Picture Story Idea Check List

            1) Is the story significant or unique?

2) Has the story already been covered by your publication or the competition?

            3) Is the story coverable with the resources available?

            4) Will the scope of the story fit publication space?

            5) Is the story overtly visual?

            6) Will the subject cooperate?

            7)Is the story a one time event or a continuing one?

 

Shooting Script

            a. Long shot, establishing shot É sets the scene

            b. Medium shot, moves in on the action

            c. Close-up reveals detail and emotion

d. Lead Photo – the key photo, the grabber sums up story and drags the reader in. This photo should intrigue the viewer, attracting intellectual and emotional interest to the story and introduce the viewer immediately and succinctly to the theme and major elements of the story.

e. Portrait shows the key personality

f. Interaction shows how the individuals relate to each other

g. A sequence shows a progression through time

h. The Detail shot – adds flavor

i. Closer ends the story

 

Editing Check List

1. Are the images compelling visually?

2. Information – do the photos tell the story?

3. Impact – will the photo grab the reader?

4. Focal Point  is the primary message of the photo clear and easy to see?

5. Action – is something happening, or is the image static?

6. Background – is it a distraction? Will there be tone mergers between subject and background?

7. Framing – Can it be cropped without too much image destroying magnification?

8. Composition and design – does the image use its graphic elements well? Is it visually efficient?

9. Shadows and highlights. Will important details in these areas reproduce in print?

10. Sharpness É is the foto in focus.

11. Ethics and decency. Does the photo meet the standards of the NPPA and/or your publication?

12. Verticals and Horizontals É. Do both exist?

13. Lens choices É is there visual variety based on lens focal length?

14. Lighting É Is the lighting visually compelling and appropriate for the subject?

15. On the printed page we also consider variety of sizes.