Photojournalism tips (Page 2): Capture the humanity of the moment.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Capture the humanity of the moment.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Kiron Kid wrote:

Capture the humanity of the moment.

skipwv Loc: West Virginia

“f8 and be there.” In other words, have your camera ready for instant shots as you come upon them. Good luck!

pappleg

Mistral wrote:

Hi! I have an amazing opportunity to be a photojournalist while traveling in Zambia over the next couple of weeks. I really want to take meaningful photos. For context, I work mainly with the poor, raising $$ for water. We will be out in the field. I would LOVE any suggestions, input, ideas on how to get that special shot when things are going to be moving fast.

Get a local guide-specifically someone who knows the area and the water issues is the biggest single advantage you can have.

Pat

khorinek

catchlight.. wrote:

If your in a public space there are few restrictions, but if you do single out an individual or child you can run into problems.

Shooting an event or activity that shows people in that setting, is perfectly legal. When a person becomes the sole subject of focus, is where the line is drawn.

In most countries you cannot single out an individual, especially in a derogatory or defamantary manner.

This is true. When photographing minors I always look for a parent or guardian and ask them first.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

G Brown wrote:

You will probably have deadlines - so use your cel... (show quote)

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

skipwv wrote:

“f8 and be there.” In other words, have your camera ready for instant shots as you come upon them. Good luck!

I think the photographer for the flat earth society would also recommend F/8.

Learn to react quickly with basic settings. Shoot volume and don't be afraid to experiment. Read the numbers in the viewfinder. Make gun and shoot second nature.

No chimping required once you get the hang of it. Knowing your settings with a wide range of F/ stops, focal length ect., will get you into the next level as a professional.

The camera should not stand silent. It's the in between moment or an unexpected F/ stop that will make the amazing image. Sure F/8 is safe but...

Spend more time on shutter speed needed for the occasion, and you'll be much, much safer.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Mistral wrote:

Hi! I have an amazing opportunity to be a photojournalist while traveling in Zambia over the next couple of weeks. I really want to take meaningful photos. For context, I work mainly with the poor, raising $$ for water. We will be out in the field. I would LOVE any suggestions, input, ideas on how to get that special shot when things are going to be moving fast.

To quote Robert Capa (Hungarian for “shark”) “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough!”

Dave

User ID

catchlight.. wrote:

I think the photographer for the flat earth societ... (show quote)

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Lots of good ideas so far. I'll just throw in a few - First off - GET THE SHOT. Sounds simple but means have the camera set for the fastest action on your part - set on Auto with Auto ISO perhaps. You can always change settings to get creative if you have time. The other thing is LOOK AROUND - don't see something and keep looking at that - get that shot and turn and look around. My Dad got a Pulitzer for Spot News one day just by glancing around and firing off a shot.

User ID

CPR wrote:

Lots of good ideas so far. I'll just throw in a few - First off - GET THE SHOT. Sounds simple but means have the camera set for the fastest action on your part - set on Auto with Auto ISO perhaps. You can always change settings to get creative if you have time. The other thing is LOOK AROUND - don't see something and keep looking at that - get that shot and turn and look around. My Dad got a Pulitzer for Spot News one day just by glancing around and firing off a shot.

Makes huge sense ! One of the few replies
that does so .... journalism-wise. Plenty of
tech advice earlier, but mostly not oriented
to a journalistic endeavor :-(

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

User ID wrote:

Makes huge sense ! One of the few replies
that does so .... journalism-wise. Plenty of
tech advice earlier, but mostly not oriented
to a journalistic endeavor :-(

Funny how assessments are stated, as if to be the final ending comment of understanding...

All of the reply's were helpful and well meaning. It would be up to Mistral to decide on the content credibility.

I think his question may have been better directed to working journalists.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Shoot shots like video as bursts as they are happening. Look for the unusual. Look for emotion.
Fear. Happiness. No posing Don't make friends unless you have too as the proper thing to do.
Good luck and stay safe. This photo was grab shot on a street in Nepal 30 years ago.
Out of focus. Blurred. Dark. Yet it has haunted me my entire life. We found the children
were props to support families. Some children were tragically crippled on purpose to get
more loot begging on the streets.

kay55 Loc: NE Ohio

G Brown wrote:

You will probably have deadlines - so use your cel... (show quote)

Great information, i am not in the business, but the details laid out here are very helpful. I would never have thought of some of your suggestions, I will keep them in mind if the occasion should ever present itself. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights.

Comphoto

3 Main things Protect Yourself,Protect those with you,Protect your equipment.Never ever trust leaving a bag with any one;as somebody can use it to hide contraband that can get you in deep hot water