5/15 images
Purpose
- To learn how to produce a picture essay
Learning
Overview
- Many photographers pay most attention to graphic content (form) of their images rather than their subject (content). However, the majority focus on their subject, to tell the story that lies behind it
- Narrative in photography seeks to tell a story, either in a single image (often impossible) or through a set of coherent ones
- Picture essays can comprise any number of images, typically from 3 upwards
- Narrative works best where it describes a sequence of events (e.g. a journey, a process, making an object) or a single event with several different perspectives
- It helps to work out the picture story in 2 stages: (a) plot the story, (b) plan what and how to shoot, (c) presentation of story
- Use the 6 'soldiers of enquiry': 1. who (people)? 2. where (place)? 3. when (time)? 4. how (process)? 5. what (outcome)? 6. why (meaning)?
- Consider how other photographers have handled this subject: what worked well, what did not, so what lessons for you?
- Rehearse the event beforehand, to the extent possible, particularly viewpoints, lenses, restrictions
- Evaluate different options for presenting the narrative: (a) distant views to close-ups, (b) vertical and horizontal shots, (c) lens choice for impact, (d) role of colours, (e) direction and quality of light as well as options available, (f) variety of frame size and shape
- Prepare your picture script
- Aim to compile your story into a coherent set of images, with variety to maintain interest as well as reveal detail and message
Exercise
Part 1
- Pick 1 image where the graphic content dominates, choose another where the subject is paramount and the composition is routine
- Set yourself an assignment and produce it
Images and Review
Part 1 - Examples
Part 2 - Picture essay
TV shoot of Zumba promo with Wyclef Jean
One October morning I stumbled across the shooting for Daybreak TV of a promotion of the Zumba dance phenomenon on London's South Bank. I was always carry a compact camera in my bag for just eventualities. Usually it just adds a little weight....but today it earned its place!
Images with editing decisions
 |
| Establishing shot#1 Jacket signals upcoming content Eye contact from bystander engages with viewer (even though the look was probably: who is that guy in a suit with a camera?) |
 |
| Establishing shot#2 TV or film crew against the iconic St Pauls on the opposite side of the river |
 |
| Developing shot # 1 Participants waiting for 'action'... |
 |
| Developing shot # 2 Production manager gives the signal to get ready... |
 |
| Developing shot # 3 Filming starts... |
 |
| Developing shot # 4 Dance team get into their stride... |
 |
| Developing shot # 5 Wyclef Jean sings to his own number: Historia |
 |
| Developing shot # 6 Dance team reaches its peak |
 |
| Closing shot # 1 Volunteers celebrate the closing of the shoot |
 |
| Closing shot # 2 The volunteers ask one of the pros to grab a personal memory shot Echoes the opening image |
No comments:
Post a Comment