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Step 1
Respect your photographer. Many reporters feel like they are in charge and that the photographer works for them. This is far from true. Each has a job to do, and the jobs are equally important. Treat your photographer as an equal regardless of your respective years of experience.
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Step 2
Watch your photographer as she is shooting the TV news story. That way you will know which pictures you can expect on your raw tape. You can begin envisioning how you will write your story based on the pictures you see the photographer shoot.
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Step 3
Ask your photographer to shoot something specific if you see a great shot that you can write about. Explain why you are asking for it, and be polite. Don't do this with obvious things that the photographer will shoot anyway. Nothing is more annoying than a reporter demanding that a photographer get a two-shot. Let the photographer do his job.
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Step 4
Seek your photographer's opinion. Ask if she has anything special that would make the story stand out. They are the ones who look through the camera lens so they should know the best shots. Your photographer will appreciate that you are including her in the process. Very often photographers point out terrific shots that you didn't know about.
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Step 5
Watch your photographer's back. When he is shooting video, his focus is on the camera. He can't see what is going on around him. Pay attention for him. Sometimes disruptive people give photographers a hard time or even attack. There are also dangers from curbs, cars and dogs. While the photographer is getting pictures, make sure he is safe. That means getting out of the car and standing near him when he shoots b-roll, even though you don't have anything to do. If a photographer has to stand in traffic or a crowd or the rain, so should you.
