editing photos pictures, captions and the dangers that lie within

Editing PhotosEditing Photos

Pictures, captions and the Pictures, captions and the dangers that lie withindangers that lie within

Photo editing flow chartPhoto editing flow chart

Photo editing begins with

the photographer

Photos then go to a

photo editor, who culls the selections

Photos thengo to a section editor or to a

designer

The selectedphotos then

go to the production stafffor enhancing, refining, etc.

The designer/editor puts the

photos “on”the page or

Web site

The press roommakes final

adjustments onink, water, paper, etc.

Happy readers …

or not …

Uses/types of photos Uses/types of photos

1. Stand-alone or wild photos -- no 1. Stand-alone or wild photos -- no accompanying story or that story is accompanying story or that story is elsewhere and the photo serves as a elsewhere and the photo serves as a referrefer

2. Photo/photos accompanying a 2. Photo/photos accompanying a storystory

3. Thumbnail mugs3. Thumbnail mugs 4. Photo illustrations 4. Photo illustrations

Wild or stand-alone Wild or stand-alone photophoto

Garrison Keillor croons for an Alabama audience. Note the top placement of the caption head.

Photo with a storyPhoto with a story

Note use of a kicker head to give location.

Note that the cutline is in a different font from the body type and provides information not in the headline/deck.

Thumbnail mugsThumbnail mugsThumbnail mugs usually use a nameline as a caption. But sometimes “file mugs” that may be outdated will require an explainer (Smith in 1999).

Note the “wild” photo that refers to a story inside the paper.

Photo illustrationsPhoto illustrations

Note the use of a cutout photo with a graphic to create a main module.

More thumbnail mugs … a double mug treatment as opposed to imbedding the mug in the body of the story.

Some not so good Some not so good photos and captionsphotos and captions

Send in the clonesSend in the clones

More cloning aroundMore cloning around

Oooops!Oooops!

Look ma … No maLook ma … No ma

That’s not Mattress MacThat’s not Mattress Mac

That’s not Condi eitherThat’s not Condi either

You make You make this this

mistake, mistake, and and U2U2 will will

be very be very embarrasseembarrasse

d.d.Real Bono

Real The Edge

That’s bad tasteThat’s bad taste

Bad taste is Bad taste is paid lip paid lip serviceservice

That’s comedienne Sarah Silverman making reference to a certain part of Britney Spears’ anatomy. This photo ran 3 columns in the Chronicle.

Oops … one, Oops … one, two, three …two, three …

This photo was This photo was the victim of a the victim of a production production error. Can you error. Can you put your put your fingerfinger on what the on what the problem is?problem is?

It’s not Ass Wednesday … or is it?

It starts with the photographerIt starts with the photographer

The first person involved in the editing process The first person involved in the editing process of photos is the photographer. Where do they of photos is the photographer. Where do they position themselves to get the best shot? position themselves to get the best shot? Preparation is key. What type of lens is used? Preparation is key. What type of lens is used? What type of lighting? What type of lighting? (See Images & Ethics (See Images & Ethics handout, The Rest of the Story handouts)handout, The Rest of the Story handouts)

Getting the “words” right with a photo is also Getting the “words” right with a photo is also fundamental, but often a weak spot for many fundamental, but often a weak spot for many photographers. photographers.

There can be ethical – or personal safety There can be ethical – or personal safety concerns for photographers. Is it better to take concerns for photographers. Is it better to take that shot on another day – or not at all? that shot on another day – or not at all? Consider the photo in the next slide …Consider the photo in the next slide …

Photo editingPhoto editing

This is the Pulitzer-winning photo shot by former UH student Adrees Latif, right. The videographer on the ground was killed by a Myanmar soldier. Look at the handouts on “The Rest of the Story” and “Ethics in the Age of Digital Photography.”

Photo editing: Bad photosPhoto editing: Bad photos There are many types of photos that are part and There are many types of photos that are part and

parcel of typical newspaper coverage that have parcel of typical newspaper coverage that have become cliché over the years: the group photo, the become cliché over the years: the group photo, the groundbreaking, the business opening, the gala groundbreaking, the business opening, the gala event, the check passing, the award ceremony, etc.event, the check passing, the award ceremony, etc.

