Photojournalism is a way of communicating news through the expressive language of photography. The resulting images are typically published in print editions of newspapers and magazines, as well as on online news portals and microblogs. A single photograph can be worth a thousand words and instantly enhance the story a journalist is trying to convey to an audience.
Photojournalism is very different from regular art photography. The only thing they have in common is the ability to handle a camera or a smartphone camera. However, the subjects and subsequent processing of the photos are completely different.
Take photojournalism from the world of casinos, for example. The atmosphere of gambling, the emotions of the players, the lights of the roulette wheel and the tense faces at the poker tables – all of this can be a great subject for photojournalism. Casinos are not only a place of entertainment, but also a stage where dramatic stories of success and failure unfold, which makes them an interesting subject for reporters’ lenses.
Photo processing in photojournalism
Let’s start with the simplest thing – processing. In artistic photography, anything that makes a photo more impressive and expressive is allowed and encouraged. Photographers actively use special programs for image processing, and now also services with artificial intelligence. You can change the color of a face in a portrait, draw a cloud in the sky, or turn day into night.
In photojournalism, serious processing is strictly prohibited. Only minimal adjustments are allowed – making the photo darker or lighter, adjusting the exposure (amount of light), but no more. This has both pros and cons. The downside is that the photo remains as the photographer captured it at the time of shooting. But the upside is that the reporter does not waste time on processing, and his work remains as reliable as possible. This article was written by Antonio Matias, founder of the CasinoReal.pt website dedicated to the casino industry and gambling.
Working in Photojournalism
A staff photographer is someone who works for a specific publication and who takes photographs as a full-time or part-time job. A freelance photographer, on the other hand, works for different publications, taking assignments for specific shoots or for a limited period. Freelancers usually have a list of clients for whom they work. The third most popular employers of photojournalists are news agencies such as the Associated Press or Reuters. Newspapers and other media often obtain information through subscriptions to such agencies, as they cannot always afford to send their own reporters to remote areas.
Photo essays from the world of casinos often become popular among journalists and publishers. Exciting moments of big wins, tense faces of players, luxury of gaming halls and glow of neon lights – all this creates a unique atmosphere that attracts readers and makes photos come alive. Photojournalists working in the gambling industry can cover not only the glamorous side of casinos, but also the hidden side of the industry, for example, the work of the staff or the daily life of regulars.
This trend began in German illustrated magazines in the 1930s and reached its peak in publications such as Picher Post and Life in the 1940s and 1950s. The main goal of such portraits is to attract the attention of readers. The authors of such works often have to take into account the wishes and even preferences of the art editor, who can give specific instructions on how to develop the theme. The shooting should take place in a familiar environment for the model.
Before you start working, it is recommended to choose the most unusual and attractive location for the shoot. Since the editor needs to have a choice, offer several options for the environment. For example, if you are photographing a writer, let him visit his office and then the place where the events of his novel unfold. It is absolutely necessary to avoid static poses. All shots should be lively and informal. There should not be too many details in the frame, and it is also not recommended to place the model in the center without good reason.
The casino industry also offers many interesting photo opportunities. Richly decorated rooms, flashing neon lights and the expressions of players experiencing both triumph and defeat make for great shots. A photographer working in this field must be able to convey an atmosphere of excitement and intrigue, paying attention not only to the players, but also to the dealers, waiters and other casino employees. Such images are especially in demand in advertising campaigns and news articles dedicated to gambling, for example, on sites reviewing online platforms, such as casinos minimum deposit 1 euro (casinos depósito mínimo 1 euro), where users can find the best offers for playing with a minimum deposit.
Where possible, attract the viewer’s attention with unusual details, unconventional angles and original techniques. A little humor is always welcome. However, be careful – too much caricature of a photo can show the hero in an unflattering light, which will negatively affect your future cooperation. If you are a professional photographer, it is important to remember that a portrait shoot should always correspond to the personality of the model, her character and even profession.
Top tips for photojournalism
Whether you are a freelance journalist or a staff photographer, never be without your camera.
You never know when a news event might happen, when an editor will send you on an assignment, or when you will have to take action. Be prepared to cover events outside your comfort zone. Even if you usually cover social events, be prepared to cover political events.
For editors selecting the right images, any image is better than no image. High-quality photos taken with a DSLR or mirrorless camera are ideal, but publishers never know what will resonate with their audience. “Just document the event so I know what’s going on,” says Marie. “No matter what technology you have, be there. Get the right photo. I don’t care if it’s a screen grab from a live feed—we want documentation.”
When you’re out on the road, keep your camera with you so you don’t miss out on the best photos in any scene. If you come across something newsworthy, you can quickly make adjustments to your camera settings.
Understand the lenses for your camera
Whether you use a prime lens or a telephoto lens, the more familiar you are with your camera lenses , the faster you will be able to decide how to get the best shot in any situation. A prime lens has a faster aperture speed, allowing you to shoot in low light, but you will have to move closer or further away from your subject to frame the shot. A 50mm lens is a reliable choice for wide shots and portraits. A zoom lens offers flexibility, but can be bulky and heavy compared to a prime lens.
When using a DSLR, remember to periodically calibrate the lens to ensure sharp autofocus by fine-tuning the focal point. A brand new camera lens should work perfectly, but over time you may notice a slight blurriness in your photos. If you are happy that you got the perfect shot, you may later find that a slight shift in the focal point was enough to ruin the photo.
Pay attention to camera settings
There are optimal settings for each situation. When shooting outdoors, when there is a lot of movement around, you will need a high shutter speed. You can start with 1/125 or 1/200 and see how it works. In good lighting, an aperture (f) value of 5 to 8 will put enough of the background in focus, and your subject will be inseparable from it. In low light, you may need to open the aperture to f/2.8.