Making Great Images

Improving as a Photographer

For some great photography tips, including special techniques for effective flash, fireworks, unique angles and more, check out Billy Calzada's "Shades and Shadows Photo Class"

If you are early in your career, or planning to go pro, few things are as useful as having a mentor.

Ethics

Photojournalism is nothing without ethics. Check out the NPPA Code of Ethics. For more detailed guidance, check out the DVD: Ethics in the Age of Digital Photography

Multimedia

Many see this as the future of photojournalism. I recommend checking out the NPPA Monthly Multimedia Contest, to see what other photographers are up to.

One of the best ways to grow, is to keep an eye on the cutting edge. See what the following top notch photo and multimedia staffs are doing.
  • MSNBC
  • Washington Post Camera Works
  • Dallas Morning News
  • Best of Photojournalism

    • The Right to Take Pictures

    Believe it or not, we have had many fights against all levels of government who want to limit photography rights. Despite thses attempts to change it, you (and every other member of the public) have a right to take pictures in a public place and from a public street. Some sources for more details on this matter include:

  • NPPA memorandum on Photographer's Rights in Public Places, and explanation of memo.
  • Burt Krages guide to Photographers Rights
  • MTA Photography Ban attempt
  • Sometimes it can be difficult to get proper access. Here is an open records letter generator to help you submit an FOI request.

    • Images with people

    If you are using a photo for advertising or commercial purposes, you need to make sure that the subject consents to having their photos in your ad.

    This is to prevent you from taking a picture of me at a picnic, and using it in an advertisement for foot fungus (implying that I am so afflicted).

    While not needed for editorial work and news photos, model releases are a good idea for many circumstances involving photo use, such as the one mentioned above. Even for news articles, if the subject of the story is sensitive, there are legal implications.

    You can be sued for using a photo that implies negative, incorrect information about someone, for example, a photo of someone sleeping on a bench, with a story about homelessness, if the person isn't really homeless, and was merely taking a nap on their lunch break. Once again, if you are in doubt, consult a lawyer.

    Download model releases here

    Organizations

    You can benefit by learning for other photographers' mistakes and successes. The best way to do this is by attending workshops, joining photo organizations and internet discussion groups and reading books.

  • National Press Photographers Association
  • American Society of Media Photographers
  • Editorial Photographers
  • Sportsshooter discusion board

    • Photo Jobs/ J-Jobs


  • JournalismJobs.com
  • NPPA Job Information Bank

    • Corporate Listings


  • McClatchy
  • Gannett
  • Tribune
  • Cox Newspapers
  • Scripps Howard
  • Belo
  • Freedom Communications
  • Landmark Communications
  • Media General
  • Lee Enterprises
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    Making a Living


    It's only a great job if you can make a living at it. For many photographers, this means going into business for themselves

    Understanding Copyright

     The first thing you need to understand is the basics of copyright law. To put it simply, the creator or photogapher owns the copyright to a picture the moment they take it. If that person is an employee (see left), performing their duty as a photographer, than the company they work for owns the copyright (the company is considered the creator). A freelancer or contractor is not considered an employee under US law.

    The best resource for understanding copyright and how it works is to go to the source, the US copyright office, which has a very simple explanation on their website, www.copyright.gov.

    Licensing Not Selling

    While it may seem like a matter of Semantics, if you talk about selling your pictures, the buyers will think they own them. As mentioned above, you own your pictures as a self-employed photographer. By using the term "licensing" there will be less confusion.

    Tools

    Publications

    "Best Business Practices for Photographers," at left, is a guide to running a photo business, and "Photographer's Market" is like a phone book of potential clients with tips about them.

     

    Software

    My first stop for shopping for equipment, software and books is the NPPA Store. Not only are the prices competitive, but proceeds support this great organization which helps photographers through it's many different programs and advocacy efforts.

  • FotoQuote- These folks surveyed professional photographers prices, and provide average rates for nearly every use.
  • Page Spinner- I designed my website using this helpful software.
  • Photo Rescue- Helps rescue pictures from corrupt or deleted cards.
  • Photo Mechanic- The best photo editing software on the market.
  • Photoshop is available at big discount for members through NPPA (you have to log in for discount).
  • If you aren't a member, Amazon.com has Photoshop for slightly more than NPPA, but still cheaper than retail.
  • Transmit is a great program for ftp'ing your files to your client, or uploading your website.
  • Soundslides is a multimedia software program designed for journalists.
  • Don't forget you'll need to back-up all of those pictures. I use Toast.

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