New Photog Shortcomings

[teach]

Hello! I am a former chief who is now teaching television production. I was hoping to start a tread on some of the shortcomings you see from new photogs. I am challenged with teaching them the basics in the short time they are in my class, but I would like to know if there is anything that you see consistently that new photogs are bad at. My hope is that I can use this information in structuring my classes.

Thanks!

[TXPhotog]

Now I'm not a chief but in my first market:
-White balancing and pre-focusing were to the 2 most commonly forgotten things to do.
-Also don't do pans and zooms until you can do them smoothly. Practice on these out in the field but just don't edit them in.
-Think sequences, as in making sure they get an establishing shot, then mediums and tights to break it up. The photogs I worked with had issues with just shooting all wides.
-Tripod, tripod, tripod. Don't shoot off of the shoulder unless you are really close or don't have another option.
-Use natural sound. It took me awhile to understand the (good)use of nat sound until about 6 months in.

If I think if anything else I'll post it. Good luck. I hope you can help them the way my TV production teacher in college helped me.

[turdpolisher1]

tx photog has most of it down cold. more than remembering to white balance, try to get them to understand what a white balance is, and how it works -- good luck with that one.

once they've mastered that (and the rest of tx's suggestions) try to get them thinking about telling a story rather than just shooting video. pics for the sake of pics don't go very far conveying info.

[TXPhotog]

Oh yeah, HOLD THEIR SHOTS FOR 10 SECONDS!! I would hold shots for about 3-4 seconds thinking that it was much longer then it really was then I'd get back to edit and let out a nice big D'OH!!

[Photog Cowboi]

I'm a new shooter...but from what I noticed...having newbies understand that they have to do more than just shoot! They have to be able to edit, linear and non-linear and also write! I saw a lot of underclassmen who did not understand that idea at all! Hence when I graduated...there were only 12 out of maybe 37 broadcast production majors total who could shoot, edit and write! Scary thought!

And yes...I do white balance (every time), I hold shots for 25 seconds or longer depending on time and...I make sure I record and write the person I am interviewings' name.

[teach]

Thanks! These are all things I have been trying to drill into them. My biggest challenge it that it is a 5 week course. I am trying to get it extended to a full semester, but it will be a while. Thanks again, and please keep the comments coming! I am glad to see that we all think alike, this way I know I am pointing them in the right direction.

[Photographer]

Writing is not actually that big a deal. Remember we shoot pictures and gather sound. What you need to remember is to not write but get your interview subjects to "SAY and SPELL their name ON TAPE". I say that because your tape will probably get handed off several times and a loose piece of paper could get lost in the shuffle. Also if anyone has a question about pronounciation (sp?) there is always the tape.

[Salty Dog]

I'd say one of the biggest mistakes that I've seen newbies make is behaving like they know everything already. The newbies that know they are new and are willing to learn from their mistakes and take advice go much farther and faster than the newbies that act like they own the shop shortly after arriving.

Attitude is key to learning to shoot well.

[Photog Cowboi]

Thank you photographer! I will do that!

Soupy...I am still learning! So if there is anything you or anyone else want to pass on...please tell me! I ask a lot of questions and remember one day that I got railed for not doing the things I mentioned in my posts (it was by a photog from Amarillo!). But seriously...any lingo or tech stuff you all want to share...let me know! Thank you!

[KsPhotog]

The best assignment I ever had was to shoot a park bench 25 different ways. I wish I had a nickel for every non-visual story I had to make visual! I just go back to the park bench assignment and it helps me make it through the story!
Merry

[newsphotog]

Similar to the park bench...
I worked for a chief who would make his new photogs shoot a VO about the run down shack in back of the station. He would make up a story about the shack and have the new guy shoot and edit it.

[focusthis]

It's all about time.

I graduated with a B.S. (appropriate) in Television/Film. Don't let the film classes inspire the future news photog to spend an hour setting up an interview. Drill into them the need to work intelligently and efficiently. Have a story in mind, and shoot that for the edit bay. Wide medium tight, clean, relevant, and usable sound. Understand what white balancing does. Action/reaction. Discuss how automatic settings are a crutch. Touch on ethics if you can, or sell it as the reason you need a full course!

[Sportsguy]

Originally posted by Photog Cowboi:
And yes...I do white balance (every time), I hold shots for 25 seconds or longer depending on time and...I make sure I record and write the person I am interviewings' name. Egad! 25 seconds(or longer)? I hope you're shooting on 184 minute tapes, cause that sounds a bit excessive to me.

