Tips for Photojournalists

Photojournalism is a particular form of journalism (the collecting, editing, and presenting of news material for publication or broadcast) that creates images in order to tell a news story. It is now usually understood to refer only to still images, but in some cases the term also refers to video used in broadcast journalism. Here are a few tips for beginners in photojournalism.

• Convey a story- Use the photograph to tell a story. Identify a subject, establish the background and build a story around the subject. Since photograph plays a vital role in narration imagine the role of the photograph in the story while clicking the image. The photograph must be self explanatory and must be able to convey with least description.
• Research- A basic research will help to identify what the photograph must represent and to understand the subject and photograph better. A photo essay, for example, could help you to reveal more about your subject. Research helps to get familiarized to similar situations and styles adopted during those situations.
• Choose the right style- Confirm about the way the shot must be intended and what aspects need to be highlighted. Plan the lighting, angle and theme in advance. Planning will make photographs more coherent. This helps to get placed in the right angle and area and vantage point for the shoot.
• Be prepared- Once an approach and style is confirmed the right gear and accessories must be prepared to capture the shot. Just select the tools you need. Be sure you’ve got the right focal lengths covered, and ask yourself if you might need a tripod. Get the batteries charged and carry spare batteries for your flashgun and plenty of memory cards. Don’t let a lack of preparation ruin a shoot. Arrive before the shoot so that the environment can be studied and potential stories can be covered.
• Get permission- It’s a good idea to seek permission, especially if you’re photographing people going about their business. Explain the subjects about the shoot and have a friendly rapport with them, while invading private space always try to reduce the conflicts and solve anything arising amicably. A healthy rapport to with the subjects ensure results in the long run. Interacting with the subjects reduce their level of resistance. 
• Get back-up- One of the most important tasks for a digital photographer is to ensure all your images are safe. As soon as you get back from your day’s shooting, download your images and make back-up copies on an external hard-drive or DVD. It’s a good idea to keep your back-ups in a different location to your main computer.

~ Hari Bhagirath Photography