PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PHOTOJOURNALISM:

  • COMMUNICATION
    • Understand the assignment
      • Does it go with a story or run by itself?
      • When is it running?
      • Is a particular orientation – horizontal or vertical – needed for design? 
      • Is it important for a particular element to be visible? 
    • Work with the reporter before and during the event/shoot. 
    • Update editor shortly after assignment, let them know what you got and when you’ll file.
  • BIG PICTURE
    • Show real people doing real things. 
    • Show faces with expressions. 
    • Shoot from the right distance for the image at hand. 
    • Capture a significant or interesting moment. 
  • COMPOSITION
    • Use the rule of thirds.
    • Find new angles.
    • Fill the frame. 
    • Have a focal point. 
    • Minimize distractions. 
  • TECHNICAL
    • Is the subject in focus? 
    • Is the photo properly lighted? 
  • CUTLINE/CAPTION
    • Is everyone visible identified? 
    • Is the first sentence in present tense and does it describe what the picture shows? 
    • Does the second sentence supply added context to understand image’s significance?
    • Is it free of grammar, style and punctuation errors. 

HOW TO SHOOT PHOTOS:

  • Check out a camera from your editor.
  • Spend time watching and shooting. Move around. Try various angles, distances, exposures.
  • Show your work to others, if possible, and get opinions. 

HOW TO TURN IN PHOTOS: 

  • Open the Finder, then open the Photo folder on the Newsroom server. 
  • Open the Photographs folder, and create a folder using this naming convention: TT/MM/DD your initials_story slug (200125 SP_howdyweek)
  • Inside this folder, create two folder using this naming convention: (Your name)’s_extras and (Your name)’s_favorites
  • Remove the CF card from the camera and place it in a card reader at the photo desk.
  • Find the memory card icon on the desktop and open the folder containing your photos. Then, highlight and drag your photos to your “extras” folder. 
  • After the photos have copied, highlight them again and draf them over to the Adobe Bridge icon on the dashboard. 
  • In Bridge, you’ll be able to view your photos and decide which are the best. Drag those into your “favorites” folder. 
  • Use Bridge to write a cutline for each of your best images. Open your “favorites” folder and command-click each photo. Select “File info…” and in the “description” box, type your cutline followed by “(Your full name)/The Daily.” Click OK to save. 
  • Once you have written cutlines for each of your best images, eject the CF card from the computer. Use your camera to reformat the card, then return all equipment to the photo equipment room and check out on the log sheet. 
  • Notify the photo editor your images are in.