The rise of citizen journalsim

As modern technology expands it is becoming increasingly easier for the world’s population to have their say on the media and contribute to it on a global scale.
Citizen Journalism is often defined in different ways by both citizens and professionals but is quite simply, Citizens taking on a journalistic role in order to report and discuss the world’s news.
With the ongoing rise in new media technologies and internet sensations such as facebook, twitter and blog sites, it is becoming increasingly easier for citizen journalists across the world to contribute and report on the world’s news every day.  A citizen journalist in modern day society can be anyone without any profession training or qualifications using mainly blog sites, social networking sites and the power of the internet to distribute news or their take on the news to the rest of the world.

With the ever popular craze of tweeting and blogging expanding, everyday citizens are able to share news with the rest of the world before, in some cases, quicker than the journalist can report on the story.
A prime example of this comes from new media technologies such as smart phones and I-pads. Now technology has advanced so much so that with a click of a button pictures, videos and post can be up online and seen my millions in minutes. From this, some of the most iconic images in the media from the 21^st century are those taken by citizen journalists.
The photograph of a lady covering her face with a burn mask, being lead away by a man from the 7/7 London bombing is one taken by a citizen journalist who was there as the events unfolded.  Another example is the ‘tweet’ sent out by Janis Krums saying ““There's a plane in the Hudson. I'm on the ferry going to pick up the people. Crazy,” Quote taken from the NY Daily news website who reported on the story (NY Daily news 2009). Alongside the tweet was also a photograph which he uploaded of the plane taken on his I-phone. This iconic image and post on twitter was one of the first ways that people across the world new about the Hudson River plane crash before any reporters came close to the scene. These examples clearly represent the way in which everyday world citizens are becoming Citizen Journalist just by using modern technology and being in the right place at the right time.  However this could then lead us to question whether or not the rise in citizen journalist is having an effect on the real journalist and photojournalist themselves.

Professional journalists as well as photojournalist are employed with the right training and work their way up through the industry in order to be the best. With professional experience and equipment they are able to report on the world’s news in a way that in some cases citizen journalist are unable to. For example being a part of huge companies such as Getty and the BBC means that their journalist/photojournalist have more access such as press passes and tip offs form other agencies. Unlike citizen journalist, the professions are able to gain access which would otherwise be restricted to the public such as celeb parties, award ceremonies, political and royal events and warzones. This shows how much more power a professional journalist can have when reporting on certain news stories. There is also the issue of accuracy on the story and the law side of journalism.

It is clear that both journalism and citizen journalism is playing a huge roll in the 21^st  century, but what problems are being caused due to this?
The main issue concerning citizen journalist is the law. Professional journalist will be fully aware on the law and certain acts which would prevent them from publishing certain photographs and articles. This is something on the other hand that citizen journalist may not be so knowledgeable on.

 Therefore this could mean information published by a citizen journalist may be breaking the law or may not even be truthful this could then therefore cause problems within the industry.
The ethical issues involved within journalism also play a big role regarding professionals and armature citizen journalist.  Morals and principles along with knowing what is right and wrong to publish, especially in photographic form, can cause a lot of controversy and cause a media uproar. 

So is the way that journalism is being changed by citizen journalist, impacting on traditional ways in which journalist work? As technology is becoming more advanced, allowing citizens to post news live on the internet along with picture will there come a time when we do not need journalist? We are already beginning to see how newspapers are bringing out online additions each day of their publication which readers can view on the move on their smart phone or laptop. With the abilities we have right now, eye witnesses of a disaster or major news story are able to send their pictures and information into news and picture wires quicker than some professionals.
As technology becomes even more advance will there come a time when journalist are not needed and publications will stream out news on online newsfeeds across the world with the help of citizen journalism? Only time and technological development will tell.






Lucy Jolliffe

Cheer Faces On!!

