Composing Storytelling Photos Composition of a Photo Composing Storytelling Photos

Great Photography Matters Good yearbook photography is the best way to capture moments and tell stories Powerful words can bring a moment to life – but a picture can help readers remember Just a few simple tricks can take your photography skills to an award winning level!

Photojournalism tells stories by: capturing action freezing reaction setting the scene showing conflict capturing emotion introducing personalities establishing relationships

Action Capture the “peak of action” Take multiple photos during the moment to make sure you capture it (use the continuous shot function if available on your camera) Action happens in everything (not just sports!) Action moments happen in an instant, so always be ready!

Reaction Emotional moments help readers connect to the moment Reaction photos remind people of the importance of the topic People naturally look for reactions to moments and find them interesting

Reaction

Scrapbook Scrapbook photos highlight individuality Use photo effects to emphasize elements Amplify the meaning of photos Do not have students merely smiling at the camera

Scrapbook

Composition Framing - Use of objects or people to frame and draw attention to Center of Visual Interest (CVI), ie: the main subject

Composition

Angle of view Bird’s eye view – high Worm’s eye view – low

bird’s eye view

worm’s eye view

Leading Lines Leading lines/looks - Imaginary or real lines lead the reader to the subject (CVI) and heighten content interest

leading lines - imaginary

diagonal lines – create energy and action

horizontal lines – create rest and quiet

vertical lines – create height and stability

curved lines – create grace and beauty

Composition Selective focus - Subject(s) or CVI are in focus while background and/or foreground are blurred

selective focus – background blurred

selective focus – foreground blurred

Repetition Repetition or patterns of people, expressions or surroundings lead viewers to the CVI

Repetition

Rule of thirds - Subject is divided into thirds vertically and horizontally Subject is placed on one of the intersecting lines or hot spots

rule of thirds // subject placed on hot spot

rule of thirds

Silhouettes Subject appears black because light source is behind subject and not the photographer

Silhouettes

What is Wrong with These Photos? photo no-no’s: what is wrong with these pictures? What is Wrong with These Photos? Discuss what is wrong with each photo. Face is covered Awkward placing of head Framing is off No center of visual interest