The Fall Great Shot Contest is back

As the temperatures turn cooler and the leaves change, we’ve slowly settled into the school rhythm. Hopefully, your photographers have settled into a rhythm too, capturing images in and outside of the classroom. We’d love to see their photos entered in our Fall Great Shot Contest.

As part of our semi-annual tradition, we’re featuring two categories again this year. The new choices are “Academic Activities” and “Sports: Off the Field.” We’re looking for great academic photos and images beyond the game. Here are some tips for both categories:

Take overall, medium & detail shots

This strategy provides great storytelling opportunities with photography. An overall shot, often photographing with a wide-angle lens up high, gives an encompassing view. This allows the reader to see the whole story about what’s happening. A medium shot, usually at 28-70mm, provides a focus on the activity happening with only one or a few students included. A detail shot is an extreme close-up, giving a micro view and unexpected level of detail.

Overall, medium and detail shots provide a look at the 2018 Intensity workshop. The first photo, with a wide angle, sets the scene of staffs working on their designs. The center photo, the medium shot, provides a closer look at one aspect of the workshop—an instructor providing feedback. The final image, the detail shot, gives a close up of sample yearbooks given out. Photos by Kel Lemons

Change your frame of reference

Too often photos are taking from the photographer’s standing height. But a new perspective can change everything. Try crouching down or laying on the floor for a worm’s-eye view. Stand up on a chair or table to capture a bird’s-eye view. Come in closer for an eye-to-eye view with the subject for a more intimate picture.

Use composition techniques

Utilizing elements of composition can create compelling photographs. The rule of thirds places the subject off-center, creating a more appealing composure. Framing and leading lines direct the viewer’s eye to the central focus. Lighting, color and motion can alter the mood and feel of an image. 

The repetition of athletes and their hands bring the eye toward the athlete in this photo from Airline High School’s 2018 book. Photo by Makayla Terrell

Edit afterwards

A little bit of editing goes a long way to the final visual. Making color corrections and adding contrast and/or brightness will make a flat image pop. Remove dead space or distracting elements by cropping the image. A tighter crop can bring emphasis to the subject and create a more compelling photo. Resize the image so it’s large enough quality for your publication’s needs, but not taking up too much server space.

The Great Shot Photo contest runs from now through Nov. 9. Photographers, including advisers, can enter up to three photos a day. We’ll select three high school winners, two K-8^th grade winners and a People’s Choice award.

To enter, photographers can submit photos at our website or on Facebook. To vote in the People’s Choice category, please visit the Facebook site. Good luck and we can’t wait to see your great shots.