Staffordshire University Scarlettes are a national competing, passionately driven cheerleading squad.
Training a minimum 3 times a week, The Scarlettes work on dance routines, stunting, gymnastics, cheering and of course, their cheer faces, in preparation towards their next major competition.
As well as training and competing, the Scarlettes also cheer regally for the universities American football team, The Stallions and often meet for social events.

The scarlettes practising there cheer routine in preparation for their next competition in April.

Being apart of a squad like the Scarlette requires alot of hard work and determination but is yet fun and very rewarding.
First year rookie, Ashton Paris told me "Joining the Scarlettes was definitely one of the best decisions I've made since starting the university in September. Not only is it great for my fitness, but it is also like having a second family because everyone is so close."

The Scarlettes no how important teamwork is when practising lifts and learning new routines.

Although many people would argue that Cheerleading is not a sport, alot of athletic capability, technique and teamwork is required.
For the Scarlettes cheerleading is not only seen as a hobby but apart of everyday university life. Socialising outside of practice with other members of the squad and the American Football players, they are a very close-knit group of friends.

As the first semester draws to an end the girls are sorting themselves out in preparation for next semesters big events, Varsity and their competition where they will compete agaist other teams infornt of thousands.
Coach Amie Pople stated "After christmas is going to be so busy with all the practice for varisty and comp but I'm really looking forward to it . This is my 3rd comp now and each year just gets better and better and the atmosphere is amazing"

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£16 Replica dress a step to far?

Kate Middleton has been in the world's media since she started dating the Prince William in late 2003. 
So last week the world was overcome with joy when it was announced that Prince William would Marry his long term university sweetheart Kate Middleton in the spring of 2011.
As well as being in the media for her relationship with Prince William she is also often in the media for her her fashion sense and style. Middleton has been Listed among other celebrities on "Best Dressed" lists in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, Vanity Fair and People's Magazine.
Therefore when the engagement was announced last week women across the world not only fell in love with her even more but the beautiful elegant dress she wore.

The Photograph seen across the world on TV and in publications last week.

The simplistic sapphire blue £349 Issa London dress which she has been photographed in has proved to be once of the most iconic dresses this year loved by women across the world. So much so that a week after the pictures have been published a replica dress is already on sale!

£16 F&F replica dress on sale at Tesco stores and online at www.tesco.com

The £16 replica designed by F&F at Tesco has proved to be a huge success selling out online within an hour of its release. Lynn Richards a Tesco store manager commented saying  "The dress has been on high demand since its realise, It has proved to be very popular with people of all ages.Lots of women will want the dress as a keepsake which replicates the dress Britain's future Queen wore on her Engagement."

I was also lucky enough to speak to a Fallon Dyer a university student who managed to buy the dress when it came on sale. "I wanted to by the dress as I not only love Kate but her fashion sense as well. I have often looked online for style guides and stores which sell other replicas of clothes which she has worn in the past, Therefore this replica dress was something which i knew i would love and could afford!"

The replica of the elegant Issa dress works well casually as well as formally with this autumn/winter trends.

The bright Sapphire blue dress works well within the winter scenery.

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Fallon says how kate`s style has influenced the way she dresses on a daily bases.

Although creating replica outfits worn by celebrities is obviously very successful and has proved to be in high demand the real question is, Is it going to far?
Many young people especially, are pressured by today's media to look as 'slim' and 'georgous' as celebrities they see on TV and Magazines. So is selling affordable replica outfits worn by some of the worlds most beautiful influential women encouraging more and more young girls to try and be "Perfect"?
Although many people look up to celebs such as Kate Middleton is it a step to far selling replica clothes that they have worn and encouraging women to buy them? Should fashion outlets and supermarkets especially be allowed to sell such items?
So the question is will you be buying outfits like this in the future or is the fashion industry trying harder and harder to morph us into the people in today's media that we look upto and somewhat inspire to be?

