Photographers and photojournalists operate in similar ways, but there is a critical difference — talking to people.
Greg A. Cooper, assistant professor of photojournalism and photo editor at Eastern Illinois University, delivered a panel full of technical information for the different types of news coverage titled “Best Practices: Photojournalism” at MediaFest 25. Attendees learned about stop-action photography and the impact an anchor photo can have on viewers.
Even if he does not particularly enjoy teaching event coverage, as he shared with the audience before the presentation, Cooper stressed the importance of photojournalists’ efforts.
“Above all, you have to be a journalist,” Cooper said. “Introduce yourself, know who people are,” he said, “and, most importantly, go early and stay late.”
There are four distinct visual effects created with each aperture and shutter speed combination that you don’t need fancy equipment to create, Cooper said. Stop action, motion blur, shallow depth of field, and great depth of field.
“Learn these four techniques before heading out into the field and make sure you use more than one in your final submission,” Cooper said.
Once you are ready to head to the field, make sure you are prepared, he explained. Never bring one lens and be prepared to shoot in multiple angles, Cooper said. Capture wide angles by holding the camera horizontally and telephotos by holding it vertically.
“Do not shoot in just one or the other, or fear the wrath of your editor,” Cooper said.
Photojournalists tell a story through three things: an opener, an anchor, and a closer, said Cooper. It’s a sentence — to open your story, hook you in the middle and close it out.
“One of my favorite questions to ask is ‘Why are you here?’” Cooper said. “That leads to not only story ideas, but a great quote for your caption.”
Cooper also advised to coordinate with the reporter on the story, as well. Otherwise, the pictures could feel disconnected from the story.
“If there’s one takeaway from this presentation, it’s this,” Cooper said. “If you want to adequately cover an event, have visual and subject variety.”
Your opener, anchor, and closer should not picture the same person or shoot from the same perspective, he said.
“Make sure you have at least one picture,” Cooper said. “Make sure you have at least one picture that’s publishable.”