The power of
Photography Capturing
Images • 1
Telling the visual story Everyone these days is a photographer, but not everyone is a visual storyteller. The best yearbooks showcase storytelling images, those that capture and communicate a sense of experience about school life as it unfolds day by day. Storytelling images take readers into the real world – where interesting people (faculty, students and staff) experience exciting events full of emotion. Such images are memorable and engaging. They attract and hold attention, and help involve readers with the yearbook at ever-deeper levels. Storytelling images almost never result when we interrupt people’s reality, pose them against brick walls, and tell them to say, “Cheese.” That approach leads to routine, predictable and forgettable images. A storytelling mindset helps us identify unique story angles and treatments, and anticipate and capture meaningful moments, actions and behaviors.
Goal: At the end of this unit, students will plan and take photos that tell stories and use composition and lighting techniques that add visual interest to their images. Objectives: 1. Staff members understand the importance of planning their photo stories and brainstorming with their section teams to tell their stories visually. 2. Section editors and photo editor assist team members with photo story planning.. 3. Editors, section editors and photo editor review team members’ photos to help team members improve their skills in visual storytelling. 4. Staff members correct exposure, noise factors and color in photo editing software under the supervision of photographers and/or photo editor. 5. Staff members work with photo editor and other photographers to edit images in photo editing software. Methodology: Staff members will go on a live photo shoot with experienced photographer and/or photo editor to gain hands-on experience. Evaluation: Editors, section editors, photo editor and adviser will critique images submitted for review by staff members. Photos will be evaluated according to the Photo Rubric on Adviser Resource page 5 of the Introduction to Yearbook chapter.
Using the
Camera Capturing
Images • 2
How does the camera work? What’s an f-stop? How does the ISO setting affect my pictures? Do I need a fast or slower shutter speed? Can I just shoot everything on “automatic?” Cameras can be complicated, but knowing how they work and how the settings affect your photos will help you become a better photographer. Let’s say you’re shooting pictures of a soccer game with hundreds of people in the background. Perhaps you realize you only want to focus on the action in the game and blur the people in the background. How can you do that?
Aperture priority Set your camera on “aperture priority” and move the f-stop to the widest opening, usually 2.8. Your digital camera will automatically set the shutter speed to allow the correct amount of light into the camera. The wide aperture works much like the pupil of your eye, allowing more light into the
camera, but making the “depth of field” shallow, thus blurring the background. At that same soccer game, if you want to stop action, set your digital camera on “shutter priority” and move it to 1/500 of a second. The camera will automatically change the aperture to allow the correct amount of light to come into the camera.
How the shutter works The shutter works much like your eye-lid, opening and closing at a fraction of a second to either stop or blur action, depending on the result you’re trying to achieve. The ISO setting relates to the light sensor on your camera. The higher the ISO, the faster shutter speed you can use in low-light situations; however, higher ISO settings create “noise.” You can experiment with various camera settings and their effects on images at the Canon website below: http://canonoutusideofauto.ca
Aperture/f-stops Images • 3
Lets in more light
Aperture range
f4
f 2.8
f 5.6
Shallow depth of field (background is out of focus)
f8
Depth of field
f 16
f 11
f 22
Greater depth of field (background is in focus)
Some depth of field - cheerleader in focus; background slightly out of focus
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Shallow depth of field pine cone and needles are in focus; background is completely out of focus
Capturing
Lets in less light
Your camera’s aperture allows light to enter the camera. F-stop numbers designate aperture size.The wider the aperture, the smaller the f-stop number. The smaller the aperture, the larger the f-stop number. Wide aperture settings allow more light into the camera than small apertures. To purposely blur the background, use a wide aperture (f 2.8). This practice creates shallow depth of field. When you want greater depth of field with subjects and background in focus, use a smaller aperture (f-2).
Greater depth of field - subjects and background are all in focus
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Shutter speed The camera’s shutter also helps control the amount of light available to expose a photo. Shutter speeds vary from camera to camera. Most devices range from 1 second (very slow) to 1/500 of a second, or higher. To stop action, use a fast shutter speed, 1/250 of a second or higher. The faster the shutter opens and closes, the better chance you have to stop action. In low light situations, you’ll need to allow more light to enter your camera. You may need to use 1/30 or 1/60 of a second with your aperture wide open. At slower shutter speeds, hold the camera rock steady or use a tripod to avoid blurry images. To stop action in low light situations, use a higher-numbered ISO setting, somewhere between 1600 and 3200.
