Working with the News Media

Information Sheet #4
Prepared 4/96

Using Photographs to Promote Disability Issues & Public Awareness

What Do the Media Want?
Shooting for the News Media
Photo Releases
Preparing Photos for Publication
Get Close & Personal
Checklist

"Look At Me! LOOK AT ME!" A good photograph almost screams for attention. When used by the media, it can arouse curiosity, make a point, introduce new concepts, provoke an emotional reaction or entice readers into a story. Photographs also help people relate to each other and unfamiliar circumstances. The news media know the power of photographs and use them prominently to attract attention and support stories. This is important for people with disabilities, because photos can break stereotypes by showing people as involved, contributing members of the community. Good photos can also improve the placement of disability stories and increase their readership.

We are taking a little different approach in this fact sheet since most large newspapers usually take their own photographs. You can, however, let them know about opportunities to take photos – both special events and routine activities – and show them pictures you have taken to give them ideas. Smaller newspapers, magazines, newsletters and groups/organizations – which do not have full-time photographers on staff – truly appreciate it when people provide photos. You can also get photos you take printed in a variety of informational materials the public sees such as newsletters, brochures, annual reports, posters and exhibits/displays.

Your day-to-day contact with people with disabilities, including normal routines and circumstances as well as special events and accomplishments, offers endless opportunities for photos that can demonstrate inclusion and increase public awareness. No matter what kind of camera you have, most people can take photographs that are publishable. The keys to success are learning what the media want, trying lots of different ideas and perspectives, and being very selective in what you include in each picture.

What Do the Media Want?

Generally speaking, the news media want black and white, human-interest photos that: 1) are carefully composed to focus attention on key elements, while minimizing distractions; 2) are technically correct (in focus with good details and lighting, etc.); and 3) serve a desired purpose. The media prefer action photos of people doing things to more formal or highly posed pictures, and they are always looking for new approaches to traditional shots. They like to have a variety of photos to pick from, including verticals, horizontals, close-ups, overviews, and different poses and expressions.

You can get a good idea of the type of photos the media want by looking at what they publish, but try to come up with original poses rather than duplicating what you've seen. Another key is to capture people's expressions on film so that viewers get a feeling for the subject's personality and/or emotions, even if you are just submitting a snapshot to go with an editorial. Close-ups are usually preferable because they focus attention on what's important while capturing people's expressions. Long-range photos, however, give a feeling for the setting which can be important in promoting inclusion. So it's good to provide both. Taking a variety of pictures also allows you to send different photos to competing publications and have a good selection of pictures for future uses too. This also increases the likelihood an editor will use more than one photo.

Shooting for the News Media

Successful photography begins with selective vision. While it's nice to have a 35 mm camera, especially if you can change lenses and use selective focus, it's not essential. The main thing is to know the limitations of your camera – like how far the flash will go – and work within them.

Experiment with a variety of ideas and perspectives, while being very selective in what you include. This may mean standing on a chair, sitting on the floor or simply moving forward, backward or to the side. Changing perspectives can also eliminate distracting objects in the foreground or background, or you may need to move something. Keep the background as simple as possible unless it adds to the message, such as "this person works in a regular job or lives in her own home."

Most of the time, the media want black and white photos, so that's the kind of film you should use to get the best results. Select a film with an ASA of 400 to get a good combination of flexibility and picture quality. If you have a great photo, but alas, it's in color, don't despair. Color pictures can be converted to black and white; however, they will lose some details.

Photo Releases

Photo releases are used to document that a person being photographed has given consent to the use of the image. While you are not always required to have photo releases on people portrayed in the news media (based on various factors such as whether it's taken at a public event or considered newsworthy, etc.), it's always a good idea to obtain one to protect yourself from an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit. Releases are especially important if you photograph a minor. Obtain a separate release for each person. It can be fairly complex or as simple as:

I do hereby grant to (your name) and those acting those acting under his/her permission or authority the right to use and publish photographs of [me/ (person's name) ] for educational purposes. I [as parent or legal guardian of the above] do hereby release the photographer, his/her heirs, legal representatives and assigns from any liability resulting from or connected with the publication or educational use of such photographs.

