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Mar 2, 2009 - Kent Pickering Photojournalism tips Tips for better Photojournalism 1. Pay Attention to Light: The etymology of the word Photography is from the Greek works Photon and Graph - or "to record light." You should always keep a close eye on the light in every photograph you make - the angle from which you approach the light, the time of day you shoot a subject, and the way you expose your picture can have a dramatic affect on the final result. Most photographers out there are far too focused on capturing the moment - and seldom pay attention to light. 2. Pay Attention to Value and Form: Even though you're working with a constantly changing subject, that doesn't mean you should make photographs haphazardly. Always keep a good amount of your attention on the natural geometry in each photograph (push 9 zone grid and use perspective lines for dynamics) and of course value. Value can have a tremendous impact on the mood of a photograph. 3. Content: While you're always looking to make and aesthetically pleasing photograph - what separates photojournalism from all other photography disciplines is the focus on content. A photograph is often news or content driven - not just a "pretty picture." That being said - if you can find the balance between the two (content and aesthetics) you will be far ahead of the pack. 4. Research: Always do your research - know the Who, What, When, Where and WHY before you make a photograph. Don't just TAKE a photograph MAKE one. The more you know about your subject - the more depth your photographs will have. Also be a proactive photographer - think of the overall story and idea of your project. 5. Preparation: prepare your gear - always be ready to go. You never know when the great shot will come - and it's almost always at the worst possible time. Therefore you always need to be loaded and ready to go at a moment's notice. 6. Care (Big Picture): Care about the people you photograph - see them not as your subjects, but see them as fellow human beings. While it is important to keep some professional distance - if you don't feel right about making a photograph - don't. The only exception to this rule is when the value of making that photograph can ultimately help others - if you feel that what you are photographing is particularly newsworthy or that the publication of said photograph will help others - then perhaps the photograph needs to be taken even though you fill ill at ease. At times it pays to make the photograph and then debate about whether or not to run it later. 7. Truth: All we have as journalists is credibility. Once you lose that - you are lost. Never ever interfere or influence a situation. Never ask people to do something again or set a photograph up. You are there to document the situation - not create one. Never attempt to lie or deceive. These are the most basic rules in photojournalism. 8. Education: Always continue to educate yourself. Look at great work from past photographers and current ones. With today’s technology you have news stories being captured, recorded and seen all over the world in seconds. Also study art history; no body used light better than Rembrandt. All of this will allow you to have a better grasp of what is going on, who is working on what, and what direction you might take for yourself. Do your best to keep up with the latest technology - so that you can stay ahead of the curve. Special thanks from Photojournalist Vincent Laforet .  | |||||
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