5 6

BE READY TO ADAPT

Having stressed the importance of a

shot list, you also need to expect and

be ready for the unexpected. Often the

most compelling photographs can arise

from serendipitous moments that oc-

cur around the periphery of your main

subject. It’s best to be ready the whole

time whilst working on a photographic

essay, as often an image can arise when

your subject is just arriving or packing

up. Other times, you may stumble across a scene that

fits perfectly in your photographic essay and it works

much better than you could have imagined.

ADD A TWIST OF DIVERSITY

TO LIGHTING

The ultimate aim of the photographic

essay is to have a set of images that tell

different aspects of the story, but visu-

ally work together around a central

narrative. Different photographic tech-

niques can also be used to demonstrate

diversity around your photographic es-

say and of particular importance is to

try and use light in a variety of ways.

If shooting outside, the most beautiful natural

light comes from the early morning or late after-

noon, so planning an outside shoot to make the most

of this is important. However, it ’s an advantage to get

to know the light at your planned location and it’s

good to have an idea where and when the sun will

rise and set , and if there are any potential obstacles

(such as mountains or buildings) that may shade the

light at certain times prior to the shoot.

Fill lighting with f lash is also a useful technique to

add depth to your images and draw the audience di-

rectly to your intended subject. Getting the f lash off

the camera and placing it to the side is another way to

add another dimension to you photographs.

ABOVE: This loggerhead turtle is being prepared for release into the

wild after rehabilitation. By only showing the shadows

of the carers, the image hints at the human impact of the story

without actually showing a person. Nikon D800E, 28-300mm f/3.5-

5.6 lens. 1/400s @ f6.3, ISO 100.

OPPOSITE: To help protect turtle nests, local authorities place

signage to ensure they are not disturbed. Timing an image so that a

beach goer was in the scene helped provide further context. Nikon

D800E, 24mm f/1.8 lens. 1/500s @ f9, ISO 500.

PHOTO TIPS: STORY IMAGES