I hold 'em for 15, max. I don't regularly get all day to shoot a story, nor do I want to shuffle through hours of tape just to get to that one shot I need...

[Photog Cowboi]

Originally posted by focusthis:
It's all about time.

I graduated with a B.S. (appropriate) in Television/Film. Focus...I couldn't agree more...my b.s. degree is being used as a piece of toilet paper!

[Menlow]

Originally posted by Photog Cowboi:
my b.s. degree is being used as a piece of toilet paper! Have a little respect for your school! I can't beleive you feel you wasted your time there. I have a BA in Communication that I agree does not mean a whole lot, but it does mean I have the drive to seek a higher education and stick with it to the end. I think that employers note that in the back of their head when they consider hiring you.

Now that I said this I apologize to anyone here who does not have a colege diploma, this is not meant to dis anyone.

[Photog Cowboi]

Menlow...I don't feel like I wasted my time there in that sense. Mind you...it took me 5 years and out of the five...I had 2 good years where the professors and the TV Station really stuck it to me and always gave me a new challenge everyday. The one challenged me in how I think the media works and my sense of communication theory. The other challenged me in the way I shoot, edit, do special effects, write and produce! I love those two and keep them posted on EVERYTHING I do just about. Hell...I hope to see one of them during the Christmas Holiday. So...I don't feel like I wasted time there...I feel like...I got the real education in two years and the other three just expanded my mind about subjects I had no clue about.

[Dedline]

hey teach, if you're still checking messages, look for this book somewhere. its old and dated im sure but it ws called ENG technology and storytelling or something like that, by Larry Hatteberg I think. I have it at work, email me if you want the definite name. It's too long for 5 weeks likely but at least u can make up some kind of curriculum outta the table of contents. :)
dedlinenj@yahoo.com

[SHOOT4U]

One of the most common mistakes I see from new photogs, is that they don't get enough cutaways. Explain the importance on them. Make sure they understand what a "relevant cataway" is. Make sure they understand that good clean cutaways can get you out of a jam. You can change your axis(point of veiw, if you subject's nose is pointing screen right, and the next shot you have is screen left, a good cutaway can transition you and can keep your continuity), as well as, depending on where you are at, it can be a good transition from inside to outside or vice versa.

[CHIEFPHOTDOG]

I'm in a small market in fact we're a petty good starter market for those wanting to start in the biz. The one thing I believe new comers need to realize is news is not a job but in fact a way of life.

[g0uld]

Originally posted by Photographer:
Writing is not actually that big a deal. Remember we shoot pictures and gather sound. I would have to disagree with this one! In order to tell your story through pictures and sound, you must first think of the words that go along with those pics and nats. Total comprehension of the finished product will take you a long way. True, in the end you probably don't have to write the piece but it will help your story telling to know how to. Because face it, if you can't tell a story on paper, how the hell are you going to tell one with pictures.

[Gedy]

This may be beyond your scope, but Live truck saftey and the fact that if they do operate a live truck down the road that they should fear and respect the powerlines and anything else that can potetially hurt thier well being.

Check out the look up and live video.

Gedy

[Photog Cowboi]

Better yet...

Show and teach them how to operate a live truck! I only remember twice in five years did my instructor or the PBS people show me anything about a live truck!

[SHOOT4U]

Talking about the live truck stuff. I have my crew watch the Look Up and Live video, once every year. I also give the a guideline booklet on live truck saftey as well. They must sign a sheet stating that they have watched the video and read the booklet. this way if they ever say they have not been trained on the saftey of a live truck, you can pull the sheet out and say yes you did.

[Scott Utterback]

I respect the thought behind holding a shot for a certain amount of time but I believe this is a bad pattern to set. It doesn't produce a thinking photographer in the end. The correct amount of time to hold a shot is the amount of time it takes to get the shot. Think about the shot you want... for example a mechanic picking up a wrench... then set up your shot. If he picks it up in 5 seconds... you got it... move on. If he picks it up in 45 seconds... you got it... move on. We just recently started critiquing each others raw tapes and this is one of the things we picked up on. Some of us were rolling long after the shot was over and some of us were quiting a shot before it happened. Teaching the young to "think" and not just go through the motions is a tough hill to climb.

