News & Feature Photography Photojournalism

Discussion: In journalism, what is the difference between news and feature writing? How do those same differences apply to photography? news writing: Move through 5 W’s quickly Focus on telling a news immediately Tell about specific and timely events feature writing: Storytelling is primary goal Focus on capturing reader interest Talk about topics, emotions, issues, slices of life For each question, ask students to brainstorm/share, then discuss as a class. Suggested responses are included, but I’m sure students will have more ideas about the differences.

News versus feature photos news photos Taken at a specific event Represent something concrete that happened Inform viewers Have news value feature photos Capture a unique moment in the culture Represent a “slice of life” or issue Elicit emotional response Have human interest

Regardless of news or feature photography, pay attention to these rules for taking photos that stand out in a crowd.

Tips for news photography Look beyond the obvious.

(Bryant High School Publications) Consider an angle that hasn’t been used before. Sometimes it will work and sometimes it won’t, but at least you will know that you tried. (Bryant High School Publications)

Tips for news photography Look beyond the obvious. Focus on the reaction, just like in sports.

(Reagan Key, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School)

Tips for news photography Look beyond the obvious. Focus on the reaction, just like in sports. Pay attention to your setting and how it can have visual impact.

(Emma Matthews, Shawnee Mission East High School)

Tips for news photography Look beyond the obvious. Focus on the reaction, just like in sports. Pay attention to your setting and how it can have visual impact. Identify your subject; then think about visual interest.

(Bryant High School Publications)

Tips for news photography Look beyond the obvious. Focus on the reaction, just like in sports. Pay attention to your setting and how it can have visual impact. Identify your subject; then think about visual interest. Think about sensitivity – in an emotional or intimate moment, consider a long lens or a different angle.

(Alyssa Hess, Blue Valley High School) This photo was taken when a cheerleader was injured at a pep rally. Rather than including a photo of the injury, the photographer chose to capture the reaction of the injured cheerleader’s teammates. (Alyssa Hess, Blue Valley High School)

Tips for feature photography Keep your aim on the human aspect.

(Bryant High School Publications) Too many photos having to do with classroom instruction show students fast asleep in their desks or teachers standing at the front of the room; instead, try to keep the focus on the humanity. (Bryant High School Publications)

Tips for feature photography Keep your aim on the human aspect. Don’t “set up” photos – have your subjects do whatever they would if you weren’t there with a camera.

(Maize High School)

Tips for feature photography Keep your aim on the human aspect. Don’t “set up” photos – have your subjects do whatever they would if you weren’t there with a camera. Look for the visually interesting, the absurd, the silly. Focus on juxtaposition and contrast.

(Shawnee Mission West High School) Chances are pretty high that this photo is “set up,” so it violates Rule #2 for Feature Photography. However, the juxtaposition of the bright screen and sticky notes in the dark room is still visually appealing. (Shawnee Mission West High School)

Tips for feature photography Keep your aim on the human aspect. Don’t “set up” photos – have your subjects do whatever they would if you weren’t there with a camera. Look for the visually interesting, the absurd, the silly. Focus on juxtaposition and contrast. Consider a close up or a wide shot. Avoid the middle ground.

(Shawnee Mission West High School) While the lighting of this photo is a little dark, the close-range focus on the subject really helps to add visual interest. (Shawnee Mission West High School)

Tips for feature photography Keep your aim on the human aspect. Don’t “set up” photos – have your subjects do whatever they would if you weren’t there with a camera. Look for the visually interesting, the absurd, the silly. Focus on juxtaposition and contrast. Consider a close up or a wide shot. Avoid the middle ground. Be persistent and patient.

(Bryant High School Publications) This shot didn’t happen quickly; the photographer had to be patient, shoot a lot of photos, and wait for the right moment to capture. (Bryant High School Publications)