Many of these “bad photos” Many of these “bad photos” (see bad photos (see bad photos handout)handout) can be banned from newspaper pages or can be banned from newspaper pages or shuffled off to Web sites. Other types can be shuffled off to Web sites. Other types can be salvaged by using different angles (shooting salvaged by using different angles (shooting downward or upward) or through creative cropping.downward or upward) or through creative cropping.

Some “bad photos” aren’t of the cliché variety. Some “bad photos” aren’t of the cliché variety. Some don’t accurately complement a story – or can Some don’t accurately complement a story – or can distract from it. Just like this …distract from it. Just like this …

Photo editing: Bad photosPhoto editing: Bad photos

This photo was This photo was provided to go with a provided to go with a story about killer bees story about killer bees in Mexico (the in Mexico (the

Houston Houston Fire Department was Fire Department was checking the threat checking the threat level). The photo level). The photo

editor editor didn’t understand why didn’t understand why

I I started laughing and started laughing and told him we can’t run told him we can’t run that photo in a family that photo in a family newspaper.newspaper.

CutlinesCutlinesHandout: “Editing / Design / Leadership:

Tips for improving captions”

Cutline factsCutline facts

1. 1. PlacementPlacement:: Cutlines generally run Cutlines generally run below a photo but sometimes run to the below a photo but sometimes run to the side. In any case, make it easy for the side. In any case, make it easy for the reader to find the words that accompany a reader to find the words that accompany a photo. photo.

2. 2. Length:Length: Pretty subjective. Sometimes a Pretty subjective. Sometimes a one-word nameline suffices. Generally, one-word nameline suffices. Generally, cutlines should be long enough to convey -- cutlines should be long enough to convey -- tightly -- the significant details in a photo. tightly -- the significant details in a photo.

3. 3. Font / typefaceFont / typeface:: Cutlines are generally Cutlines are generally in a different typeface and often a different in a different typeface and often a different point size from the body text. point size from the body text.

Parts of a cutlineParts of a cutline

A “wild” or stand-alone A “wild” or stand-alone photo generally requires photo generally requires three bits of information: three bits of information: the photo credit the photo credit (photographer’s name (photographer’s name and agency), the caption and agency), the caption headline that can go headline that can go above or below the photo above or below the photo and the cutline itself. and the cutline itself. Photos with a story rarely Photos with a story rarely have caption heads.have caption heads.

Photo creditPhoto credit

Caption headCaption head

CutlineCutline

How to write a cutlineHow to write a cutline 1. Determine the size / length of the cutline. Usually 1. Determine the size / length of the cutline. Usually

determined by the designer. determined by the designer.

2. Check to see if the photo is wild or accompanies a story. 2. Check to see if the photo is wild or accompanies a story. If stand-alone, it may require a caption hed. If the photo If stand-alone, it may require a caption hed. If the photo goes with a story, you may need to form a word bridge goes with a story, you may need to form a word bridge between the two to indicate how the two are related.between the two to indicate how the two are related.

3. Thumbnail mugs generally need only a name line, but 3. Thumbnail mugs generally need only a name line, but make sure there is not more than one "Smith" or "McGrath" make sure there is not more than one "Smith" or "McGrath" in the story. Look to see how current the mug shot is. Also, in the story. Look to see how current the mug shot is. Also, is it immediately discernible to the reader why a particular is it immediately discernible to the reader why a particular mug shot is being used? If not, again a brief explainer may mug shot is being used? If not, again a brief explainer may be in order. be in order.

4. Check to see if there are other similar pictures running in 4. Check to see if there are other similar pictures running in order to avoid redundant information. order to avoid redundant information.

5. Note whether the photo is black and white or color5. Note whether the photo is black and white or color

6. Photographers are notorious for messing up info. Check 6. Photographers are notorious for messing up info. Check alternate sources -- any stories, electronic library, phonebook, alternate sources -- any stories, electronic library, phonebook, Internet -- to fact-check a cutline. Internet -- to fact-check a cutline.