Capturing
Images • 4
Fast shutter speed 1/500 or higher to stop action Deposit Photos
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Slow shutter speed 1/30-1/60 Fast shutter speed 1/500 or higher to stop action
Medium shutter speed 1/125 to 1/250
What is the ISO? The International Standards Organization standardizes the sensitivity ratings for camera light sensors. By adjusting your ISO setting, you change your camera’s light sensitivity. A camera’s ISO can range from 24 to 6,400 or higher. Lower-numbered ISOs mean your camera is less responsive to light.
Higher-numbered ISOs mean your camera is more sensitive to light. Higher numbers cause “noise,“ or tiny dots, to appear in the photo. Lower numbers produce higher quality images; however, the lower numbered ISOs aren’t great for shooting moving objects in low-light because they force you to use slow shutter speeds.
Capturing
Images • 5
ISO Settings Low-numbered ISO - 100 - no noise
High-numbered ISO - 3200 - increased noise Which ISO setting should I use? ISO 50-100 - Works well with bright light (outdoors on a sunny day) ISO 200 - Excellent setting for overcast or cloudy days ISO 400-800 - Good setting for dim light ISO 1600 and above - Excellent setting for nighttime shots or action shots in low-light situations (sports, musicals, performances)
Techniques Rule of thirds Photojounalists are artists who tell stories with their cameras. They use artistic composition to pull readers into each image. Using the rule of thirds when taking and cropping photos results in stronger, more engaging images. Imagine an invisible tic-tac-toe board placed on the top of a photo. Compose your photo by placing the main subject at one of the points where the lines intersect. Using the rule of thirds when cropping your photos will result in stronger, more compelling composition.
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Photo composition
Artistry in
Images • 6
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
Artistry in
Images • 7
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Find an existing structure or object to partially surround the center of visual interest. Use trees, doorways, or architecture to frame and emphasize your subject. Use framing for informal portraits and candid images.
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Framing your images
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Leading lines Look for lines in the environment to help direct readers’ eyes. Lines lead readers to the center of visual interest and make photos more appealing. This technique is useful in both portrait and candid photography.
Artistry in
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Artistry in
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Repetition A series of objects or people engaged in the same activity produces repetition and interest in your photos. Look for patterns, simlar shapes and people performing like tasks to add order and structure to your photos.
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Artistry in
Images • 10
Get in close Close-ups draw readers into photos and they are good choices for dominant pictures in your designs. Move in close to your subject to add drama and visual interest to your images. Use a telephoto lens if you are unable to move close to your subject. Deposit Photo
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Peak moment Watch the sport or action you’re photographing. Note moments when participants jump or rise to the highest point. Timing and shutter speed work together to capture these moments. Anticipate which subject will jump and when the action will occur. Follow the person with your camera. Set your shutter speed on 1/500 or higher. Shoot when the subject reaches that highest point of action.
Artistry in
Images • 11
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Artistry in
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Selective focus Use a wide aperture to purposely blur the background and show readers what you want them to see. If the subject is moving, use 1/500 of a second or higher shutter speed to stop the action. This technique creates shallow depth of field, adding an aesthetic quality to your candid photographs and portraits.
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Negative space
Artistry in
The rule of thirds incorporates negative space, defined as empty space around a subect. Negative space draws readers to the point of interest. Placing the subject in the upper or lower third and to the right or left side creates further aesthetic appeal within the image.
Images • 13
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How to capture great
Have patience to wait for the right moment Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Images
Focus on subject
Capturing
Images • 14
Anticipate the moment
Grab the moment
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Wait for it and keep taking photos
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
Keep capturing moments
Photo by Laura Schaub, Lifetouch
When photographing a story, it’s important to brainstorm with your team before covering an event. Discuss photos you think you will “see” during the event. Talk about the photos that will tell the story visually. Once there, remember to pre-focus on a subject. Maintain patience while waiting for just the right shot. Allow for reaction time. Remember to keep taking photos. Don’t worry about how many frames you’ve taken. Keep snapping the shutter. As professionals remind us, if you see something you like, you’ve missed it. Wait for it. Keep going. Then, bam! There it is! Grab that moment and preserve it forever with your camera.
Look for clean background
Use a wide aperture to blur the background Deposit Photos
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Capturing
Images • 15
Get in close to your subject
Change angle if necessary Deposit Photos
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You’ll need to control the background when covering stories. Watch for unwanted objects behind your subjects. Eliminate those objects by moving to a different place to take your photos, or perhaps take pictures from a low or high angle. Using a wide aperture to purposely blur the background also can help create an image with greater aesthetic appeal and storytelling quality.
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Control the background
Show relationships
Show me something I didn’t see Deposit Photos
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Capturing
Images • 16
Look for the unusual Readers love to see new perspectives on life. Captivate your audience by showing them unique relationships. Take them to places they’ve never been. Show them something they might have missed while standing next to you. Combine composition techniques with unusual angles to tell unique stories through your camera’s lens.
