You get what you plan for. Tell stories visually by having a photo plan in place. To get started, page editors and photographers meet to discuss coverage possibilities, specific angles, secondary coverage and page design.
1. Wall Calendar. Dedicate a large wall calendar to photo assignments. Include the following:
- Activity/Event/Class/Sport
- Page editor(s)
- Photographers (designate zones and before, during and after coverage)
- Beginning/end times of the activity/event/class
- Location(s)
2. Camera Settings. Review camera settings for photo shoot. First, consider the quality of light at the event. Whenever possible, use available light. Discuss shutter speeds needed to freeze action. (See our sports camera settings cheat sheet you can add to the bottom of cameras.) Finally, remind photographers to white balance before starting. Have camera preset for the lighting conditions. Before going to an outdoor event, check the weather.
3. Research. Map the location you are shooting and assign photographers to zones. By knowing your subject you can anticipate where and when a decisive moment may occur. As a result, you can focus on an area where the action is headed. Decide what people will be covered to photograph everyone present: stars, audience, spectators, support personnel, etc. Not all the action is up front. Observe people interacting with each other and capture a range of emotional responses.
This two-sided poster provides helpful information for where to stand for sporting events, settings to use and what lenses work best. Ask your representative for ordering information.
4. Timing. Go early and stay late to show the entire activity. Consider covering tryouts, practices, preparations, as well as clean-ups, tear-downs, post-activity recognition, etc. Cover what is behind the scenes. This will result in before/during/after coverage.
5. Equipment. Clean lenses and charge batteries (or pack extra batteries). Check memory cards to make sure you have enough space and think about accessories you may need to cover the assignment. Before you leave for the shoot, run a quick test to make sure the camera works and the memory card functions.
Camera technology is changing. As a result, it is important for photographers to thoroughly read camera manuals in order to get the best shots possible.
This Photo Planning worksheet will help editors and photographers get the picture.
