4.2 | Storytelling through
Photos
STEP 1 - LEARN
• View this presentation to learn about how
to capture storytelling photos and take
notes.
PLAN FOR SUCCESS
plan
5-7 PHOTOS
for every spread
every spread needs
DOMINANT
photo
SIZES
& SHAPES
vary photo
on the spread
But take WAY more than
those 5-7
Plan ahead
for a good dominant photo.
Consider all contrast
options
DIVERSITY IS KEY
• Diversify storytelling photo content: action,
reaction, & illustrations
• Create photo visual variety: size & shape,
single- & multi-subject, artistic composition
ACTION
Jonah Boatman, Westlake High School [TX]
LIGHTING
Trevor Munch, Ward Melville High School [NY]
RULE OF THIRDS
PLAN AHEAD | THINK CREATIVELY
Dani Najafi, Fletcher Academy [NC]
ACADEMICS
Matti Botti, Bryant High School [AR]
ACTION | QUALITY
Amanad Pankhurst, Amboy High School [IL]
REACTION
Charlie Hunnicutt, Bryant High School [AR]
REACTION
Nathan Kallison, Westlake High School [TX]
LEADING LINES | STORYTELLING
Dillon Blood, Trinity High School [TX]
COLOR | STORYTELLING
Elizabeth Yee, Horizon High School [AZ]
DEPTH OF FIELD
Diana Albrecht, Tartan High School [MN]
ILLUSTRATION
Claire Niemeier, Wrightstown High School [WI]
EVERYDAY MOMENTS
Abbie Lopez, Crain’s Creek Middle School [NC]
CROPPING TIPS
• Crop out all unnecessary information from the photo. Every
inch of space should help tell the story.
• Crop from the inside out.
PROPORTIONS
vs.
Think about how the photo interacts with the shape of the photo box.
Trevor Munch, Ward Melville High School [NY]
STORYTELLING
vs.
Consider how thoughtful cropping can help you tell the story.
Taylor Lockhoof, James Bowie High School [TX]
CROPPING DO’S AND DON’TS
Look at the background.
Does it tell a story or does it
distract from the Center of
Interest?
Avoid cropping at the neck.
Avoid placing the CVI
in the middle of the
photo.
Avoid cropping at joints
Laura Gilligan, Westlake High School [TX]
AHHH. THIS IS BETTER.
Everyone has a head!
The background adds to the story
told by the photo, so we kept it..
The CVI is placed
using the Rule of
Thirds.
Everyone has
their ankles and
other joints!
Laura Gilligan, Westlake High School [TX]
PHOTOJOURNALISM ETHICS:
• As tempting as it may be, it is unethical to
change the content of photos you publish.
• VERY rarely:
– Remove people or objects using photo editing software (e.g. put
in a person who missed a group photo)
– Flip images (e.g. make someone face a different direction)
– Make any content changes to the photo (e.g. change the color of
someone’s eyes)
CODE OF ETHICS
National Press Photographers Association
This is an incomplete list. Go to nppa.org/code_of_ethics to learn more.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of
subjects.
Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
Avoid stereotyping and avoid presenting your own biases in
work.
Treat all subjects with respect and dignity.
Do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or
influence events.
Do not manipulate image in anyway that can mislead viewers
or misrepresent subjects.
IN OTHER WORDS…
Your goal as a photographer is to tell the story of an event while
acting respectfully and purposefully.
While at an event:
• Get in on the action, but respect the rights of coaches, directors,
and participants to ask you to stop, not use flash, get out of their
line of site, etc.
• Do not interfere with or stage action.
• Communicate with coaches, directors and participants so they
know who you are and what you are doing.
– If possible, wear a Yearbook Staff or Official Photographer t-shirt so your
purpose is obvious.
WHEN EDITING…
When you are touching up photos using an editing software after an
event, remember:
• You may not alter the image to misrepresent the individual or
action of a photo.
• Minimal edits are okay as long as the integrity of the original
photo stays intact – it is still the same photo, just minimally
enhanced.
ILLUSTRATION
Parker Pamplin, Bryant High School [AR]
ILLUSTRATION
Whitney Butler, Bryant High School [AR]
BE RESPECTFUL
Celeste Fowler, Ola Middle School [GA]
ILLUSTRATION
Rena Andrews, Lincoln County High School [TN]
USING PHOTOS
• Several factors should be considered when selecting photos
for a spread.
–
–
–
–
Show-stopping quality
Variety
Inclusive coverage
Action and interaction
DOMINANT PHOTOS
James Bowie High School [TX]
VARIETY
Palos Verdes High School [CA]
INCLUSIVE COVERAGE
Stillwater High School [MN]
CAPTURE ACTION
Westmoore High School [OK]
CUT OUT BACKGROUNDS (COBS)
Round Rock High School [TX]
STEP 2 - PRACTICE
• Demonstrate your knowledge of
photographic storytelling by completing
Exit Ticket 4.2 – Photo Checkup.
STEP 3 - USE
• Gather more photos for the yearbook by
completing Start Right Activity 4.2 – Tell
the Story.
– All photos from this week are due at the end
of class in lesson 4.4.
– Review of your photos will take place in
lesson 4.5.