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July 4, 2009 |
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Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
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Columns |
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1. Pay Attention to Light: The etymology of the word Photography is from the Greek works Photon and Graph - or "to record light." You should always keep a close eye on the light in every photograph you make - the angle from which you approach the light, the time of day you shoot a subject, and the way you expose your picture can have a dramatic affect on the final result. Most photographers out there are far too focused on capturing the moment - and seldom pay attention to light.  King’s Trail, Sweden Auroroa © Vincent Laforet 2. Pay Attention to Color and Form: Even though you're working with a constantly changing subject, that doesn't mean you should make photographs haphazardly. Always keep a good amount of your attention on the natural geometry in each photograph (learn about the rule of thirds and perspective lines from art books) and of course color. Color can have a tremendous impact on the mood of a photograph.  “Swim Flight” – A view of swimmers diving off of the platform at the start of a race during the Santa Clara Swim Club’s 32nd International Invitation Swim Meet. 6/26/99 – Santa Clara, California © Vincent Laforet 3. Content: While you're always looking to make and aesthetically pleasing photograph - what separates photojournalism from all other photography disciplines is the focus on content. A photograph is often news or content driven - not just a "pretty picture." That being said - if you can find the balance between the two (content and aesthetics) you will be far ahead of the pack.
4. Research: Always do your research - know the Who, What, When, Where and WHY before you make a photograph. Don't just TAKE a photograph MAKE one. The more you know about your subject - the more depth your photographs will have. Also be a proactive photographer - think of story/project ideas and offer them to your editors. Don't sit back passively and wait for the "perfect assignment" to be handed down to you - it may never happen (you make it happen.)  “Stare Down” – Guards to one of the local clerics join a crowd of more than 15,000 Pro-Taliban supporters, as they listen to speeches given by religious leaders during an Anti-American rally. 9/25/01 – Quetta, Pakistan © Vincent Laforet 5. Preparation: prepare your gear - always be ready to go. You never know when the big story will come - and it's almost always at the worst possible time. Therefore you always need to be packed and ready to go at a moment's notice.  “Engine Inspection” – A crewmember climbs out of an engine as she and others on the deck prepare jets for the first wave of aerial attacks over Iraq. 3/20/03 Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Persian Gulf © Vincent Laforet 6. Care: Care about the people you photograph - see them not as your subjects, but see them as fellow human beings. While it is important to keep some professional distance - if you don't feel right about making a photograph - don't. The only exception to this rule is when the value of making that photograph can ultimately help others - if you feel that what you are photographing is particularly newsworthy or that the publication of said photograph will help others - then perhaps the photograph needs to be taken even though you fill ill at ease. At times it pays to make the photograph and then debate about whether or not to run it later.  A mother holds her child as they wait for supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina © Vincent Laforet 7. Truth: All we have as journalists is credibility. Once you lose that - you are lost. Never ever interfere or influence a news situation. Never ask people to do something again or set a photograph up. You are there to document the situation - not create one. Never attempt to lie or deceive. These are the most basic rules in photojournalism.  “Opium Smokers” © Vincent Laforet 8. Finances: You may be the best photographer in the world - but if you cannot balance your checkbook, do not know how negotiate you rates or ask to get paid enough to stay in business - you will never survive long term. Make sure that you make enough to keep doing this long term - that often means that you may have to do some assignments that pay better but are not quite riveting - but those will allow you to do those that you want to do on your own time (that no one wants to pay you to do.) If you accept to work for free or very little - you are not only hurting yourself, but the entire industry.  “Carrier Group” – In an aerial view taken from a Navy rescue helicopter patrolling the waters around the carrier group, the USS Kittie Hawk is being docked by the USS Camden, a replenishment ship carrying thousands of tons of food, weapons, and jet fuel. 3/18/03 above the Persian Gulf © Vincent Laforet 9. Education: Always continue to educate yourself. Read up on the current trends in the business - both the news about the business and the stories that others are covering. This will allow you to have a better grasp of what is going on, who is working on what, and what direction you might take for yourself. Do your best to keep up with the latest technology - so that you can stay ahead of the curve.  “Athens Olympics Waterpolo” © Vincent Laforet 10. Balance: Strive to find a balance between your professional life and personal life. Photojournalism can become incredibly demanding on your time - if you can find a way to make sure that you set enough time aside for your family and friends - you will be the better for it - and so will your photographs.  “Steel Beach” – Lt. Cmdr Mark “Crunchy” Burgess, 35, and members of his VF-31 squad enjoyed the sunlight in their inflatable pool aside their F-14 Tomcats on the deck of the carrier. The Pilots and most of the 5,500 crew members took part in the “Steel Beach” picnic on their second day of rest, prior to resuming their 8th month of duty at sea. 3/11/03 Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Persian Gulf © Vincent Laforet
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