PHOTOGRAPHING AN
EVENT
Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 1
INTRODUCTION Life magazine, which was published weekly from 1883 to 1972 and the monthly until 2002, is considered the gold standard when it comes to photojournalism and covering an event. The secret to their success was a formula of specific shots all photographers should take when covering an event. I have listed the formula, and you should use it when shooting Assignment #4.
NOTE The images used are not the greatest. For the sake of time, I used stock images. The example event is a birthday party, but the images come from a variety of parties. I think you will still get the general idea. –ALW
2 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC
1
INTRODUCTORY SHOT
Often taken before or at the very start, this shot should help set the scene.
Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 3
2
MEDIUM SHOT
This photograph should focus on one activity or one group.
4 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC
3
PORTRAIT
This shot should be unposed and provide characterization of someone involved in the event.
Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 5
4
INTERACTION SHOT
This should be a shot of two or more people interacting at the to event will help create drama.
6 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC
5
SIGNATURE SHOT
This shot should capture the essence of the story and often serves as the opening or cover photo.
Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 7
6
DETAIL/CLOSE-UP SHOT The point of this photo is to highlight a story-telling element that would otherwise go unnoticed.
8 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC
7
SEQUENCE OF SHOTS
This should be a how to, before and after, or a series with a beginning, middle and end. It should give a sense of action.
Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 9
8
CLINCHER/CLOSING SHOT This is a final shot that will bring the story to a close.
10 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC
Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC • 11
Designer: Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE
Cover Photograph Source: Stock Unlimited
Font Family: Exo
Colors: Black & Pantone 395, 1787 & 2925
Software: Adobe InDesign CC 2018
COLOPHON
lw
LOIBNER-WAITKUS
12 • Photographing an Event • Allen Loibner-Waitkus, MJE • UA-PTC