Tentative and Final Layout

Picture stories are not just a haphazard gathering of photographs. The photographs used must have specific functions. The use of one photograph, as opposed to another, is closely aligned with the layout design. Even as you take photographs, you should consider the picture story layout.

The lead photograph is not necessarily the first picture in chronological sequence, but the picture that contains the essence of the story. Within the layout, the lead photograph is usually the largest and placed to attract the reader's attention.

Body photographs are those that actually communicate the story. They must use compositional techniques to present interesting and stimulating photographs. The editors should strive to present the photographs in different sizes and formats as well as presenting rights and lefts, highs and lows, longs and close-ups, and at the same time, using the minimum number of display elements. Allow for maximum latitude when selecting your visuals.

You also should consider end photographs during the planning phase of the picture story. Not all picture stories have definite endings, but all should bring the reader to the significance of the story.

After accomplishing the preceding tasks, you are ready to take photographs. The law of averages indicates that the more you take, the better your chances are of getting exactly what you want. However, if you are properly prepared, your photographs will not be a number of unrelated shots, but will be several sequences that cover the specific picture ideas listed on the script. This method was used during the first landing of the space shuttle (fig. 12-6). By covering your assignment in this reamer, you will have a variety of visuals that can be used in a picture page layout.

Equipment Readiness

Speed is the essence of news photography, especially spot news that just happens. Therefore, it is crucial that you always have a ready camera on hand with an adequate supply of film, flash and associated equipment. When a spot news event occurs, you will not have much time to get your gear together and check it out. This means you must start your day off with a complete check of the equipment available to you.

When possible, keep two cameras ready - one loaded with black-and-white film and the other with color slide film (for release to electronic media).

As you read in Chapter 11, you should keep your camera free from dirt, dust and moisture and also handle it with care. Store it in a readily accessible place in its carrying case when not in use.

Self-Confidence

Gaining an attitude of self-confidence is one of the most difficult and important aspects of becoming a good news photographer. A "personality for the profession" is a prerequisite for anyone who wants to become proficient in the field of photojournalism.

To succeed, you must look upon occurrences with an objective view. The knowledge of the mechanics of

photography is not enough. You must have an inquisitive nature that inherently causes you to want to know more about what is going on around you. Diligence, study and

practice are necessary to use the tools of the trade proficiently; aggressiveness and the will to understand the motivations of others will aid you in your quest for competence.

Those who have a thorough knowledge of their field and consistently display such attributes as honor, finesse, diplomacy, courtesy and honesty, as well as straightforwardness, automatically develop selfconfidence.

All too often a photographer misses pictures of great pictorial value because of the lack of aggressiveness. Upon receipt of an assignment, your whole attitude must be that of determination. Come what may, you must get photographs. Navy photographers and journalists are frequently in contact with notable personalities from military organizations, local and federal governments, foreign countries, private industry, and hundreds of people from all walks of life who at some time or another have had an association with the Navy or other armed

forces.

Almost without exception, all of these people may be photographed without incident under nearly any circumstance. Fear of what is ahead and fear of standing in the shadow of great people cannot be a part of the personality of the news photographer. You should be respectful, as appropriate, but you should never feel subservient or inferior. Finesse, courtesy and straightforwardness in pursuing the job at hand immediately result in cooperation as well as quick action in seeing that the mission is accomplished.

People being photographed rely on the photographer's ability to get the coverage desired and usually await the photographer's instructions. Photographers and reporters are not unfamiliar sights on the horizon to the VIP. When people have reached a point in life when they have become public figures, they are conscious that they no longer enjoy the privacy of the average citizen. Therefore, knowing they are news, they are ready and willing to assist members of the working media. However, they cannot do this until you have presented yourself. When your presence is noted, your VIP subject knows, through many years of experience, that your job must be done with speed in order to meet deadlines.

In presenting yourself to a subject, the initial introduction normally is made by an aide or assistant; however, there are times when you must do this yourself. An honest and courteous approach at a diplomatic moment can be done easily. Simply remain in close proximity to your subject and await the earliest break in conversation; then step forward and state your name, rate, place of duty and your reason for being there. When you are acknowledged, take the minimum time necessary to get your photographs. Work with sureness, deftness and thoroughness. If you feel you did not get a photograph, bring this to the attention of your subject immediately. Often you will find that straightforwardness gets you a second chance that so seldom comes to the news photographer. If it is impossible to shoot another photograph at that particular moment, keep your eyes open and remain on the alert. Another opportunity may present itself, so be ready for it.