7. Try not to state the obvious -- don't say two people are 7. Try not to state the obvious -- don't say two people are sitting in the park, tell me why they are there. Explain the sitting in the park, tell me why they are there. Explain the human interaction going on. It may be plain to see that two human interaction going on. It may be plain to see that two politicians are shaking hands, but "why" they are shaking politicians are shaking hands, but "why" they are shaking hands may not be obvious.hands may not be obvious.

8. Avoid parroting the hedline and the lede. Cutlines should 8. Avoid parroting the hedline and the lede. Cutlines should complement, not duplicate. complement, not duplicate.

9. Include the necessary "directional" information to aid 9. Include the necessary "directional" information to aid identification or move the reader's eye around: identification or move the reader's eye around: Photo at top; Photo at top; John Smith, left; from top to bottom; etc. Or, if directions are John Smith, left; from top to bottom; etc. Or, if directions are too unwieldy, use a bit of information to identify someone. too unwieldy, use a bit of information to identify someone. "Jane Smith, holding flowers, approaches the altar .... “"Jane Smith, holding flowers, approaches the altar .... “

10. Verify the time element. 10. Verify the time element.

11. Use proper tone -- a humorous photo can have a 11. Use proper tone -- a humorous photo can have a humorous cutline and caption hed. Avoid judgmental terms -- humorous cutline and caption hed. Avoid judgmental terms -- is that protester really angry or playing to the camera? is that protester really angry or playing to the camera?

How How NOTNOT to do a cutline to do a cutline

This photo was selected as the main photo for a Chronicle Page This photo was selected as the main photo for a Chronicle Page 1A. Although the names of the two soldiers were CQ’ed 1A. Although the names of the two soldiers were CQ’ed (checked), the soldier on the left is missing his first name and the (checked), the soldier on the left is missing his first name and the soldier on the right is missing his rank. The relationship of the soldier on the right is missing his rank. The relationship of the pair to the dead soldier was not given. The photographer was pair to the dead soldier was not given. The photographer was forced to call Fort Hood on a Friday night to get the information.forced to call Fort Hood on a Friday night to get the information.

CutlinesCutlines

This is an This is an example of a example of a “sidesaddle” “sidesaddle” cutline. Note cutline. Note that the that the cutline is also cutline is also “wild” and “wild” and refers to a refers to a story inside story inside the section.the section.

CutlinesCutlines

Too long! Too long! The cutline The cutline is deeper is deeper than the than the photo. photo. Maybe this Maybe this should should have been have been a photo a photo with a short with a short story.story.

CutlinesCutlines

OK, the OK, the names are names are correct, but correct, but the the directionaldirectional informationinformation is is missing. Are missing. Are the women the women placed left to placed left to right? Don’t right? Don’t make the make the reader have reader have to guess.to guess.

CutlinesCutlines

Same story, Same story, but for two but for two different different editions. editions. Note that Note that not only did not only did the story get the story get shorter, the shorter, the subject aged subject aged considerably considerably in the mug in the mug shots.shots.

CutlinesCutlines

One-line cutlines can sometimes suffice, especially on One-line cutlines can sometimes suffice, especially on large horizontal photos. But not only does this cutline large horizontal photos. But not only does this cutline state the obvious, it gives no indication that this is state the obvious, it gives no indication that this is supposed to show “holiday crush at the airport.” supposed to show “holiday crush at the airport.”

CutlineCutline problems problems

1.1. Someone needs Someone needs to account for to account for this one.this one.

2.2. And the sign And the sign said … I guess said … I guess someone should someone should have raised have raised Cain on this.Cain on this.

3.3. Well, at least Well, at least they got they got Shevardnadze’s Shevardnadze’s name right.name right.

1

2

11

3

1

Cutline problemsCutline problems

It helps to It helps to

check the check the

name tag.name tag.

Michael Peña, center left, plays Will Jimena, an American soldier inspired to be a good citizen by a college professor, who is caught in a desperate fight in Afghanistan.“Rodriguez”

CutlineCutline problems problems

OK, you left out a name in your notes. Make a phone call – do not do this! Check out the third line of the cutline. Just because the kid’s number isn’t visible doesn’t mean he deserves this.

