Research task 3.3 Reporting and Documenting

I checked http://www.reportage.org, but I wanted one of George’s illustrations.

I picked both BBC photo (Left) and George Butler’s reportage illustration (below) to compare.
Both in the Middle East, both have ­destroyed buildings and a single figure walking in front. (least most attention on one figure) both have had a sober mood, but I feel the emotions so much more from the illustrated version.
I personally think while both very serious, you can feel the atmosphere more in the illustrated version.

What is each image expression, describing or communicating?
Each is showing the world what is happening in other parts of the world, and how serious it is.
Which Image is most memorable?
The illustration without a doubt, as someone said we have become almost numb to these kinds of photos, yet illustrated version it is harder to not feel.
Does one image seem more truthful and why?
I know we see what the media want us to see, but honestly both feel “real”.
Which image would you be more likely to notice it was in a magazine or newspaper and why?
The illustrated piece, I had already noticed this, I would “forget” the photo but I cannot forget the illustration quite as easily.

I wanted to try my own reportage images to compare to the photo.
I went on BBC website and picked this article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53523802
COVID-19 is big news at the moment and headlines are all about wearing facemask, while I planned to work from a photo it is also something I could relate to at the moment.

I did try to invest the feelings I’m feeling at the moment, knowing full well it will not be quite the same.

Created in my personal sketchbook, Ink and watercolour.

I didn’t think I would feel the difference so much between the photo and illustrated pieces. I think because photos can envoke strong emotions within me.

But I think it is right, we are numb to news photos, we quickly scan the photos and words… Yes, we do feel.
An illustrated piece makes us feel, makes us stop, time and emotion have been invested more into the image by the illustrator.