Photo Journalism
for 4th and 5th Grade Jr. Press
Corps
by Susan Michal, Media Teacher
Director, Jr. Press Corps
Photo journalism is an important part of our American culture. It is a way to capture in words and pictures life around us. I wanted to inspire my students to explore photography and put into words their feelings about their captured moments. Students were introduced to the work of a variety of photo journalists such as Gordon Parks, Ansel Adams, and Dorothea Lange. They were able to see and discuss how these artists/writers seized moments in time upon which they later reflected in their words.
Dear Jr. Press Corps Reporters,
It is now time to begin the photo assignment that we have
discussed in class. You will have an opportunity to borrow
one of the school cameras or use your own camera, if you
prefer, to photograph the following topics. You will take
photographs for each topic and once developed and printed,
you will write your reflecions.
Arrange objects in a pleasing composition or take an interesting view of an object(s) as it appears naturally. Objects might include toys, flowers in a vase, plants, shoes, books, statues, and pottery.
This would be a photograph of a person, pet, or any animal. Pay attention to the lighting. If the light from a window or doorway is behind the person or pet, it will cause a problem. The person or animal will appear as a silhouette. This means you will not see the defined features of the person or animal being photographed.
This would be a wide or medium shot of a landscape or waterscape. This would include a wide shot of nature such as a park setting or a lake/pond setting including flowers, trees, shrubs, and other man-made and natural objects.
Have you ever noticed that some of the people or animals in your photos appear to have red eyes? This happens because the flash of your camera and lens of your camera are too close together. To overcome this problem, have your subject face a source of light such as a lamp or window with daylight to shrink the size of the pupils of the subject's eyes thereby reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina.
When different people are using the same camera, it is very important that the photographers keep accurate records of the photos they have taken. This is important to do because it will make it easier tfor them to identify their photos, especially if the photos are similar. This can be done by using a photo log. The photo log includudes the following information:
- Number of Photo in Sequence
- Name of Photographer
- Subject/Activity
- Date taken
- Lighting Conditions
- Extra Notes
A successful photo journalist makes careful decisions about the composition of each photo. Once the photos are taken, the photo journalist thinks about the picture, its subjects or composition, and the activity taking place. It is important to sit down and write up each photo while the memory is fresh in your mind. Do not rely on your memory. You must commit your time to developing and writing your description. The writing is just as important as the photograph.
Remember to follow the sign up list when
borrowing the cameras. There are others waiting to use these
cameras and it is important that you return the cameras in
excellent condition on time. Cameras should be picked up
before the end of the school day from the TV Studio
Classroom. If I am not going to be in the classroom, I will
hand deliver it to you.
I am so pleased to have you participate as a photo journalist in the Forest Knolls Jr. Press Corps. I know that this journalism experience will improve your photography and writing skills. Mr. Lopes, our wonderful volunteer, and I are available to assist you if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing your talents develop and strengthen.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Susan Michal
Director of Jr. Press Corps
