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The Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland

Basic Public Affairs Specialist Course

Photojournalism

1

Types | Precedence in Photos | “Grip and grin” vs. Feature Pictures | Mug Shots | Responsibilities and Limitations

Protocol photography

Photo courtesy of Defense Imagery

As a photojournalist, you will most likely be asked to photograph award presentations, ceremonies, VIP visits and other official events for your unit. To be successful, you should know how to accomplish this task with skill, innovative ideas and a professional approach.

Protocol Events Photojournalism

The Center of Excellence for Visual Information and Public Affairs2

Home | Types | Precedence in Photos | “Grip and grin” vs. Feature Pictures | Mug Shots | Responsibilities and Limitations

Types of events Types of protocol events include military ceremonies, VIP tours and group shots.

Military ceremonial events include medal or award presentations, promotion ceremonies and reenlistment ceremonies.

These events are special to the recipient because it is public recognition of a job well done. It also shows dedication to stay with a chosen profession and hard work to get advanced in rank.

VIP tours - Planning and preparation for shooting these tours are paramount.

y Take extra equipment. Check all equipment thoroughly.

y Arrange your transportation. Coordinate photography in classified areas. Review itinerary and determine highlights of the tour.

y Stay flexible and be prepared for change. Get as much information as possible about the tour, its members and any briefings. This will help you get the information necessary for captions and the story.

y During the tour you must anticipate the decisive moment for capturing the action. Getting salutes, handshakes and greetings are how most tours will start. Do not try to cover the entire group; limit coverage to two or three of the most important people. Never show an uncomplimentary pose.

y If a VIP stops to talk with members of a unit, get coverage. Look for informal and formal settings that show VIPs interacting with members of the command.

Photos courtesy of Defense Imagery

Photo by U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Shannon Kluge


The Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 3


y It is always better to shoot too much than too little. Your editor will be looking for a variety of pictures to choose from. Therefore, provide photos that focus to the left, to the right, horizontals, verticals, high and low shots, profiles, group shots and so on. Total coverage will be the key to your success.

y Coverage of the departure of the VIP should be different from the arrival. Many times a certificate, plaque or other mementoes are presented at this time.

Group photographs are routinely required at events such as ground breakings, class photos and formal gatherings.

The emphasis in group photography is on simplicity and uniformity. Military courtesy requires senior members to be on the extreme left, all others in descending order. A second option is to have the senior in the center with descending rank on either side.

y If you have more than one row then the higher-ranking members will be in the first row. Stagger rows, use hillsides, bleachers or have the front row sit, to ensure all indivudual faces in the photo can be seen.

y If rank is not important use height with the tallest individual in the center and descending to either side.

y When posing your group, all faces should be visible. Members should adopt the same pose.

y Have members of the group turn slightly toward center of group, then direct their attention to the camera.

y The photographer must ensure uniforms are properly worn and check for unbuttoned jackets, pens in pockets and hats not worn squarely.

U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Tyler J. Clements

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jorge L. Gonzalez






Precedence in protocol photos No matter what type of ceremony, there is precedence to the elements that are in the photograph. This precedence includes:

y The most important subject in the photograph is always the recipient.

y The presented item is the second most important element.

y The third is the family and co-workers of the recipient.

y Lastly, the least important element is the presenter.


U.S. Navy photo by PHC Delores L. Parlato




“Grip and grin” vs feature photos Rather than run a photo in the paper of the award ceremony, try running an image that is a little more interesting. A photo of what the person did to win the award would probably be more interesting.

Feature photo - Remember the basic elements of a feature photo are identification and action. Photograph the subject in a setting that reflects the reason for the award.

Showing what a servicemember did to receive their award will always be more interesting. Photo courtesy of Defense Imagery





Mug shots The primary use of a mug shot in a publication is to provide visual identification of the subject. It also shows the subject’s gender, approximate age, race, and preferably the rank and unit affiliation.

Mug shots do not usually run alone. They frequently accompany an article and should always have a name-line caption.

Techniques for shooting a mug shot include:

y The shot should be tight, head and shoulders, and in a vertical format.

y There should be minimal headroom and uniform distance from the camera for multiple mug shots.

y Keep the photo simple; normally there will be no physical action

y Shoot various facial expressions when your subject is animated.

y If posed, the subject should look directly at the camera.

y Lighting should be simple. Bounced or diffused flash works best. Avoid heavy shadows by moving subject away from surfaces.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley




Responsibilities and limitations The more you know about an event, the better equipped you are to produce publishable results. It is your responsibility to know as much about the shooting conditions as you do about whom you will be shooting.

Finding a suitable position to get maximum coverage with minimum disruption is a skill you will rely upon heavily.

y When possible, attend rehearsals of the event. This allows you to check out lighting conditions, choose shooting positions and become familiar with the schedule of events.

y Poise, confidence, adaptability, military bearing and solid photo skills are the qualities that ensure mission success.



The Center of Excellence for Visual Information and Public Affairs

Basic Public Affairs Specialist Course

Photojournalism

8

Conclusion


Protocol photography can be an exciting aspect of your job. You will get to meet interesting people and even go to interesting places, besides being able to give your viewers and readers an inside view of the what, who, when, where, and why of an event. Information in this lesson should arm you with the information you need to shoot various protocol events.




References

London, B., Upton, J., Kobre, K., and Brill, B. (2001). Photography (7th ed.). Prentice Hall

Tompkins, A. (2004). The accidental photojournalist. The Poynter Institute. http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=65438 Retrieved May 11, 2009

Hurley, G. & McDougall, A. (1975). Visual impact in print.

Kobre, K. (2000). Photojournalism: The professional’a approach, Fourth edition. Focal Press

Upton, B. & Upton, J. (1981). Photography. Little, Brown & Co.

Morely, D. (1978). The focal guide to action photography. Focal Press, London England

Kerns, R. (1980). Photojournalism: Photography with a purpose. Prentice Hall

(1987) SECNAVINST 5720.44A: Public affairs policy and regulation. http://www.cpf.navy.mil/subsite/ehimemaru/legal/Exhibit_11.pdf Retrieved May 04, 2009

Nikon D70 owners manual

SB800 Flash Manual

BPASC Photojournalism Handbook (2009)

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=65438

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/subsite/ehimemaru/legal/Exhibit_11.pdf

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