Chapter 1: Pre-production

Question 1

How do you find stories before everyone else?

Answer 1

• Personal network
• PR departments
• Social networks
• News radio, TV, and online resources

Question 2

How can a photographer stay ready to shoot?

Answer 2

• Charged batteries, all equipment is functional

- Have a go bag ready

Question 3

How can you know your partner for a story?

Answer 3

• Read stories they have done in the past
• Meet with them face to face to discuss the story
• Know where you can compliment each other

Question 4

What should you always do when in the field?

Answer 4

ALWAYS have your eyes open when in the field

• Finding unexpected shots that make the story
• Looking for unusual behavior around
• When in the field to communicate everything

Question 5

What do planned assignments give you?

Answer 5

Some time

• When you are given time to plan for a shoot USE IT
• Think of when the action of the story is
• Think of the lighting you will be given

Question 6

What can you do to give yourself the best opportunity?

Answer 6

Making arrangements

• Meet with the reporter about times and goals
• Know what the goal of the piece
• Cover the story when it works best for you

Question 7

How can you create your own assignments?

Answer 7

• Budget meetings in a news room
• Staying on top of potential stories from your own sources
• Befriend reporters
• Stay on top of social media

Question 8

What does an overall shot do?

Answer 8

• Sets the scene
• Get a high vantage point
• Usually wide angle lens

Question 9

What does a medium shot do?

Answer 9

• Should tell the whole story in one photo
• Balance action with relationship to the situation
• Anticipate where the action will take place
• Mostly Wide angle lenses

Question 10

What should close up shots do?

Answer 10

• Take advantage of the intimacy
• Isolate and emphasize a single element
• Objects may tell a story better than people
• Longer lenses are more appropriate
• Play with depth of field

Question 11

How can you use angles?

Answer 11

• Avoid the 5’7” syndrome

- Try “Hail Mary” and “Down and Dirty” shots

Question 12

Should you always depend on your camera’s zoom?

Answer 12

• Physically change distances
• Don’t always depend on the camera to do the work
• Changing proximity changes your shot

Question 13

What are multi-layered images?

Answer 13

• Use subjects at different depths in the same photo

- Emphasize the central subject with surroundings

Question 14

What is the difference between a pro and an amateur?

Answer 14

• Pros keep snapping until there is absolutely no time left

- Amateurs shoot a few pictures and hope for the best

Question 15

What does keep shooting mean?

Answer 15

• If you see a picture TAKE IT
• Don’t wait for the perfect picture
• Move around the subject

Question 16

What are some strategies for candid shots?

Answer 16

• Preset your camera
• Know what you want to capture
• Use autofocus on continuous mode in certain situations
• Watch your subject carefully
• Anticipate what is coming next
• Capture the peak of the action

Question 17

What are four approaches to a candid shots?

Answer 17

Out in the open
-The subjects are so focused on the activity they forget there is even a camera there

Click and Run
-Watch for a subject capture the moment and leave

Big Game Hunter

• Study the subject out of sight usually with a medium-long zoom lens, and a longer fixed telephoto lens
• Patience is a huge factor in this approach

Introduce yourself

• When stealth is not an option
• Introduce but do not engage in conversation