At a time when everyone has a camera in their pocket, photojournalism still has its principles — and they have nothing to do with selfies, filters, poses or landscapes. So let's introduce you to a different way of thinking and talk about what makes a good news photo.
In This Lesson
What Makes a Good Photo
- The human element
- Unique perspective
- Action
- Skillful composition
- The graduation example
- The sports example
- The restaurant
- The winter storm
- The record store
[Click here to view and use the "What Makes a Good Photo" presentation]
Activity
Get to Know a Photographer
As a longer term project, ask your students (individually or in pairs) to prepare a report on a professional photojournalist of their choosing that the teacher should approve. Avoid multiple student projects on the same photographers. Students should create visual presentations to give in front of the class on the day the projects are due. Students should research the photographer's background, including the style of photography they're known for, their significant contributions to journalism, awards they received, etc. They should display some of the photographer's work and be prepared to discuss its significance and merit, specifically as it relates to what makes a good news photo.