family being displaced by the construction of a dam, integrate the dam into a
portrait of the family. Consider lateral layering, as well, positioning elements
across the frame so that the image reads coherently. It’s important, too, to pay
attention to the edges of your frames; use your peripheral vision. Processing
multiple levels of information at once is one of the critical abilities needed
by photographers. When you’re making photographs, think of yourself as
an animal on the hunt, using all your senses to be aware of everything that’s
going on around you so that you’re ready when the right moment strikes.
Another essential element in the language of photography is lighting. Try
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working with silhouettes. Imagine forms in the foreground of a photograph
that might help tell the story or be visually interesting; set your subject
in silhouette against an interesting backdrop. But be aware of the need to
balance exposure and capture detail when you do a silhouette. You might
also try using shadows to infer something about your story without actually
showing it. Sometimes in photography, your goal should be to raise questions
without necessarily providing answers.
Advocacy Journalism
Advocacy journalism is a relatively new development in visual storytelling,
bringing together the twin commitments to tell stories and effect change.
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development. For many photographers, this advocacy work is not about
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victims and those in need.
The elements of good photography are as important in advocacy journalism
as elsewhere. In considering composition, for example, place your subjects
in the frame to enhance the drama and impact of your photographs. Use
shadows as a compositional element or smoke to set a mood. Try shooting
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point. Look for unexpected qualities or elements that you can include in a
frame, not only to tell the story but also to make your image more dynamic.