This photography tip is so obvious and I’m surprised that many people forget it. It doesn’t even require any special skills, just a camera and a steady hand.
It has often been said that a good photo is not necessarily one that follows strict technical standards. It’s not always about composition or lines or depth-of-field. A good photo expresses something — as though it is speaking to you but silently. But some photos don’t mean much when viewed singularly. When viewed as part of a series, however, the viewer’s experience is enhanced. The sandwich entry, for instance. And the sunrise in Aklan. And the one showing Sam discovering how to operate the Sewing Genie. Would those pieces be as effective without the series of photos?
The operative word is ACTIVE. Make the photos active, make the viewer feel that something is happening. For a mommy blogger, for instance, a photo of your child playing with building blocks might look good to you but for people who don’t know you or your child, try instead a series of photos showing various points of the play session. That way, the photos as part of a blog entry make sense. Instead of you showing off your child, you’re illustrating how a child learns to put together a 3D puzzle. That’s what building blocks are — 3D puzzles.
Take a video instead? Still photos capture facial expressions that are so precious. In a video, they are nothing but fleeting split-second forgettable frames.
So, the first thing to remember is that, sometimes, a series of photos works well even though the photos are almost identical. To hell with those who insist that photos that look too much like each other should not be used together. Phooey.
There are times, however, when a series of photos, as dramatic as they may be, can’t stand by themselves. They need accompanying text to make the viewer appreciate what the images are about. Remember, even silent movies, despite the emotive faces of the actors, were helped along by text at the bottom of the screen. Example? Click the link to page 2.
Pages: 1 2
on flip side,
this 60 megapixel doodad begs for stills.
http://www.phaseone.com/
OH. MY. GOSH. 60 megapixels. I wonder how long it’ll take to download the photos from the memory card to the computer.
I guest the “Super Cat” entry counts but the each of the photos are not even similar
i’m not sure kung nag-iimagine lang ako pero parang biglang bagsak presyo ang Nikon D60 dito ngayon. Dati nasa RMB6K+ pero ngayon RMB4,990 (*Php6.00) nalang. Para tuloy nangangati akong bumili. Kaso 18-55mm lang ata yung free lens.
Pwede namang to-follow na lang yung mas magandang lens. I practiced with the kit lens of the Rebel XT for several months before I started buying lenses. So when I bought the 40D, I just bought the body.
These photo tips are very useful to me especially now that I’m planning to venture on photography ( Maybe find out if I have an eye on fotografy. Who knows). Thanks for sharing!
Is this photojournalism?
i often take a series of photos kasi often out of 10, siguro tsamba na if 2 are ok, hehe. i just made a collage of my 2 kids and it did come out looking more interesting than the individual pics would have. next time i’ll try your tip and take pics that tell a story naman…
You’re welcome, Loren.
Ben naman, I’m not presumptuous.
Ruth, the link is broken.
ay, eto po: http://about-ruth.com/2008/09/10/jan-and-mia-playmat-series/
Thanks for the photo lesson. Good to know!
Thanks, Ruth. I sent a trackback.
Asianmommy, simple but effective, ‘di ba?
3.47seconds, thank you.
( 100 gig flash at 480mb/sec. usb 2.0 )
or half the time of a really good yawn. mmm.
haha, i think your approach is better than most photojournalists out there. let them figure it out.
JuanDelaCruz, 3.47seconds? Not bad. Not bad at all.
Ben, when most photojournalists obliged to observed the de-kahon approach that most editors insist on… that may be hard for them hehehe
Hi Connie. Nice Advise. My hubby can use those.
I’m actually a regular reader of your site. Mind if I link you up?
Thanks, Ria. Of course, I don’t mind.
Thanks for the tip ms. Connie
Very well said!
Yes Sass, it’s the problem that most photojournalists have had with editors and writers who have had little or no visual orientation or background in recognizing the images that tell the story or complements the words of a story. That’s why I for one in my lifelong battles with editors and writers in the past can tell in an instant whether any magazine or publication worth the paper it’s printed on holds any kind of credence or respect with regards to photographers who produce the photographs. Believe me, the cluelessness goes deeper than you think. People aren’t aware that one’s best instincts can’t help but show in any photographer’s images or equally, a writer’s or editor’s hand in putting the story together. Instead, the politics or egos of the newsroom or its editorial slant prevail and it’s been the bane and disservice to journalism and photojournalism in general.
Ben, that’s why when I submit articles for the Life & Travel section of Manila Standard Today, they’re accompanied by photos that I have taken myself. Otherwise, the essence is lost.
i love photography too and i don’t follow any rules. i agree with you. thanks for the tip.