Picture-Taking 101

By Zach Wade

LaBelle's article is an incredibly comprehensive guide to shooting photos. He guides the reader with the expertise of a seasoned photographer. I appreciate the tips such as keeping enough gas in the car and keeping extra cash. LaBelle probably learned these things from countless trial and error.

I can identify with LaBelle's description of the reluctant student photographer who feels sightly aimless (no pun intended).  Photography is very different from other areas of journalism because it requires a more passive stance than the classic aggressive reporter. I am personally used to having a lot of control over sources, language and they general way I craft a story. Photographs tell a story, but the photographer must wait for it and demonstrate active patience. I think it will be challenging for me to tell a story with photos because I have very little autonomy in terms of how I can craft it. This is not to say I skew news stories when I write them, but photos are very exacting and objective pieces of work. I feel like I will have to focus on the angle and the lighting and the presentation of the photo rather than the discretion I exercise with traditional story-telling. 

There are some very good photos in LaBelle's essay, and I think those examples help more to direct the photographer than even his words. It makes clear that human emotions and faces are very important, and most fill the frame completely. I found this article particularly useful and I feel a little better about taking on the world with a camera and notebook now!