Now that you understand the various types of continuity and how they help
communicate the theme of your pictures, let us look at some things that all
good photojournalists do before they even pick up their cameras.
7.
Researching Your Picture Story Subject.
Research is one of the most important steps in doing a picture story. You
must have some knowledge about your subject.
Before you outline the
shooting script and load your camera, you need to learn as much as possible
about the place, situation, object, and people involved.
The more
complicated the story the more in-depth research you will have to do. This
is when you will flesh out that idea, clarify the objective of the story,
and gather information from which to write the shooting script, captions,
and supporting text. The following steps will help you to efficiently and
effectively produce a top quality picture story.
a. Contact the person in charge of whomever or whatever you will be
doing the story on and explain what it is that you desire to cover
photographically.
b. Obtain names, phone numbers, work schedules, and background
information on those persons who will be portrayed in or are important to
your story.
c. Observe the subject of your story, without interfering, and make
notes of picture possibilities. Also think about which lenses to use, the
angle, lighting, and implied or apparent motion.
d. Stay with your subject until you are fully satisfied that you know
and can anticipate the next probable move or step that may occur. Watch for
facial expressions, gestures, and mannerisms which may be useful in the
development of the story.
e. Schedule an interview with the people in your story in order to gain
additional information.
This information may give you more picture ideas
and help you write the captions and supporting text for your layout.
Don't short change yourself by skipping any of these steps.
Some stories
may require only a few hours of research while others may take days. Once
you have completed your research, sit down and prepare your shooting script.
8.
Preparing a Shooting Script.
In order for a carpenter to build a strong sturdy house he must have a
blueprint to follow. A pilot who is making a
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