Photo Documentation Guidelines
NOTE: These guidelines won't make you a pro photographer.
I was at a Documentation Training organized by Nepal Childrens Art Museum. It was a 'very basic' training, not going into the technical depth.
CAM organized this training for their volunteers actually. During the Child Friendly Space (CFSs) and other events, their volunteers would take photos and at the end CAM would want to use them. So, CAM wanted to help the volunteers with guidelines on 'what to shoot and how to shoot'.
If you take photos for a organization, this will be helpful. Even if you take photos just for your sake, still this might be helpful.
Here are few of the guidelines that I remember.
1. Take permissionsIdeally, it is always important to take permissions. If you are among people you know, if it is an event of an organization you are involved with, you needn't take permission. If it is a public place, you are allowed to take photos without permission. But if you think you might need permission, just ask. Make a habit.
If the scene is a very sensitive one like grievance, disaster, emergency etc., always think before you take a shot and take permissions.
2. Think about the shot before you take (IMPACT)
Just don't take your camera and start shooting. Think 'why are you taking a picture'. Think about the impacts (positive, negative) it will have.
3. Avoid being a distraction
Don't be a distraction to the scene. Don't hinder the flow of whatever is happening in the environment. If you unintentionally distract someone, just get away for a while and wait.
4. Don't stage your shot
Never, ever stage the scene. Unless it is an interview or something of that type, don't fake it.
Recent Example: Making your scene look like you are giving a packet of salt to victims. If it is happening, it's ok. But don't stage it at least.
5. Take names of the subject
This is not very necessary. But it's a good habit to make a practice of doing this. It helps in documentations and giving captions/ details.
6. Be sensitive with children
5. Take names of the subject
This is not very necessary. But it's a good habit to make a practice of doing this. It helps in documentations and giving captions/ details.
6. Be sensitive with children
Avoid High angle shots
In simple terms, high angle shots are those that you take from higher than the eye level. When you take a high angle shot, the photo gives a feeling of 'dominance' on the child. Avoid as much as possible.
Be friendly
This is always important with a child. Don't intimidate them.
TECHNICAL
1. Rule of thirds
It is not a 'you must' rule. This technique makes your photo look good, I guess.
2. Types of shots
a) Wide shot (Location)
This shot will give a basic idea of what you see in the scene/environment. It will contain people (not necessarily) and the environment (things, objects, other people around)
Example: In a marriage ceremony, wide shot could be the bride and groom, their parents, other attendees, the pyre, etc.
b) Medium shot (Action)
This shot gives a basic idea of what is happening in the scene/environment.
Example: Shot that includes bride, groom, their parents and the pyre.
a) Closeup shot (Character)
This shot will give an idea of the characters. Focus on the subject rather than on the environment.
Example: Shot that includes the bride and groom.
a) Details shot
It is a very detailed shot.
Example: Shot that shows the ring, or the bangles, eyes of the bride etc.
For more technical guidelines, I suggest you google around. :)
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