items in order to make coded messages more understandable. Such description of news photos used in the newspapers is defined as "photo subtitles". Whatever the photo for the news text, the photo subtitle has the same importance for the news photo. But the subtitles of the news photo are often filled with questions. In the article, the news photographs used in today's newspapers, referring with examples to the subtitles problems, tried to explain again with examples how the subtitles should be. The number of publications taken as an example of the national press was scaned at the top 5 newspapers' first page news photos and articles related to these photos. This scan resulted in the analysis of the news, news photos and texts related to the photographs that were identified. The content analysis of the subtitles of the photo (photo-related texts), the location in the photo, the relationship with the photo and the rules of writing was made. The results of the analyses, based on the examples of the positive and negative photos and subtitles identified, suggested how it should be. Today, it seems that most national newspapers have abandoned the method of using photo subtitles. This is found on the first and back pages. Also using the possibilities of color printing and photoshop technology, the photo subtitles are fulfilled by filling in the information texts on the empty spaces where the image of objects is not included, which are considered appropriate on the photo frame instead of the photo subtitles. This type of page design makes it difficult to understand the original value of the photo and even causes the meaning of the photo to disappear, while the articles relating to the news photo make one another ineffective. In most cases, the information in the photo remains insufficient in terms of communication, and in these cases, the sub-photo also increases the value of the photo by completing the information that the photo provides. As the examples are seen, the appearance of the photo and photo subtitles in the newspapers, in order to create a different page design or way of reporting, has become a different appearance outside the main purpose. The reader wants to understand the picture as well as the news. Who is in the photo, where, when, what has happened, the photo should provide this information and the subtitle should also explain. The name of the photographer should also be listed under the photo. Today, not only in the news photos, but most of the newspapers do not find the name of the journalist. The ? The subtitles of the photo should not contain comments. Telling those who don’t appear to indicate the appearance can bring new question signs. The ? The subtitle of the photo should be a response to the situation that requires an explanation in the photo. The subtitle information should not be contradictory with what appears in the photo. The ? In particular, in the descriptions concerning scientific and sports terms that require expertise, the knowledge in this field should be asked for help. The ? Photo subtitles or descriptions should not disturb the appearance of the photo; not to be written on the photo or on the spaces in a way that makes it difficult to understand and value the photo. Such applications are an unethical behavior against the owner as they lower the value of the photo. In the final stage, the talent of the page designer is discussed. Design is an important part of the journalism process; it is not a decoration, it is a means of communication. The designer starts work with an empty newspaper page and a mozaic of ideas that are wanted to be transmitted. The task is to present this mozaic in a regular and understandable manner. The recommendations are not mandatory, but the results of compliance are the recommendations that will succeed in performing the function of the public communication tool we call the newspaper and will provide the reader with a qualified newspaper as form and content. Keywords: photo, newspaper, news photo, photo subtitle

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