PART B - PICTURE STORY
5.
What is a Picture Story.
A picture story is a complete unit which you plan, research, and often
support with text and captions.
It presents an in-depth account of an
interesting and significant event, personality, idea, or other topic.
a. The production of a picture story is one of the most exciting and
challenging assignments in photography.
For Army photographers, it is an
effective method of telling the Army's story.
However, the picture story
doesn't just happen. Your idea forms the foundation upon which the story is
built.
b. If the idea is good and you support it with good photography, you
have an excellent chance of producing a professional story. If the idea is
poor and the planning weak, no amount of photographic skill or technical
perfection will make it better.
Look at the foldout of figure 1-6 for a
sample picture story. In this picture story, the lead photo introduces the
subject. There is a beginning, middle, and end. The photos lead into the
layout. The last photo provides "closure" by facing to the left, directing
the eye back to the beginning.
c. Regrettably, the development of picture story ideas is a major
stumbling block for many photographers.
All too frequently you hear the
comment, "There is nothing in my command on which to do a picture story."
This is a most unfortunate attitude. Army men and women are surrounded by a
fantastic wealth of picture story material.
d. Army personnel take their environment for granted. It is the same
old story of not being able to see the forest for the trees. All you have
to do is look around.
When you say you can not find any subject for a
story, you are admitting that you are not very alert, or observant. You can
get ideas by subjecting yourself to stimulating experiences, talking to
other people and observing the world around you.
6.
Picture Story Composition.
Composition is of great importance in photojournalism.
Photographs that
possess a center of interest are composed using the rule of thirds. They
are pleasing to view, and are generally considered to be well-composed.
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