100 pts
Assigned: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Due: Sunday, March 29, 2020, by 11:59 pm (Uploaded to Box and posted to Canvas. Comments on Canvas are due by Tuesday at 11:59 pm)
Occasionally in journalism, there is no good way to document reality for a story. Perhaps the story is in the future and nothing has happened yet. Or it might be a complex and important story that isn’t easily visualized. Sometimes a subject is unavailable. Or maybe there is just a more clever or creative way to draw in your audience.
It can also be an ethical issue. If the photos look too realistic are we misleading our readers? Should a news organization simply stay away from photo manipulation or is there a way to use conceptual pieces ethically?
This is (or was, I haven’t checked recently) the policy of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper:
The Orlando Sentinel’s policy on photo illustrations is typical of most U.S. newspapers:
The combination of photography and illustration to create a “photo illustration†is acceptable in cases in which the subject matter is complex, abstract or difficult to convey through documentary photography. However, all photo illustrations must contain an element of the absurd so exaggerated that the image could not be confused with a documentary photo. These pieces must be labeled as photo illustrations, and their use must be approved by a supervising design or photo editor.
We usually don’t have time to explore this kind of photography in this class. But, well, circumstances are different this semester.
For this assignment I want you to create something from scratch. You may use Photoshop skills, if you want, but I want to see most of the work done in the camera. Your photos can be a still life using props, or you can dress up someone to fit an idea. Have fun, be creative. The goal is to create a provocative image that could be used to illustrate a story on the theme.
Technical skills matter. Your image should be well exposed, sharp, with good color. Use a low ISO. Move around lights – use your phone, a lamp, a flashlight – be creative.
TIPS
- In a way, illustrations are like portraiture. You are in control. Every element matters.
- Come up with the concept first. Brainstorm different ideas for the headline you choose below
- Be creative with light – move around lamps, use flashlights or tablets as a light source. Remember that the closer the light, the softer the light.
- Look for props around your house
- Use Photoshop as a last resort – don’t use it as a crutch.
Goal: Good illustrations get our attention and help visualize the story. They are often connected to the headline, working in tandem to create a compelling visual that gets people to read the story.
Assignment: Create a photo illustration that could be used to go with a story on one of the following (real) headlines: (Choose one)
1. “Testing Times”
Covid-19 tests still in short supply
2.”Dizzying Reaction To Virus Spread”
Travel ban escalates, Markets collapse
3. “Closures and Postponements”
Governor shuts down gatherings of 250 or more
4. “Flattening the Coronavirus Curve”
why slowing the spread of the infection is nearly as important as stopping it.
INSPIRATION
PTSD – A powerful use of an illustration technique to visually tell an important story
NYT Best of 2018 – Most of these are not photos, but they give you some good inspiration for how to visualize a story or idea.Â
NYT Best of 2019 – Same as above. For both, there are a few straightforward photo illustrations tucked in the mix
IMPORTANT
- Your illustration must clearly look like an illustration. There should be no confusion over whether it’s a real documentary image.
- Your photo credit should read (photo illustration by Your Name)
Upload your project folder to Box.
RAWS – all your images. I am more interested in time spent and ideas explored than how many photos you take. There is no minimum number for this assignment, but I want to see you exploring ideas.
TONED_CAPTIONED – 1-2 images, with captions.
POST TO CANVAS – Post your single best image to the Canvas discussion, explain your thought process in a sentence or two.
Return to comment on at least two other illustrations by your fellow students by Monday at 11:59 pm.