1 Behind the Picture: Process Makes Perfect

Yearbook content is arranged using three common coverage approaches: traditional sections chronological presentation blended coverage 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

There are three typical methods for generating photo assignments: assignment sheets school calendar beat system 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

The best yearbook photographers are always thinking about how every photograph contributes to the story being communicated. 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

A yearbook spread presents an overall, broad topic. The best photos capture a specific aspect of the topic called an angle. 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

An event is often part of the coverage, but the event itself is generally not the topic. 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

A great photo starts with a good plan. Smart page editors know that taking the time to write a good assignment makes everyone’s job easier. 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

A good photo assignment suggests: story angles possible subjects and locations ideas for photo content 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

A good photo assignment doesn’t dictate: picture shapes photo content 1.1 Where the Story Starts: Generating Assignments

Whatever system is used to generate assignments, tracking is critical. Copies of assignments should be kept on file either electronically or in some kind of a notebook. 1.2 Keeping Your Stories Straight: Tracking Photos

Keep all printouts of the contact sheets organized in a single, master book for reference by the page designers. 1.2 Keeping Your Stories Straight: Tracking Photos

1.3 On Assignment: Aiming for the Best The best photos occur when the photographer have a variety of lenses and compositional techniques: close-up and super close-ups medium shots wide-angle shots long shots

1.4 Making Choices: Visual Editing Images for stories in your yearbook fall into one of these categories: visual narratives picture essays picture packages single images collages cut outs picture collections submitted photos

1.4 Making Choices: Visual Editing

1.4 Making Choices: Visual Editing These visual problems detract from an attractive, evocative yearbook spread: shape redundancy size redundancy busy bleeds busy content in small photos tonal inconsistencies weak cropping > MORE

1.4 Making Choices: Visual Editing pictures forced into layout spaces best photo isn’t the dominant faces looking off the page generic pictures shooting inanimate objects > VISUAL PROBLEMS CONTINUED

If the photographer doesn’t pay attention to the resolution when shooting, the photo will not reproduce well in a larger size. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Cameras have shutter speed settings that must be used for flash. Settings faster than the recommended setting will cause the shutter to open for only a portion of the exposure. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Photographers must anticipate lighting needs and take along a flash if the lighting will be low. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Photographs shot in fluorescent light will need tonal adjustment in an image-editing software. A filter on the front of your lens also corrects tonality during the exposure. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

When shooting in low light or action, make sure you are using a camera mode that will offer faster shutter speeds such as 500, 1000 or higher. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Autofocus modes will help you maintain focus as long as the autofocusing mechanism is placed on the subject. When manual focusing, you need to be sure you are focusing correctly. 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Preventable technical difficulties can leave you with no pictures at all: incorrect format corrupt images dead batteries/full memory card shooting over, deleting or reformatting another photographer’s pictures damaged equipment 1.5 Technical Difficulties How to Right a Wrong

Good communication and a commitment to professionalism can prevent these problems: failed assignments time management issues 1.6 Not-So- Technical Difficulties