Provide a new perspective
Show me something I missed
Show life’s magic moments Deposit Photos
Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
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Runners react to winning tourney
Coach and players react to a win Deposit Photos
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Capturing
Images • 17
Runner reacts to hard-fought loss Deposit Photos
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Keep your camera handy at all times to capture subjects’ reactions to events and situations. Often the heart of the story lies in the reaction. At athletic events, take photos of athletes in games, as well as images of fans, cheerleaders, parents and coaches to cover the event in full. Pictures of subjects reacting to each other and to events that unfold are storytelling moments to remember.
Coach reacts to key play Deposit Photos
Action and reaction
Athletes react to end of race
Sunsets and silhouettes
The magic of a state championship Deposit Photos
Photo by Laura Schaub
Look for great moments Some events happen only once in our lives. When we capture those moments, we preserve them for posterity. A last goodbye hug for a retiring teacher. A sunset like no other. A state championship trophy presentation. The winning touchdown in the year’s final game of the season. Freezing, loyal fans who stuck it out til the end. All of these are great moments worth saving for your readers. To capture them, you must be there with your camera and anticipate the moment.
Capturing
Images • 18
Celebratory moments
A winning sports play
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Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
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Vertical shot
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Photo stories As a yearbook photographer, your job is to tell the story through your camera’s lens. Take wide, medium and close-up shots. Remember to take horizontal and vertical photos. Brainstorm with your team to plan how you will cover all aspects of the story. On location, make sure you capture the images you anticipated seeing, but don’t be afraid to take unassigned photos when you see a moment that helps tell the visual story.
Photo story
Images • 19
Medium shot
Close-up shot
Vertical shot Deposit Photos
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Assistant coach during game Deposit Photos
Photo stories
Band plays after game ends Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
Yearbook photojournalists must cover all aspects of the story. To cover the story thoroughly, remember to show what happened before, during and after the event. Take a variety of images featuring as many of the students who participated as possible.
Key play during the game
Fans during the game
Photo story
Images • 20
Just before the game begins Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
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Photo by Pete Greer, Lifetouch
Side light softens image
Side lighting used in informal portrait Deposit Photos
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Working with light in
Images • 21
Painting with light Photojournalists use light sources to add visual interest to photos. Using side-lighting softens images, enhancing informal or environmental portraits. Top-lighting creates depth in the image. Underlighting adds a dramatic effect in the picture. Back-lighting creates silhouettes, often used as symbolic dominant photos in designs.
Top lighting adds depth
Under-lighting creates drama
Backlighted silhouette Fotolia
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Contrast: Tiny vs. big
Contrast with panning: Blurred background; subjects in focus Deposit Photos
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Contrast in
Images • 22
Dramatic contrasts Creating contrast within an image attracts readers. To create strong images with visual appeal, note differences between sizes of objects and directions of light Also look for opportunities to pan moving subjects, keeping one in focus and showing movement behind them.
Contrast: Small vs. large
Contrast: Younger vs. older
Contrast: Light vs. dark Deposit Photos
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Bird’s eye view
Bird’s eye view
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Point of view Changing your angle gives viewers unique perspectives on objects and events. Photographing subjects from a bird’s eye view diminishes subjects in size and shows readers a unique point of view. Taking photos from a worm’s eye view increases the subject’s size, adding depth and dimension to images.
Perspectives in
Images • 23
Worm’s eye view
Worm’s eye view
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Curved: Grace, beauty Deposit Photos
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Diagonal: Energy and action
Symbolic lines in
Images • 24
Using lines to tell the story Lines within photos convey messages to readers. Horizontal lines indicate rest and quiet. Vertical lines add height and stability to images. Diagonal lines create an energetic look. Curved lines symbolize grace and beauty.
Vertical: Height, stability
Curved lines: Grace and beauty
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Pay attention to
Tripod keeps camera steady Deposit Photos
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Details
Monopod stabilization
Camera handling and
Images • 25
Handling your camera A stabilized camera helps create sharp images. Without a tripod, hold your arms tight to your body. Pull the camera toward your cheek and cradle the lens in your left hand. In low-light situations, use a monopod or tripod to keep your camera steady.
