On Friday we were given a more in depth idea of some of the issues to consider when working on an editorial feature.
I am digitalising my notes for my own ease of access during this brief but also for future reference
Research
* Research the subject you will be photographing prior to the shoot, consider if there are certain ways to conduct oneself. Get all the appropriate knowledge beforehand, this includes dress codes, behaviour and rules you may be required to follow, ensure you are able to approach the subject in the correct manner and more importantly with respect.
* Plan journeys in advance of the arranged/organised shoot, especially when using public transport, (ensure you know exactly when and where you have to go to arrive on time.)
* When considering an idea for your shoot, research into whether the idea has been looked at by another photographer previously. If you are dealing with a familiar subject, try and approach it in a new way.
* Bare in mind any anniversaries, religious holidays or other special events/celebrations that might be coming up which would provide good opportunities for photographing.
Archive
* Keep notes of names, contact details, people's titles and the correct ways to address people so that you will always have the right information. Make sure names of people and places are spelled correctly especially if they will be used in captions.
* Note down all of the times and dates of the events you are photographing in case the information may be needed later.
* Where appropriate, use a model release form to gain permission for the image to be used.
* Keep multiple copies of notes and contact details incase of loss/weather damage.
* Put your name and contact info into your camera's metadata - (details permanently embedded in all images and can be traced back.)
* After photographing someone or their premises, out of courtesy it is recommended to always send a note/email of thank you. Where possible, send them their photo(s) too.
Contact Sheets
* Contact sheets are the perfect way to remember key info about the photos and the shoot as a whole. Often useful to see images printed and besides each other in order to compare and contrast.
* Consider rating or grading your photos when trying to narrow them down to a smaller edit. Contact sheets or small proof prints help when doing this so that all the photos are visible together.
* We also looked at some contact sheets by famous Magnum photographers which gave interesting insight into how they worked. I will look at these in more detail in a future blog post.
The Feature/Story
* Remember that often magazines pair photos with adverts so that the two compliment each other. Consider coloration and style to ensure images are usable by the publication it is intended for.
* Always ensure you are credited when your photography is published.
* Consider different resolutions for the appropriate purposes - if displaying work online don't use a full quality resolution which could be easily blown up for professional use.
ensure contact details are available (if someone wants to use your photographs, it can then be discussed.)
* maintain contact with the editor/writer id applicable so have in mind a good idea as to what text may be accompanying the visuals, ensure the info is broadcasted accurately.
* Aim to capture a photo which summarises the entire story, could be suitable for use as a cover image or an establishing shot within the article/publication.
* Consider potential layouts that may be utilised by the publisher. Make sure you provide images which are suitable for use with text and or potentially frame text.
* Aim to capture different types of images to help create a narrative:
Establishing shot
Portrait
Detail/close-up
Descriptive shot
Concluding shot
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