Cutline Cutline problemsproblems

Young Young Tyler Tyler Cannon of Cannon of Burnet, Burnet, Texas, can Texas, can smile now, smile now, but, boy, but, boy, that must that must have really have really hurt!hurt!

CroppingCropping

Handout: “Cropping Photos”

Photo editing: CroppingPhoto editing: Cropping

Cropping is merely editing the photo so that it conveys Cropping is merely editing the photo so that it conveys the best message/info -- much like cutting the the best message/info -- much like cutting the superfluous or questionable material out of a story. superfluous or questionable material out of a story. Cropping is NOT changing the shape of a photo Cropping is NOT changing the shape of a photo because you need a vertical instead or a horizontal because you need a vertical instead or a horizontal image. Edit your space to fit the photo, don't edit the image. Edit your space to fit the photo, don't edit the photos to fit the space. You crop a photo to add photos to fit the space. You crop a photo to add impact, and you surely don't want to change the impact, and you surely don't want to change the meaning of a photo.meaning of a photo.

Example: See how the “story” changes according to Example: See how the “story” changes according to how the same photo is run – one cropped, one how the same photo is run – one cropped, one uncropped.uncropped.

Photo editing: CroppingPhoto editing: Cropping

This was the Baltimore Sun’s version of the photo. Obviously, the woman holding the child is not his mother. So what happened to his family? Casualties of war perhaps?

No, they were the casualties of a bad crop. Mom was OK, she just had her hands full. This was how the photo ran in the Miami Herald. It tells a much different story, doesn’t it?

CroppingCropping

In these comparison examples, see how cropping redirects the viewer’s focus and eliminates “background noise.”

The running woman distracts from the rabbi’s distinctive face.

CroppingCropping

Note how much warmer and friendlier this photo feels now.

CroppingCropping

If this is a story about media coverage of a trial, perhaps the full crop works. If the focuses on the defendant, then the crop at right is better.

The “Perp Walk”

CroppingCropping

Note the two news microphones in the original photo.

CroppingCropping

David Souter is sworn into the Supreme Court. Do you need the historical photo or just a tight shot of his face?

CroppingCropping

The focus changes from the rifle to the woman’s face.

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation

In general, a three-word policy works:In general, a three-word policy works:

DON’T DO IT DON’T DO IT (unless it’s obvious)(unless it’s obvious)

Handout: “Manipulating Reality”Handout: “Manipulating Reality”

Photo manipulation: definitionsPhoto manipulation: definitions Cloning or rubber stampingCloning or rubber stamping: Duplicating part of an image in : Duplicating part of an image in

another area of the image. another area of the image.

Computer imageComputer image: Pure digital illustration, created on a computer : Pure digital illustration, created on a computer to achieve a particular effect, which either uses photographs as its to achieve a particular effect, which either uses photographs as its base material, or is so photorealistic that it may be perceived as base material, or is so photorealistic that it may be perceived as be ing real. be ing real.

Dropout/silhouetteDropout/silhouette: Eliminating the background of an image. : Eliminating the background of an image.

Face offFace off: Using two separate photos, not in their original forms, in : Using two separate photos, not in their original forms, in the same package (e.g. having Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding the same package (e.g. having Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding skating alongside one another in a “face off"). skating alongside one another in a “face off").

Photo illustrationPhoto illustration: A set-up photograph that is illustrative in : A set-up photograph that is illustrative in nature and is clearly out of the realm of reality. Traditionally, it is nature and is clearly out of the realm of reality. Traditionally, it is an approach used for fashion, food, and product photographs. an approach used for fashion, food, and product photographs.

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation: Altering a photograph beyond normal : Altering a photograph beyond normal enhancements (color correction, adjusting contrast, dodging, enhancements (color correction, adjusting contrast, dodging, burning). Examples include removing facial blemishes, adding burning). Examples include removing facial blemishes, adding features such as a full moon, or changing the color of an object in features such as a full moon, or changing the color of an object in the image. (the “moving pyramid”)the image. (the “moving pyramid”)

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation

Here’s a case Here’s a case where it’s easy where it’s easy to see the photo to see the photo was was manipulated. manipulated. The reader is The reader is not fooled by not fooled by the photo the photo illustration -- or illustration -- or shouldn’t be shouldn’t be anywayanyway

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation

The New York The New York Post front Post front

page page after the Iraq after the Iraq Study Group’s Study Group’s report was report was released released

(that’s (that’s James Baker James Baker and Lee and Lee Hamilton).Hamilton).