Truth.Freedom.Beauty.Love

Paris. One of the most beautiful cities in the world.
From the 17th to the 20th myself and some of my class mates were lucky enough to have the chance to visit Paris. Our main reason for out visit was to attend an exhibition called "Paris Photo" which takes place at carrousel du Louvre. Paris photo sees photographers from around the world, both famous and up and coming , Exhibit there work for public to view and purchase.
Walking round the exhibition was an amazing experience, to view other photographers work and become inspired for our own work.
As well as Paris photo we also had the chance to do some site seeing around the city. Places we visited included Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge, Arch De Triumph, Chan De Lise and of course the Eiffel Tower.
Here our a few of the pictures I took. For more please see my facebook page!

As the days become shorter and the nights become colder we look forward to returning home after a long day to a warm house and a cooked meal. However is this something that we take for granted?
Shocking statistics reveal that 1million people in the UK alone are homeless and are living in poor conditions on Britain's streets. Even more heartbreaking statistics shows that nearly 200 people in Stoke on Trent alone are between the age of 16-25 and are either homeless or in fear of being homeless.
Thankfully with charities such as Shelter England founded in 1966, each day more and more is being done to protect people effected by loosing there home or being thrown out of home. Unlike other homeless charities all donations made go direct to the charity meaning they do not charge commission. Shelter reallies on people volunteering themselves and public donations to run a successful charity to raise awareness and help people affected by loosing a home.

Alex Bradley and Betty Swaffield currently work for the charity after being recruited on the street by other Shelter workers. Working 9 hours a day sometimes 6 days a week they spend there day talking to people going about there day to day routines in busy shopping areas such as Hanley.Alex says "There are challenges to street fundraising of course because a lot of people do not want to spare the time. It becomes a matter of perseverance and trying to make yourself seem appealing so people will talk to us."

Betty has been apart of the Shelter team since march after being recruited by other street fundraisers.

"It is very rewarding to know that this money improves the lives of vulnerable and distressed people." 

Although at times street fundraising can be hard there are some rewarding aspects of the job at the end of it.
Alex stated "The most rewarding part of working for Shelter is that we know that the money we raise each day make real changes. We also get chances to visit the projects that the money we raise helps fund."
With the help of the public and generous donations Shelter are able to take there work even further and raise more and more money to help people in need across Staffordshire and the rest of the UK.

Stop and speak to street fundraisers it only takes a minute and the cause may inspire you further.

So as the festive season ripens and the Christmas shopping rush kicks in, spare a thought for the people who will be alone and homeless this Christmas. Take a moment to speak to the street fundraiser such as Alex and Betty and see how you can get involved.

For more information visit www.shelter.org.uk

Lucy Jolliffe

~ My eyes make pictures, when they are shut. ~

Whilst sat in my lecture playing with camera i tried to think of something i could take a few photos of that would be interesting.
I came up with the idea of photographing eyes. Strange I no, but i guess eyes are unique to the person who they belong to and many stories lie behind them.

The eyes are mirrors to the soul.

I didn't want to tell the tree or weed what it was. I wanted it to tell me something and through me express its meaning in nature.- Wynn Bullock

Flash- Learning how to use a flash correctly can be a bit tricky at first i guess. So many different ways to use one to create the right effect for each photograph.
So what better way to learn flash techniques than a afternoon stroll in the park on a cold,wet and dark November day.

My awesome class mates getting there cameras ready

By using a lower flash setting you can see the difference in colour and brightness in this photograph compared to the previous one.

I love this! Theres something beautiful yet haunting about this photograph.

Although this is similar to the previous photograph, it shows how different camera and flash settings can change the mood of a picture and turn it into something completely different.

 Compared to some of my other photographs this is quite a dark picture making the tree alot darker than its leaves.

I loved the colours in the photograph and the fact i have captured Clare taking her flash pictures at the same time!

One of the many squirrel's I saw playing in the trees.

Using a flash gun i was able to the Autumn colours perfectly before the leaves slowly fall off and blow away into the distance.

This effect is amazing!