Things You'll Need:
- Camera
- Patience
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Step 1
The Birdman of Market SquarePhotojournalism allows the photographer to make a comment on a life condition, event or activity with a single image. The famous picture by Eddie Adams of the street execution during the Viet Nam war is a classic example that summed up the entire war. Try to capture the essence of the subject and describe it with an image. We used to call this man the “Birdman of Market Square." He was there every day feeding and playing with his friends. Even photojournalistic moments require planning. The first time I went there I was late and the he was leaving. I asked him what time he got there and he said “Eleven a.m. every day, except for when it rains." Three days later I took this picture. Not as powerful as Eddie Adams' image, but nonetheless captures the essence of this retired widowers’ life at that moment in time.
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Step 2
Ode to OilA photojournalistic image does not have to include people in the image. It needs to make a statement or describe a life condition. I deliberately diffused the light in this image using a gelatin filter. I wanted the image to seem “old” and blurry as if from the past. I wanted us to believe that oil wasn’t in our future, but in the past. Does it work? That is a matter of opinion, but the execution is consistent with the intent. Remember, just because you a doing photojournalism doesn’t mean that you don’t have to plan and pre-visualize your images.
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Step 3
Photojournalists use the available elements to make their statement. This was taken while on assignment covering an art show. I was observing how people were interacting with the displayed art. Although this girl was beautiful, I didn’t want to chase her for a model release, and then I “saw” this picture. The subject is unknown, but the eyes are seeing her, and we need to construct the image in our minds. It is much more of a statement then if I would have taken a picture from a side angle showing her viewing the art. It makes a statement about art and how it is viewed, and yet the subject remains mysterious and hidden.
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Step 4
Sometimes, the direct approach is the best. Confront your subject and get the model release. These kids were so natural and displaying all the tendencies we have when someone points a camera at us. On the left, denial and avoidance, in the center, wary concern but confrontation, and on the right, self-assured confrontation. The result is a statement on face painting and ice cones that provides some interest, as well as tells a story.
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Step 5
Recognize the moment. I was waiting to get a picture of these lovely young ladies with their ice cream cones; however, the man stepping in front providing the confrontation tells a better story. Again, the story is told in layers: the man’s questioning look, the girl’s lovely stances and the almost invisible dispenser of food and goodies. It is an image that tells a story, and that is the ultimate goal of any photojournalist. It also has multiple subjects requiring the viewer to work at creating the image.
Comments
hannahbee said
on 10/19/2009 great tips, these are really wonderful ideas for improving my photography skills. Thanks!
tracysmith159 said
on 10/14/2009 I'm starting to take an interest into Photography. Thanks for helping me learn more about pictures.