BASICS OF PHOTOJOURNALISM Alankar Rai

May 17, 2012

Benguet State University La Trinidad, Benguet

Photos by: Alankar Rai

Contents
What is Photojournalism?

Who is a Photojournalist?
Basic Techniques and Tips in Photojournalism (Dos/Donts) Cutlining

What is Photojournalism?
Photos which tell story of a

specific place, event or location.

Photojournalists create pictures

that contribute to the publications or news media.

It is divided into different

categories:
Sports, Documentary, Events

etc

And the most important thing

you should have in photojournalism is of course your CAMERA.

Who is a Photojournalist?
A photographer is a person who takes

PHOTOS.
A Journalist is a person who tells a STORY.
So, a PHOTOJOURNALIST is a visual

reporter who shows facts.

Tips & Techniques in Photojournalism

Master your camera, flash

and other equipments.

Be familiar to the whole

setting.
Always have your battery

charged and check your memory card.

Carry a note book and a

pen.

On location
Observe what is happening. Plan and scout your location.

Look around and see for

important details, take note on whats going on.

Note down names of people,

place, date, etc.

Composition
Be well prepared.

Capture moments

(expressions, actions) Timing is Important Get close to your subject. Confidence is the main key Shoot through different angles (Once you get a good shot, Change your spot.) Frame and focus in your subject.

Making a good Photo Story

You must know when it's

going to happen.

Take several images to

make a story.
photo.

Give captions to your Dont forget to mention the

name of the place, date and time and other important information. Names should be spelled correctly .

USE 5Ws and 1H.

Examples:
Steve Mccurry is a very wellknown US photojournalist. The picture he took called Afghanistan girl is one of the most famous photographs of humane face till today.

Last Supper SK officials prepare pork chops during the last day of the Strawberry Festival 2012. La Trinidad celebrated the fest for one month.

Visual artworks LT displays collections of old photos and posters from the past events of strawberry festival in the Municipal hall of La Trinidad. Photo by Alankar Rai.

Dental Care A dentist of Benguet General Hospital examines a patient at Bokod National High School, Pito, Bokod on April 14, 2012.

Helpful films in Photojournalism

War Photographer by James Natchway

One of the greatest war photographers ever.

The Bang Bang Club Its about 4 combat

photographers documenting the last days of racial discrimination in South Africa.

Elements for a great photo

Composition
Lighting Expression = Timing

How to take candid photos

Blend-in with the crowd. Try to keep your camera and

lens compact as much as possible.

Wait for the right moment.

How to get into Publications?

A strong portfolio. Adequate experience. Networking and reference. Need to have not only the right

skills in making pictures but also the ability to write articles.

Major publications hire

graduates of accredited photojournalism programs.

Photo Story
Story is the key. It needs to have a focus. It should be visually interesting from the beginning to the end (documenting a process). Maintain balance photographs.

in

your

Have a subject that youre trying to communicate in your photography.

More tips
The good thing about photojournalism is that you don't

need an assignment to get started.

Taking pictures for publication purposes: you have a legal

right to shoot, as long as you are standing in a public place. Both amateur or professional photographers have the same rights.
Having a camera is not a guarantee that you are a

Photographer.
Your job is about interacting with people and documenting

events/lives.

Finally, things you should know

Be creative Have confidence Be curious Respect others/earn other peoples respect You need a good light Bad light is a bad photograph Getting people's trust /Breakdown barrier Sense of humor Waiting is very important. Take a lot of picture/You can choose better pictures later.

CUTLINING/CAPTIONING
Cutline is written as a mini-news story.

It answers the WH questions.

It describes and explains the cut to the reader.

How to cutline a cut?

1. Collect and check facts 2. Avoid stating the obvious 3. Identify main persons in the photograph 4. Write at most three sentences

One suggested formula for cutlining

CUTLINE=Lead-in phrase + Sentence (present tense) + Sentence (past tense)

Last Supper. SK officials prepare pork chops during the last day of the Strawberry Festival 2012. La Trinidad celebrated the fest for one month.

Thank you!