[REGION 4 BUM]

Scott makes a good point, but wouldn't it be easier and save tape and time to just say, "Hey, buddy, pick up that wrench."? I don't really have time to waste on some mechanic to "get around" to picking up a wrench. My time is entirely too sparce to wait around for some jackass tight shot. I've got VO/SOTS to get, lunch to eat, e-mail to check, bills to pay and buttons to make.

[Eaglewolf]

At our shop we shoot our vo/sots without the assist of a reporter on a regular basis. These are some points of intrest I go over:
Outdoors, using the sun as a main light. NOT a back light.
On multiple interviews, alternate axis points.
When using a Lav, tuck the mic cord, or shoot the the shot tight so the cord won't show. I got flamed for this on early on.
Try to keep interviewe at least 3ft from vertical background. This can be a challenge in some office enviornments. In a tight, I try to shoot about 45 degrees off of the background axis to create depth.
Don't use shutter under floresant lighting.
Correct tripod heighth.
We have a couple of 1-man band reporters that are too lazy to follow these fundamentals and it really chaps me.

[Photog Cowboi]

Erich...I understand what you're talking about! Some places do not teach that and then the one man band folks come in with crappy video at times.

That is another thing that should be taught! The fact that they should understand that at anytime...they may have to another job (reporting, studio crew, producer or director)that is not quite under their belt (I learned the hard way how to report and produce).

[Deaf and Blind]

Bubble the tripod.

[Icarus112277]

Most important thing- being able to recognize a friendly old-timer who has a few minutes to kill and the ability to pick his brain without being abrasive, and the kindness to buy a lunch or a beer in return.

[Chris Kittinger]

Hey Icarus, if I am ever your way the beers on me.

[SHOOT4U]

One thing you may want to look for is the "Shoot like a pro" series from Bob Brandon. I was able to pick one up at he NPPA workshop in Ok. The first edition is the very basics on storytelling and understanding what you should shoot. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in shooting stories not just video.

[Brian Z]

Originally posted by CHIEFPHOTDOG1:
I'm in a small market in fact we're a petty good starter market for those wanting to start in the biz. The one thing I believe new comers need to realize is news is not a job but in fact a way of life.

[Brian Z]

got any openings? he he

What market is it?

[jcarroll]

Shoot with your head.

And shoot with your heart.

I'm sure I stole that from Mark Anderson or someone. The message seems simple. And often leads to that little something extra in your story. All of the best photographers do it. That's what sets them apart.

jeremy carroll

[LuccaBrazzi]

Here's what I'd tell them.

1) Unless it's breaking news, use your sticks!
1A) But you can take the camera off the sticks and place it on the ground for an interesting view.
2) Shoot your raw stuff so that it can air raw.
3) Compose your shot first...THEN press the record button.
4) Forget about using your zoom & pan. I only use these to compose my shot. Too many rookies fall in love with zooms & pans.
5) Shoot your stuff as if someone else will be cutting your stuff. Give them enough shots to work with.
6)Stay cool. Don't panic or freak out. Even on the most exciting breaker, don't lose your cool. Think everything through. A panicky shooter shoots crappy stuff.

THIS is what I'd tell them.

[Minnesotan]

Networking....Get to know the people who can get you jobs. It's all who you know. Plus, something that's hard to teach, attitude.

[Latanya]

Hello! I am the Chief Photographer at my college station, and am responsible for teaching all the new members how to shoot and edit.

One thing that drives me crazy (that no one's mentioned) is how new photogs frame interview shots. Not just the rule of thirds and talk space/nose room, but the background. So many people just have the person sit against a blank wall, providing no dimension, or sit them somewhere with a distracting background that takes the focus away from the interviewee. One thing I would stress, if I were you, is to shoot them in front of something relevant and subtle, something that has to do with either the story in general, or what that specific person is talking about…anything but a blank/boring wall! It helps the piece SO much.

Good luck teaching!

[Brock Samson]

At least your college teaches shooting! Mine focused on trying to put everyone in front of the camera.

[queen of blue]

Originally posted by LuccaBrazzi:
Here's what I'd tell them.


3) Compose your shot first...THEN press the record button.
Do not underestimate this one. Oh, how I wish somebody had BEAT that into my head right at the start. I remember the guys talking about it, but it didn't take.

Now I'm FOREVER trying to edit around those minor adjustments that I make AFTER I push the button. I'm working on it, but still have the habit.