behind the lens of a veteran photojournalist: how to tell more compelling stories using photos
DESCRIPTION
Resource Media takes you behind the lens with our very own veteran photojournalist and show you how to take better pictures to create compelling and persuasive stories. The adventure begins with storytelling basics and builds on how photos can enhance communications with your key supporters. We will share insights on recommended tools, composition tips and picture-taking techniques that you’ll need to turn your snapshots into convincing stories.TRANSCRIPT
Storytelling through Photos April 13, 2010
1 About Resource Media
Communications Strategy
Media Outreach Campaigns Environmental Policy Focus
Staff 30 9 Offices
San Francisco Seattle Boulder Kalispell Sacramento
Bozeman Portland Salt Lake City Anchorage
Overview:
2 Storytelling Basics
Strategic Communications
Taking Better Photos
Sharing
Why do we tell stories?
“Once upon a time…”
“There was once a…”
“A funny thing happened to me today…”
What makes a good story?
Protagonist
Mission
Tension
Resolution
Create a Lasting Impression
By A
lfred
Eise
nsta
edt
Sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City on Aug. 14, 1945, following the announcement of V---J Day.
vs.
Communicate by showing, not telling
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Be Strategic Where do you want to go?
How will this story and these images get us there?
Know your Audience
• Which audiences do you want to reach with these stories? Why?
• What do you want those audiences to do?
• What will move them to act?
What moves your audience?
• What do you want them to do?
• What will move them to act?
• Appeal to their values
By Eric Hurt
Editing & Cropping
Camera Controls
The Photo Story
Compositional Techniques
Advice from the Pros 3
Shutter Speed:
Picture a stage curtain:
The longer the curtain is open, the more the actors are exposed
Controls how long the exposure lasts
Shutter Speed Affects: Action
Fast shutter speed
Slow shutter speed
Aperture: Controls how big a hole the light goes through
Picture a culvert:
The bigger the culvert, the more water gets through
Aperture Affects: Depth of field
Small Aperture
Large Aperture
Landscape:
Both foreground and background are in focus
Action:
Fast shutter speed to freeze motion
Portrait:
Only foreground in focus, background soft
Macro:
Allows super close-ups
Nighttime
Long exposure, followed by a flash
• Wide shot ---sets the scene
• Medium shot – the main action
• Tight shot – a detail
The Photo Story
By: W. Eugene Smith
• Wide shot --- sets the scene
The Photo Story:
The Photo Story:
• Medium shot – the main action
The Photo Story:
• Tight shot – a detail
Photo story: The Green River
Clockwise from top left: scene-setter, main action, detail
Example: Photo story, EarthCorps
Counter-clockwise from top: scene-setter, main action, detail
Show the world how you see it
Compositional techniques:
• Fill the frame
• The decisive moment
• Perspective
“The Decisive Moment”
"There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment.”
-- Cardinal de Retz, circa 1650
“The Decisive Moment”
• Set up your “architecture” and pounce
• Look for patterns and rhythms and anticipate
Henri Cartier-Bresson
“The Decisive Moment” Which one is more compelling?
By T
hom
as E
. Fra
nklin
Fill the Frame
Think about what you leave in…
…and what you leave out.
Fill the frame—without distractions
Amputated
Background Clutter
Shish Kebab
Perspective Which one is more interesting?
Advice from the pros:
- Robert Capa, killed by stepping on a mine
“If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
How many pictures should I take?
During seven weeks of shooting my recent story on wildfires, published in July 2008, I shot...
Ask a National Geographic photographer:
National Geographic staff photographer Mark Thiessen
12,000 images.
Editing
You’re only as good as your worst photo
Which one is best?
Cropping
How would you crop this?
Cropping
A decisive moment, filling the frame, with no distractions
Some “Don’ts”
Don’t… • …be afraid to get close to your subjects.
• …only shoot posed photos.
• …put all your photos online – edit!
• …make people stand with their backs against a wall for a headshot, blasting them with a flash.
• …use your flash unless you have to – Mother Nature’s light it better.
Photo recap:
• Set your camera for the shot you’re trying to get (e.g., action, portrait, landscape, etc.)
• Remember the three elements of a photo story and seek out shots that fulfill each element
• Fill the frame with important stuff; leave out stuff that isn’t
• Look for candid, decisive moments
• Shoot a lot, but edit tightly, only showing your best work
Storytelling recap:
Think about your audience • What story do they need to hear?
Who’s the hero?
What’s the mission?
Do you have a solution?
• Personalize their story
• Make it relatable
Where’s the tension? • Make it real
• Show it!
4 Sharing
Getting the word out
What avenues would be most effective in reaching my target audience?
What tools are available, as audiences and objectives change?
S h a r e
Some tools for your toolbox
Blogs
- Most bloggers don’t have the budget to pay for photos.
- Always provide them with the correct attribution and a caption.
- Don’t send an attachment.
Pitching the media
Timing is key—they want to see the action
Ensure access to people and places
Pay attention to photo credits
Describe the photo opp. in the media advisory
Reuse & Recycle …Your Content!
In Conclusion…
• Remember your goal and your audience
• Be purposeful with your photos
o Get close to your subjects (physically and emotionally)
o You’re only as good as your worst photo
• Appeal to your audiences’ values
• Your photos aren’t good if no one can see them, so share.
Contact Information:
Sian Wu: [email protected] Matt Brashears: [email protected]
Resource Media 159 Western Ave. W., Ste. 480 Seattle, WA 98119 206-374-7795