Catch the Moment

What is the first thing readers do after picking up a newspaper? They look at the pictures, of course. Pictures are much more entertaining to look at than a big block of text. Typically, readers select what block of text to tackle by the intriguing photos the newspaper has provided. So, how do you take “good” photos? Professional photographer Mike Hancock discusses tips he uses in his blog. Once you look at his tips and photos, I think you’ll agree that he knows his photography.

Here is a quick guide to being a successful photographer. I combined information that I have learned through photography lectures, graphic design classes, and the tips page

#1 Fill the frame. Fill the viewfinder with an entire picture and use every space possible. When taking the picture use things like depth of field, focus and correct exposure to improve the photo quality. I come from a small town where we have a weekly paper. It is so aggravating to me to see so much space wasted with a picture that has a tiny subject in the middle with other objects like the ground, other people’s heads, and so forth. Use your space widely to capture your audience.

#2 Be patient. As I am learning in my photography class, pictures take time. Instead of just snapping photos of ourselves at the local establishment, we must be thoughtful of where we will take the photo and how we will capture action. One way to catch action is to look for repeated action. For example, a basketball player will make a drive in a similar way every time. Use this to anticipate and catch the action with a click of your camera’s button.

#3 Create composition. When shooting photos it is not just about what subject you are photographing, but it is also how you take the photo. Make sure to shoot both horizontal and vertical photos. This will help the page designer. In addition, make the light available and your focusing abilities to lead the readers eye to the subject. One example I can think of is using part of a sidewalk to lead the eye to a person who is your subject. Show the reader where to look.

#4 Tell the story. A great photo will contain emotion, activity and/or perspective. One of my professors in the College of Media always says, “Tell the story, do not tell us what the story is about with the photo.” In many cases you want to get readers to understand the story before they even read the caption below.

#5 Remember details and manners. A great picture is the goal of photography, but make sure you capture the details of the story as well. Jot down names and their position. If possible, take pictures of people’s name tags to help identify them later. Also, remember your rights as a photographer. You can take pictures of about anything in public, but remember your manners as well. Be tasteful.

You will see if you check out the tips page that many other suggestions for a high-quality picture are available. Photography shows readers the world, but it also helps “people see without a camera” according to Dorothea Lange, a famous Great Depression photographer.