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation

You shouldn’t You shouldn’t play tricks on play tricks on the reader. the reader. There are There are ethical rules to ethical rules to follow. Just like follow. Just like driving, you driving, you need to stay need to stay between the between the white lines, so white lines, so to speak.to speak.

Taken from MAD magazineTaken from MAD magazine

Photo manipulationPhoto manipulation

Where did the woman on the balcony go?

Atlanta Journal ConstitutionAtlanta Journal ConstitutionPhoto Manipulation PolicyPhoto Manipulation Policy

In order to maintain our journalistic integrity, and so that we In order to maintain our journalistic integrity, and so that we do not misrepresent information or mislead our readership, do not misrepresent information or mislead our readership, we will not manipulate any photographs, for any reason. we will not manipulate any photographs, for any reason.

We will use darkroom techniques for reproduction purposes We will use darkroom techniques for reproduction purposes and we will produce dropouts and illustrations that involve and we will produce dropouts and illustrations that involve photographs under the following conditions: photographs under the following conditions:

An image that is dropped out will be used as is -- no cloning An image that is dropped out will be used as is -- no cloning or rubber stamping to change its shape or character. or rubber stamping to change its shape or character.

If there is more than one person or image involved in the If there is more than one person or image involved in the dropout (from different photos), we will make sure one dropout (from different photos), we will make sure one image is more prominent than the other, to emphasize that image is more prominent than the other, to emphasize that the resulting photo package is not real or a "face off." We the resulting photo package is not real or a "face off." We will make sure the caption information states that the will make sure the caption information states that the images are taken from separate photos. images are taken from separate photos.

We do not try to fool the reader. We do not try to fool the reader. We label the image as illustration. Additionally, all We label the image as illustration. Additionally, all

illustrations involving photographs will require the approval illustrations involving photographs will require the approval of either photo director or graphics director. of either photo director or graphics director.

Cutline exerciseCutline exercise

Now you do it: Now you do it:

Worth 10 points each Worth 10 points each

to a story gradeto a story grade

Exercise: Two cutlinesExercise: Two cutlines

Write cutlines for the following photos. The Write cutlines for the following photos. The photos are stand-alone; they do not need to refer photos are stand-alone; they do not need to refer to any stories. The pumpkin photo will run in to any stories. The pumpkin photo will run in color; the other will run black and white. The color; the other will run black and white. The cutline should include the photographer’s name cutline should include the photographer’s name and affiliation, a caption headline (above or below and affiliation, a caption headline (above or below the photo) and a 2- to 4-sentence cutline.the photo) and a 2- to 4-sentence cutline.

Photo 1 (speed bump) credit is: Gregory Photo 1 (speed bump) credit is: Gregory Urquiaga, Knight-Ridder TribuneUrquiaga, Knight-Ridder Tribune

Photo 2 (pumpkins) credit is: Jim Kahnweiler, Photo 2 (pumpkins) credit is: Jim Kahnweiler, Associated PressAssociated Press

Exercise: Cutline infoExercise: Cutline info

Photo 1: Work crews were adding speed Photo 1: Work crews were adding speed bumps along Mariposa Street on Thursday bumps along Mariposa Street on Thursday in Richmond, Calif. The large lettering is a in Richmond, Calif. The large lettering is a warning to motorists as they approach the warning to motorists as they approach the speed bumps.speed bumps.

Photo 2: Danny Georgette, age 5, of Photo 2: Danny Georgette, age 5, of Reading, Mass., was at Arena Farms in Reading, Mass., was at Arena Farms in Concord, Mass., on Monday. He wanted a Concord, Mass., on Monday. He wanted a pumpkin for Halloween. pumpkin for Halloween.