Cradle the lens
Hold the camera steady
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Details about photo
Resolution
What you need to know You want your pictures to look great in the yearbook. To feature sharp, crisp images in your book, it’s important to understand photo resolution. All photos in your book are printed in tiny dots, or pixels. Pixels are tiny squares that make up an image to be printed digitally. All photos in your yearbook must be submitted at 300 pixels (or dots) per inch, also known as DPI or PPI. The physical size of each picture should be at least the same size or greater than the size the image will be when placed in the yearbook. If you plan to use a photo sized as 8.5 inches by 11 inches, for example, it must be at least that size, if not a little larger. Use photo editing software like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements or Lightroom to determine the image size, both in inches and in DPI. Placing a small picture (4 inches by 5 inches) and resizing it to 8 inches by 10 inches will cause the image to pixellate. It will look blurred when printed in the yearbook. Avoid pulling images from Facebook or other online programs, as these typically are tiny in physical size and are usually 72 DPI. If you plan to use photos taken with smart phones, email them in the largest
Resolution in
Images • 26
Physical size vs. resolution The actual size of this photo is 9.111 inches wide by 6.384 inches high. The resolution is 350 pixels per inch.
Resample image To correctly resize a photo for the yearbook, uncheck the “resample image” box. If the original number of pixels is 72, uncheck the box and type “300” in the “resolution box.” The software will automatically reduce the physical size of the photo, keeping it in proportion to the original.
size available. Edit them in photo editing software to make sure the physical size and resolution are correct for printing. Avoid texting photos, as this causes the resolution to be too small for printing purposes.
Also, never flip a picture when editing digital photos. Flipping images causes numbers and letters to read incorrectly. Left-handed batters could become right-handed hitters if their photo is flipped. The best practice is to avoid flipping photos altogether.
Avoid jamming pixels If you keep the “resample image” box checked and change the resolution from a lower number of pixels to a higher number, the software searches for pixels with “like” colors, jamming the pixels together in the image. This results in a blurred photo in the yearbook. Avoid “jamming” pixels for photos in the yearbook.
Photo ethics and photo
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Illustrations
Photo illustration
Identify photo illustrations Photo illustrations are digitally altered pictures created to represent a story or concept. These illustrations are created using filters or other special effects found in photo editing software. When you include a photo illustration in your yearbook, it is important to identify it as such (i.e., Photo illustration by John Smith). Identifying photo illustrations clarifies the content and helps readers avoid confusion with photojournalistic images.
Photo illustration
Images • 27
Photo illustration
Photo illustration
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Capturing
Images
Name:
Exercise: Illustrating terms Take photos illustrating the following terms. Then answer the questions about each image. 1. Shallow depth of field — using your widest aperture, throw the background out of focus. Question: What aperture did you use and how did it affect your photo’s background?
5. Medium shutter speed (1/125 to 1/250 of a second) — use it to partially stop action. Question: What shutter speed did you use and how well did you stop the action in the photo?
9. Take a picture on a cloudy or overcast day using an ISO of 200 and another using an ISO of 800. Question: How did each ISO affect your camera settings and photos? Answer:
Answer:
Answer: 2. Greater depth of field — using a mid-range aperture, cause the background to be slightly out of focus. Question: What aperture did you use and how did it affect your photo’s background?
6. Slow shutter speed (1/30 to 1/60 of a second) — use it to allow more light into the camera. You should consider using a tripod for this shot, if it’s available. Question: What shutter speed did you use and how did your photo turn out?
10. Shoot a photo in dim light using an ISO setting between 500 and 1200. Question: What ISO setting did you use and how did it affect your photo? Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
3. Greater depth of field — using a tight aperture, cause the foreground and background to be in focus. Question: What aperture did you use and how did it affect your photo’s background?
7. Shoot a photo in low light photo using an ISO setting of 1600 or greater. Question: What ISO setting did you use and how did it affect your photo? Answer:
Answer: 4. Fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher ) — use it to stop action. Question: What shutter speed did you use and how well did you stop the action in the photo?
8. Take a photo in bright light using an ISO between 24 and 100. Question: What ISO setting did you use and how did it affect your photo? Answer:
Answer:
Photography Chapter Adviser Resource • page 1
Collect examples of
Photo ideas Exercise: Collect examples Add photo examples to your graphics collection.
• Lighting techniques
You can create the notebook in an electronic file or in
- Side lighting
a paper file. Use these ideas as inspirations for future
- Back lighting
photo assignments.
- Under lighting
• Storytelling moments, student life
- Top lighting
• Storytelling photos, academics
• Composition techniques
• Storytelling pictures, organizations
- Rule of thirds
• Sports action photos
- Framing
• Photo stories
- Leading lines
• Close-ups
- Selective focus (shallow depth of field)
• Medium shots
- Repetition
• Wide shots
- Peak moment of action
• Before an event
- Negative space
• During an event
- Low angle (worm’s eye view)
• After an event
- Bird’s eye view • Creative group shots • Photo illustrations Add other categories to your collection as you find examples.
Photography Chapter Adviser Resource • page 2