photo finish! eight tips for achieving front page photography
TRANSCRIPT
Photo Finish!
eight tips for achieving front page photography
Discussion Question:
What is the value of a photograph? What can it do that words can’t do?
Student Responses to David LaBelle’s “The Lesson”:
“Every picture and its layout has a purpose.” - Emyah Crisostomo, Grade 11
“Pictures are a symbol of the good and bad in life.”- Shqipe Cosovic, Grade 11
“It is important to stay ethical and kind. It is important to be compassionate, not for the picture or news piece, but as a human being.”- Emily Ortega, Grade 12
1. Focus on your subject. Avoid clutter.
Which features a clearer subject?
Emma Flusk
Giancarlo Sirio
Jessie Bolton
2. Apply the Rule of Thirds (except in the case of
headshots). This rule means that the main subject should be
off center.
Michael Macor
The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
The rule of thirds applies to action shots.
Lors Studio
3. Take advantage of lines—horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved.
Neil Leifer, Time Inc.
Jessie Bolton
Marilyn Monroe, 1954Associated Press
Cornell Capa
Bolshoi Ballet
New York Steelworkers, 1932RCA Building Rockefeller Center(unfortunately a publicity stunt BUT published in The New York Herald)
Marc Riboud
A street in old Beijing
Ms. Pastor, View from Bryant Park
4. Vary camera angles. Take
MANY photos, both vertically
and horizontally.
Neil Leifer, Time Inc.
Neil Leifer, Time Inc.
Alexis Phillips
5. Take un-posed, emotion-
filled action shots.
David LaBelle
“The Kiss”Victory Day, 1945Associated Press
Alfred Eisenstaedt
Bill Biggart
9/11/01
Jessie Bolton
6. Get close.
Jessie Bolton
Matt Rainey, The Star-Ledger
Emotional photographs that illustrate the recovery of two students burned in Seton Hall University dormitory fire.2006
Adrian Baranowski
7. Avoid mergers. Mergers occur when two objects/people appear
bound together).
John Filo
Kent State,1970“Life” Magazine
8. Light, bright solid backgrounds are usually best.
Lucinda GarciaAlex Meco
Rianna Cafaro
Old Photo ofSojourner Truth
Julie Pacillo
Don’t settle for “okay” photos.
And, of course, Meet or beat
due dates!