The 5 Types of Photos to Cover a Story
As a photographer, it’s always important to focus on lighting, composition, and camera settings. But what happens when you show up to an event and don’t know where to start? How do you catch a viewer's attention and convey emotions through a few frames?
If you are trying to tell a story through a series of photos, there are certain ways a photographer can show all of the elements of what happened.
1. Wide Shot
Get a wide shot of the environment. This photo can show who was there, what was happening, and where the story took place.
Dr. Elvis Francois answers audience questions during the first evening of the Sedona International Film Festival at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, Feb. 19, 2022.
2. Medium Shot
A medium shot shows less of the overall scene than a wide shot, but you can still get creative angles. Shoot from high up or get low to the ground. Shoot from the side and use a shallow depth of field to add depth.
An NAU student uses a bucket to build a snowman in Central Quad, Feb. 23, 2022.
3. Detail Shot
Adding a detail shot can add to the deeper meaning of the story you’re trying to tell. This also adds variety to the series of photos.
Photos of lost loved ones are placed on ofrendas along with food, marigolds, and other symbolic offerings at the Museum of Northern Arizona during the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente for Day of the Dead, Oct. 23, 2022.
4. Portrait
Getting a portrait can connect the viewer to who is in your story. Including a portrait is a great way to capture emotion as well. Include small details in the frame that add to the story and tell the viewer who this person is.
Surfaces guitarist and vocalist Colin Padalecki performs at the Prochnow Auditorium, March 25, 2022.
5. Action Shot
This is one of the most important types of photos to capture because it shows what is happening in the story. This includes movement and emotion, so it can be a strong piece of the storytelling.
Dr. Tracye Moore dances with students at the end of BSU's fifth annual Black Renaissance in the du Bois ballroom, Feb. 26, 2022.
Getting a variety of images like this for your series of images offers different perspectives of the story. The combination of these perspectives creates a well-rounded story and allows the viewer to see the many elements at play.
