2. Composing Storytelling Photos
Composition of a Photo
Composing Storytelling Photos

3. Great Photography Matters
Good yearbook photography is the best way to capture moments and tell stories
Powerful words can bring a moment to life – but a picture can help readers remember
Just a few simple tricks can take your photography skills to an award winning level!

4. Photojournalism tells stories by:
capturing action
freezing reaction
setting the scene
showing conflict
capturing emotion
introducing personalities
establishing relationships

5. Action Capture the “peak of action”
Take multiple photos during the moment to make sure you capture it (use the continuous shot function if available on your camera)
Action happens in everything (not just sports!)
Action moments happen in an instant, so always be ready!

7. Reaction Emotional moments help readers connect to the moment
Reaction photos remind people of the importance of the topic
People naturally look for reactions to moments and find them interesting

8. Reaction

9. Scrapbook Scrapbook photos highlight individuality
Use photo effects to emphasize elements
Amplify the meaning of photos
Do not have students merely smiling at the camera

10. Scrapbook

11. Composition
Framing - Use of objects or people to frame and draw attention to Center of Visual Interest (CVI), ie: the main subject

12. Composition

13. Angle of view
Bird’s eye view – high
Worm’s eye view – low

14. bird’s eye view

15. worm’s eye view

16. Leading Lines
Leading lines/looks - Imaginary or real lines lead the reader to the subject (CVI) and heighten content interest

17. leading lines - imaginary

18. diagonal lines –
create energy and action

19. horizontal lines –
create rest and quiet

20. vertical lines –
create height and stability

21. curved lines –
create grace and beauty

22. Composition
Selective focus - Subject(s) or CVI are in focus while background and/or foreground are blurred

23. selective focus – background
blurred

24. selective focus –
foreground blurred

25. Repetition
Repetition or patterns of people, expressions or surroundings lead viewers to the CVI

26. Repetition

27. Rule of thirds -
Subject is divided into thirds vertically and horizontally
Subject is placed on one of the intersecting lines or hot spots

28. rule of thirds // subject placed on hot spot

29. rule of thirds

30. Silhouettes
Subject appears black because light source is behind subject and not the photographer

31. Silhouettes

32. What is Wrong with These Photos?
photo no-no’s:
what is wrong with these pictures?
What is Wrong with These Photos?
Discuss what is wrong with each photo.
Face is covered
Awkward placing of head
Framing is off
No center of visual interest