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

… and to portraits.

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!