4.2 | Storytelling through Photos

PLAN FOR SUCCESS vary photo SIZES & SHAPES on the spread plan 5-7 PHOTOS for every spread every spread needs DOMINANT photo vary photo SIZES & SHAPES on the spread

DIVERSITY IS KEY Diversify storytelling photo content: action, reaction, & illustrations Create photo visual variety: size & shape, single- & multi-subject, artistic composition

CROPPING TIPS Crop out all unnecessary information from the photo. Every inch of space should help tell the story. Crop from the inside out. Avoid cropping at the head/neck or joints Crop the background out if it doesn’t add to the story Instead of cropping from the edges inward, focus on the part of the photo you know you want, then slowly move outward from your center of interest to include only the parts of the photo you need. Crop out the rest.

PHOTOJOURNALISM ETHICS: As tempting as it may be, it is unethical to change the content of photos you publish. VERY rarely: Remove people or objects using photo editing software (e.g. put in a person who missed a group photo) Flip images (e.g. make someone face a different direction) Make any content changes to the photo (e.g. change the color of someone’s eyes) See more in the photo ethics 7-Minute Starter.

National Press Photographers Association CODE OF ETHICS National Press Photographers Association This is an incomplete list. Go to nppa.org/code_of_ethics to learn more. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities. Avoid stereotyping and avoid presenting your own biases in work. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events. Do not manipulate image in anyway that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

IN OTHER WORDS… Your goal as a photographer is to tell the story of an event while acting respectfully and purposefully. While at an event: Get in on the action, but respect the rights of coaches, directors, and participants to ask you to stop, not use flash, get out of their line of site, etc. Do not interfere with or stage action. Communicate with coaches, directors and participants so they know who you are and what you are doing. If possible, wear a Yearbook Staff or Official Photographer t-shirt so your purpose is obvious.

WHEN EDITING… When you are touching up photos using an editing software after an event, remember: You may not alter the image to misrepresent the individual or action of a photo. Minimal edits are okay as long as the integrity of the original photo stays intact – it is still the same photo, just minimally enhanced.

USING PHOTOS Several factors should be considered when selecting photos for a spread. Show-stopping quality Variety Inclusive coverage Action and interaction

DOMINANT PHOTOS James Bowie High School [TX] Dominant photos should be selected for their storytelling potential. Photos that are less interesting should take up less space on the layout. Notice how the headline reflects the content of the photo. This is called a verbal/visual connection. James Bowie High School [TX]

VARIETY Palos Verdes High School [CA] Notice the variety of cropping techniques used on this page. It is important to include a variety of sizes and shapes in every layout, but to ALWAYS include a clearly dominant photo and consistent spacing. Palos Verdes High School [CA]

INCLUSIVE COVERAGE Stillwater High School [MN] This layout includes photos about jobs. Looking at the topic from a variety of angles, along with photographing outside of the standard school day, allowed the Stillwater high school yearbook staff to include about 41 students on this uncrowded page. Stillwater High School [MN]

CAPTURE ACTION Westmoore High School [OK] Notice how every photo on this science page shows students doing something. The Westmoore High School yearbook staff also did a great job of including a wide variety of students through both photos and quotes. Westmoore High School [OK]

CUT OUT BACKGROUNDS (COBS) Cut Out Background (COB) photos continue to be a hot trend. The Round Rock High School staff carefully removed the backgrounds around photos at the top of the page, adding visual interest to their layout. They also did a great job including lots of student through the use of a photo strip at the bottom of the page. Round Rock High School [TX]