4 Tips for Photojournalists

Photography is not just the art of taking a pretty picture, nor is it tapping your iPhone to that perfect selfie. It's a way to tell a story, to speak truth to everyone without worrying about language barriers. More importantly Photojournalism illustrates this ability of photography, as not just a pretty picture or a way to get "likes", but a way to tell a story.



So what makes an effective photo? What takes a picture to a photograph, and to a journey? Here are four ways to make a photo successful both visually and honestly.

1. Edit, Edit, Edit! And no this does not mean "filter, filter, filter!" This means taking your time to look at light balance, contrast and sizing. It means cropping out that photo-bomber and that annoying jogging woman that just so happen to run by when you got just the right angle. 
   
2. Light. It will be both your best friend and your worst enemy. Lighting can dramatically change your photo. It's like when you are at the bar and someone looks great in dim lighting then BAM! it's last call and you realize you've been talking to Ronald McDonald all night. Point is, use lighting to your advantage, it's amazing what the right lighting can do to a photo. 
   
3. Focal Points. The rule of thirds is probably the easiest way to remember this. So that cool filter on your iPhone app is not just a cool filter, it's actually a way to improve your photo. Focal points are at the cross sections of the lines and it is where an individuals eye are most drawn. 
   
4. Be Ethical. A big part about being a Photojournalist is being ethical. Remember, a picture can say a thousand words and you want those words to be truth. When cropping your photo do not leave out the "why" of the event and do not mis-caption your photo. Truth triumphs "likes".