The Photo Story

1. The Photo Story A photo story is a series of photos which tell a story -Not so different from ordinary photojournalism! Much more prominent now with digital media -multiple photos, galleries, slideshows, other multimedia Defining attributes of most photo stories: -Progressive story -Long-term coverage -Consistent theme among photos

2. Set of photos: CSUA Hackathon

3. Photo story: CSUA Hackathon

4. Photo Story Subjects Event stories: shows the progression of an event -can include more than the event itself: planning, setup, cleanup, aftermath Profile stories: shows progression of a person/group through time -focus on some aspect that makes the person/group unique, interesting Trend stories: shows societal trends -most effective on current topics -can also show an aspect of society that the public doesn’t think of -doesn’t necessarily show progression, but images carry common theme -can be presented as a profile or event story, representative of the trend

5. Event Stories Event story example: Prison Beauty Pageant http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR2BIG5#a=1 Document entire progression of event -The event itself is the spectacle that everyone sees -Planning, setup can show more about the event organizers -Conclusion photos show the effects of the event

6. Trend Stories Trend story example: Chinese Migrant Workers http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTXB71O#a=1 Lining up for Dalai Lama Tickets http://www.dailycal.org/mediabox.php?id=283&type=slideshow Interesting, unusual trends – breaks from ordinary public perception Often a recent development, or related to recent events

7. Trend Stories Trend story example (unknown aspect of society): Soldiers’ Recreation http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR2BEHS#a=13 Cal Football Fans http://www.dailycal.org/mediabox.php?id=245&type=slideshow Interesting, unusual aspects of well-known subjects -Probe into more nuanced facets -Show something the public already knows, just with visual detail Often not as compelling as other topics

8. Trend Stories Trend story example (presented as representative profile): Battlefield Priest http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1970495,00.html Mrs. Munchies Late Night Food Delivery http://www.dailycal.org/mediabox.php?id=238&type=slideshow Cosplay http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1969839_2084029,00.html Like other trend stories, but profiles a person or group Creates a stronger narrative, more consistency -especially if trend is process driven

9. Profile Stories Profile story example: Blind Boxer http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR2BGKV#a=1 Two common types: general profile and event-based profile General profiles simply focus on the subjects’ life in general -What makes them unique? -How are they also common? Event-based profiles chronicle the subjects’ life through an event -Like event stories, follow the progression from beginning to end

10. Photo Story Captions Captions are critical for photo stories There is no article to provide the in-depth detail – captions must do so Strong emphasis on the Why?

11. Photo Story Assignment • End of semester photo story project: due Week 14 (2010 May 4) • Produce a photo story documenting an event, trend, or person/group • For next week: come up with a photo story idea (or a few potential ones) • Some suggestions: • Student groups, people you know with interesting aspects • Trends you notice that aren’t well-known/publicized • Large upcoming events • Often ties in with profiles of organizers, participants • Previous subjects (all fair game): • Archery Decal (interesting classes) • Performances and the groups in them (ballet, theatre troupe, etc.) • ROTC students • Study habits during midterms/finals