Photojournalism

TechniquesBy Mrs. Goodwin

Focus• Use the camera’s focus lock

feature.

• Center the subject to focus on it.

• Hold the picture-taking button partway down to lock the focus.

• Compose the subject placed off center with the button still partway down, then take the photo.

Composition

Composition is how objects are arranged in a photograph.We will look at 4 things to consider:1. Framing -- Angle of the camera2. Cropping -- Zooming in and out 3. Center of interest -- Rule of thirds4. Content -- Story telling without noise

Composition 1 - Framing

• Horizontal

• (landscape)

• Funky tilt• Vertical

• (portrait)

Composition 1 - Framing

• Individuals are often vertical (portrait)

• Groups are often horizontal (landscape)

Composition 2 - Cropping

3/3 crop (full length) 2/3 crop 1/3 crop

Crop the subject by thirds (in the camera or on the computer).

Composition 3 - Center of Interest

• The viewer’s eye is bored with perfectly centered subjects.

• Offsetting the main element usually produces a dynamic, interesting picture.

• Use the rule of thirds.

Composition 3 - Center of Interest

Place the subject on the left 1/3 or right 1/3.

Composition 3 - Center of Interest

Place the subject or the horizon on the top 1/3 or bottom 1/3.

Composition 4 - Content

• Are background items too prominent?

Feet in the way of the ballCar bumping into her head.

• Are important story elements out of the picture?

Composition 4 - Content

Missing the story. Telling the story.

Composition 4 - Content

Walk-Around Angle: Walk around the subject and find the best angle. See how the view of

subject, light, foreground and background change as the angle changes.

Lighting - SunlightDirect sunlight on the person creates harsh shadows. (left)

Solutions:

• Put the subject in the shade. (right)

• Use a flash to lighten the shadows on the face caused by sunlight. YES…Try using a flash outside!

• Photograph on a cloudy day or at sunrise or at sunset.

Lighting - BacklitA window or sun behind your

subject can leave dark and dim faces with little or no detail.

Solutions:

• Try using a flash.

• Try a different angle so the light is not behind the subject.

• Make sure the window/sun is behind your back as you take the photo.

Lighting - Creating Mood

Try viewing your subject from different angles to learn how lighting differences can change the mood of your picture.

High Contrast

• Light colours on a dark background or dark colours on a light background create a dynamic intense look.

Low Contrast

Mostly dark images can provide a mysterious setting.

Lighter photos look sunny, bright and cheerful.

dark on dark light on light

Point of View

A bird's eye view

Point of View

A worm’s

eye view

BalanceBalance is the relationship between two or more important

picture elements.

Perfect or equal balance is static and boring.

Asymmetrical balance is more dynamic. Note the placement of the people is not in a straight row.

Eyeline• A good picture leads the

eye on a stroll around the picture, and repeatedly brings it back to the main subjects.

• Horizontal, vertical and especially diagonal elements will entice the eye to follow them.

Eyeline• Eyeline can also refer

to where the subject seems to be looking. Our eyes tend to follow that path too.

• Put extra space on the side the person is looking towards (called face room).

Spontaneous Photos

• Don’t try to re-create a spontaneous-looking event with posed shots. Few people will be convinced.

• If you are always seen with a camera, people become more relaxed.

• Story-telling photos are not taken until after the need for posing is over.

Which picture is spontaneous?

The End

Photojournalism takes time tolearn…you’ll need to practice!