Signature Date

Preparing Photos for Publication

A checklist is attached which can help you evaluate your photos. Look at both the subject matter and the overall quality of each one. Have the pictures you select made into glossy prints which are at least 5" x 7". Tell the photo lab if you want pictures printed full frame so they include the entire negative (standard enlargements don't). Also consider if a machine print is OK or if you need a custom (more expensive) print. Custom printing can be used to print a portion of the negative or to lighten areas that are too dark or darken light areas to bring out details. Prints need to have a wide range of shades from black to white as well as good contrast (tonal separation between objects) because some details will be lost in publication.

The last step is to tape a brief but complete caption to the back of each photo that identifies people in the picture and explains what is shown. Be sure names are spelled correctly and include photo releases. Add a credit line (Photo by...), if desired. Keep a file copy of photos, captions and release forms.

Get Close & Personal

To increase the impact of your photos and eliminate distractions, get close and personal. Try to capture people being themselves. If necessary, take a posed shot. Ask people to move close together and to react to each other or something of common interest, rather than just staring at the camera. Keep in mind that the more people in a photograph, the less personal it is; four or less usually works best. But be careful not to isolate people. Having more people or ordinary objects in the background can stress inclusion. Emphasize people, emotions and action.

Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5432 voice; 1-800-262-0334.

Checklist on Creating Photographs for the News Media

This checklist can be used in composing and evaluating photographs to help you select the best ones for submission to the media. Another option is to show the media a contact sheet (which contains a whole roll of images, each the size of its negative) or a large selection of prints and let them choose which ones to enlarge. (This is especially good if you are unsure what they will like or you have a wide variety of photos.) When you are selecting a few pictures to submit, look at the each photo's subject/content, overall quality and appeal. Ask yourself if each photograph:
Attracts attention and invites viewers/readers to learn more.
Accentuates what's important and conveys the desired message(s).
Emphasizes people's capabilities, dignity and inclusion.
Supports a written story or story idea.
Includes action or has an emotional appeal.
Offers the media a variety of choices, including both subject matter and formatting (verticals, horizontals, close-ups, overviews, different angles, etc.).
Avoids overused images such as people shaking hands, rows of people at a meeting, awards presentations and speakers at a podium. Instead look for more personal shots such as a person doing what earned an award.
Shows people interacting, close together, with good expressions.
Limits the number of people to four or less to increase personal reaction, unless showing a larger number reinforces the message (like showing inclusion). Limiting the people also decreases the chances someone will blink or have an unflattering expression.
Has release forms for people portrayed.
Is in focus, with all important parts sharp.
Has adequate lighting:
- Try to avoid scenes that contain deep shadows.
- If you are using flash, are there any shiny surfaces that reflect light?
- If you use flash, consider where the shadows will fall; don't have a wall right behind people.
Contains a full range of tones/grays, from dark to light.
Has strong details throughout, including the shadows and highlights.
- One test to see if details will hold up during publication is to make a photocopy of the photograph. If you get even a halfway decent copy, it should reproduce OK since photocopies typically lose a lot more details.
Has good contrast (tonal separation between objects).
- For example, don't put people with dark hair on a dark background.
- Sometimes photo labs can enhance contrast by using a filter or different paper.
Has a background that is neutral or complements/adds to the desired message.
Avoids unnecessary distractions or distortion.
Is free of scratches, spots and other flaws.

Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5415 voice;1-800-262-0334 toll-free in Texas.

