Journey of a Journalist

Remember the good ol’ days when you put film in a camera, took a few pictures, removed the film and then paid to develop it?

Yeah…neither do I.

Just like many other types of technological innovations that have redefined our lives (does anyone still own a fax machine anymore?!), digital cameras have practically completely taken over the photography world. Various photo editing programs make it possible for even lackluster pictures to become works of art.

So what does this mean for journalism?

Essentially, we have the opportunity to communicate stories visually — and we don’t need to ask a staff photographer for assistance.

Mark Briggs discusses the significance of these advancements in the sixth chapter of “Journalism Next” and offers tips regarding best practices for digital photography. According to Briggs, journalists typically capture mug shots during interviews and must have a solid understanding of what constitutes a “good shot.” This is an elementary necessity.

However, as previously discussed, the transference of news distribution from print to screen means a complete overhaul of how such news is presented. Reading online is as much about visual appearance as it is valid content. Readers do not want to read lengthy paragraphs or pages full of text. They will simply get bored.

So what’s the best way to spark their interest?

A compelling, well-composed, revealing photo.

Briggs offers journalists these tips for shooting quality shots:

• Figure out the message. How can you best communicate your story to readers?
• Know your lighting. Is there enough natural light? Are you going to need a flash?
• Know your camera. Be comfortable with its functions. Actually read the manual.
• Hold the camera steady. A blurry shot will never be a useful shot.
• Focus on your subject and make this action fill the screen. Too much peripheral action is distracting.
• Take your time. The beauty of digital is that you can take as many pictures as necessary. Don’t rush the shot and be sure to review the photos you like. Is there any way to make them even better?

Once you have compiled your photo collection, it’s time to transfer them to your computer and begin the editing process.

• Sort through the pictures and decide on the best one (or the best ones, depending on the assignment) that reveals the story you are trying to tell.
• Make copies of these pictures. You NEVER want to edit original photos.
• Play around with the resolution and composition.
• Crop and resize the photo to eliminate background distractions.
• Tone and color-correct the photo. Most editing software programs can do this automatically.
• Save the photo as a web version.

After these steps have been taken, you’re ready to publish! Whether you are uploading photos to a blog, an online publication, or another form of social media, the visual element will add much-needed appeal to your story and help your readers feel like they are actually a part of what you are portraying.

 

Tags: digital camera, photo editing, photo journalism, picture taking