Photojournalism Photo Story

Photojournalism Photo Story

In my Photojournalism class, I not only learned the basics of photography but how to apply those skills in a journalistic way. This can be through news reporting, studio portraiture, and creative advertising to produce well-rounded storytelling. This class greatly enhanced my creative skills and how to foster and use them in new ways.

For this assignment, we had the choice of selecting to create a photo essay or photo story. I chose photo story.

My Goal

I wanted to tell a story about the rich history embedded in downtown Harrisonburg, VA. I have always had a sweet spot for its downtown, ever since my first year at college. Not only because it is in the town where I went to school (JMU) but there is so much history that often goes unnoticed there.

My goal was to tell a creative story of downtown Harrisonburg using my photojournalism skills.

Objective

The photos should tell a story.
Think about what six images would work together from this scenario to tell the story.
Have to write a short paragraph to tell the reader what your story is about.
Each photo will need to have a caption in the layout.
This assignment will be approached journalistically.
Can't set up scenes, re-arrange objects or position subjects.

Planning a Script

Before going to take photos, it is often suggested that you sit down and write out a script or list of photos you think might be important to capture.

That way you are prepared with your camera in case those photo opportunities present themselves.

By creating a script, I was able to efficiently and productively take photos that I knew were going to turn out just the way I wanted them too.

Brainstorming goes a long way!

Basic scene shots: Think about using different lenses or different focal lengths — wide shots versus close-ups.
Lead photo: A dominant photo that sums up the story. This photo will be used as the main photo of your layout, usually your best photo compositionally, technically or best emotion. You might not know what it is until you have finished your coverage of the topic.
Portrait: Close-up of a face or key character, these usually try to show emotion or personality of the subject.
Interaction: This shot can happen quickly, and you have to anticipate it (hugging, greeting, a pat on the back, intimate moments, etc.)
A sequence may sometimes fit with a story (three sequential photos).
Detail shot: An extreme close-up.
Closing shot: A photo that ends the story. This is not necessarily the last shot.

Photos Taken

From these photos you can tell how much planning and writing a script benefitted me.

Next step is to edit and pick out the best of the best to create the story I've been wanting to tell.

Final Result

After a thoughtful and careful brainstorming session, I decided to go with these photos for the final product. Following the selection I conducted research on each of the buildings and items I had taken photos of to ensure my storytelling was backed up with sufficient information.

I believe these six photos best reflect a story of downtown Harrisonburg.