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Resources/Overview FYI Newsletter Annual Reports Biennial Reports Videos Acronyms People First Language College Resources Working with the News Media Introduction & Resources Letter to the Editor Interview Preparation Using Photos Conveying Desired Values, Attitudes & Perspectives Preparing News Releases Hurricane & Disaster Resources Links Internet Resources Grantee Products State Plan Join Mailing List Order Form	Working with the News Media Information Sheet #4 Prepared 4/96 Using Photographs to Promote Disability Issues & Public Awareness What Do the Media Want? Shooting for the News Media Photo Releases Preparing Photos for Publication Get Close & Personal Checklist "Look At Me! LOOK AT ME!" A good photograph almost screams for attention. When used by the media, it can arouse curiosity, make a point, introduce new concepts, provoke an emotional reaction or entice readers into a story. Photographs also help people relate to each other and unfamiliar circumstances. The news media know the power of photographs and use them prominently to attract attention and support stories. This is important for people with disabilities, because photos can break stereotypes by showing people as involved, contributing members of the community. Good photos can also improve the placement of disability stories and increase their readership. We are taking a little different approach in this fact sheet since most large newspapers usually take their own photographs. You can, however, let them know about opportunities to take photos – both special events and routine activities – and show them pictures you have taken to give them ideas. Smaller newspapers, magazines, newsletters and groups/organizations – which do not have full-time photographers on staff – truly appreciate it when people provide photos. You can also get photos you take printed in a variety of informational materials the public sees such as newsletters, brochures, annual reports, posters and exhibits/displays. Your day-to-day contact with people with disabilities, including normal routines and circumstances as well as special events and accomplishments, offers endless opportunities for photos that can demonstrate inclusion and increase public awareness. No matter what kind of camera you have, most people can take photographs that are publishable. The keys to success are learning what the media want, trying lots of different ideas and perspectives, and being very selective in what you include in each picture. What Do the Media Want? Generally speaking, the news media want black and white, human-interest photos that: 1) are carefully composed to focus attention on key elements, while minimizing distractions; 2) are technically correct (in focus with good details and lighting, etc.); and 3) serve a desired purpose. The media prefer action photos of people doing things to more formal or highly posed pictures, and they are always looking for new approaches to traditional shots. They like to have a variety of photos to pick from, including verticals, horizontals, close-ups, overviews, and different poses and expressions. You can get a good idea of the type of photos the media want by looking at what they publish, but try to come up with original poses rather than duplicating what you've seen. Another key is to capture people's expressions on film so that viewers get a feeling for the subject's personality and/or emotions, even if you are just submitting a snapshot to go with an editorial. Close-ups are usually preferable because they focus attention on what's important while capturing people's expressions. Long-range photos, however, give a feeling for the setting which can be important in promoting inclusion. So it's good to provide both. Taking a variety of pictures also allows you to send different photos to competing publications and have a good selection of pictures for future uses too. This also increases the likelihood an editor will use more than one photo. Shooting for the News Media Successful photography begins with selective vision. While it's nice to have a 35 mm camera, especially if you can change lenses and use selective focus, it's not essential. The main thing is to know the limitations of your camera – like how far the flash will go – and work within them. Experiment with a variety of ideas and perspectives, while being very selective in what you include. This may mean standing on a chair, sitting on the floor or simply moving forward, backward or to the side. Changing perspectives can also eliminate distracting objects in the foreground or background, or you may need to move something. Keep the background as simple as possible unless it adds to the message, such as "this person works in a regular job or lives in her own home." Most of the time, the media want black and white photos, so that's the kind of film you should use to get the best results. Select a film with an ASA of 400 to get a good combination of flexibility and picture quality. If you have a great photo, but alas, it's in color, don't despair. Color pictures can be converted to black and white; however, they will lose some details. Photo Releases Photo releases are used to document that a person being photographed has given consent to the use of the image. While you are not always required to have photo releases on people portrayed in the news media (based on various factors such as whether it's taken at a public event or considered newsworthy, etc.), it's always a good idea to obtain one to protect yourself from an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit. Releases are especially important if you photograph a minor. Obtain a separate release for each person. It can be fairly complex or as simple as: I do hereby grant to (your name) and those acting those acting under his/her permission or authority the right to use and publish photographs of [me/ (person's name) ] for educational purposes. I [as parent or legal guardian of the above] do hereby release the photographer, his/her heirs, legal representatives and assigns from any liability resulting from or connected with the publication or educational use of such photographs. Signature Date Preparing Photos for Publication A checklist is attached which can help you evaluate your photos. Look at both the subject matter and the overall quality of each one. Have the pictures you select made into glossy prints which are at least 5" x 7". Tell the photo lab if you want pictures printed full frame so they include the entire negative (standard enlargements don't). Also consider if a machine print is OK or if you need a custom (more expensive) print. Custom printing can be used to print a portion of the negative or to lighten areas that are too dark or darken light areas to bring out details. Prints need to have a wide range of shades from black to white as well as good contrast (tonal separation between objects) because some details will be lost in publication. The last step is to tape a brief but complete caption to the back of each photo that identifies people in the picture and explains what is shown. Be sure names are spelled correctly and include photo releases. Add a credit line (Photo by...), if desired. Keep a file copy of photos, captions and release forms. Get Close & Personal To increase the impact of your photos and eliminate distractions, get close and personal. Try to capture people being themselves. If necessary, take a posed shot. Ask people to move close together and to react to each other or something of common interest, rather than just staring at the camera. Keep in mind that the more people in a photograph, the less personal it is; four or less usually works best. But be careful not to isolate people. Having more people or ordinary objects in the background can stress inclusion. Emphasize people, emotions and action. Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5432 voice; 1-800-262-0334. Checklist on Creating Photographs for the News Media This checklist can be used in composing and evaluating photographs to help you select the best ones for submission to the media. Another option is to show the media a contact sheet (which contains a whole roll of images, each the size of its negative) or a large selection of prints and let them choose which ones to enlarge. (This is especially good if you are unsure what they will like or you have a wide variety of photos.) When you are selecting a few pictures to submit, look at the each photo's subject/content, overall quality and appeal. Ask yourself if each photograph: Attracts attention and invites viewers/readers to learn more. Accentuates what's important and conveys the desired message(s). Emphasizes people's capabilities, dignity and inclusion. Supports a written story or story idea. Includes action or has an emotional appeal. Offers the media a variety of choices, including both subject matter and formatting (verticals, horizontals, close-ups, overviews, different angles, etc.). Avoids overused images such as people shaking hands, rows of people at a meeting, awards presentations and speakers at a podium. Instead look for more personal shots such as a person doing what earned an award. Shows people interacting, close together, with good expressions. Limits the number of people to four or less to increase personal reaction, unless showing a larger number reinforces the message (like showing inclusion). Limiting the people also decreases the chances someone will blink or have an unflattering expression. Has release forms for people portrayed. Is in focus, with all important parts sharp. Has adequate lighting: Try to avoid scenes that contain deep shadows. If you are using flash, are there any shiny surfaces that reflect light? If you use flash, consider where the shadows will fall; don't have a wall right behind people. Contains a full range of tones/grays, from dark to light. Has strong details throughout, including the shadows and highlights. One test to see if details will hold up during publication is to make a photocopy of the photograph. If you get even a halfway decent copy, it should reproduce OK since photocopies typically lose a lot more details. Has good contrast (tonal separation between objects). For example, don't put people with dark hair on a dark background. Sometimes photo labs can enhance contrast by using a filter or different paper. Has a background that is neutral or complements/adds to the desired message. Avoids unnecessary distractions or distortion. Is free of scratches, spots and other flaws. Prepared by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 E. Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741; 512-437-5415 voice;1-800-262-0334 toll-free in Texas.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, TX 78741-7509 Phone: (512) 437-5432 Toll-Free: 1-800-262-0334 Accessibility \| Site Policies Copyright 2005-2012 - Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Links from TCDD to other Internet sites are provided as a convenience for informational purposes. No official endorsement should be inferred.