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Documentary photography – 10 quick tips
Techniques
28 March 2008 15:54
Making contact
With documentary photography you will be visiting or staying at a location that you don’t know. This usually means you will need to contact the people that you are going to be visiting in advance to gain permission and discuss the dates and times that you want to undertake the work. It’s best to have at least two means of contact with them, such as an email address and a phone number in case you need to contact them closer to the time.
Preparation
Be as prepared as you can for the situation that you expect to find yourself in. If there are any extra items that you need to purchase before the shoot make sure you allow time for delivery and gather your required kit together prior to departure. Charge all your batteries for your cameras, flashguns and lighting equipment. It’s better to take gear you don’t use rather than turn up without something you need that will adversely effect the shoot.
Inspiration
Seek inspiration from other photographers in books, magazines and on the internet. Work out what it is about their work that you like so much and try to analyse what it is about the images that make them successful. Check back frequently on photographers’ websites and keep updated on their work and progress. This will stimulate your own creativity and may lead you to develop your own techniques.
Prompt and eager
Never be late for any arranged times. People will respect you more for being enthusiastic and turning up early than being late. Make sure you arrive with friendly enthusiasm and desire for your shoot. Being miserable and de-motivated will result in an unsuccessful shoot as the photographs can reflect your mood.
Social Skills
Make sure you are very sociable while going about your shoot. Speak to everyone and make them aware of your presence and what you are doing. People are often interested when a photographer is working, and a friendly, open approach will certainly help them relax in your presence. Your results will grow from the connection that you have made with your subjects.
Always Ask
Some people will be more helpful towards photographers than others. If you see a great photo opportunity but need permission to get access, you should ask for this rather than just grabbing the opportunity. Do not go against any orders or wishes stated when you gained permission to do the shoot as this could get you into trouble and gain you a bad reputation.
Patience
Be patient with your work. Nothing will be achieved to your desired stanard if you try to rush a shoot. The images will simply reflect your lack of patience. The more time you spend with the subject or location the better because you will notice more photo opportunities the longer you are there.
Solutions
If for any reason you are having one of those days when whatever you do just isn’t working, then take a break. Get away from the camera for 15 minutes and have a drink and something to eat to boost your energy levels. During this time you may come up with a technique that will cure your creative block and you can return refreshed and ready to take more photographs.
Shooting again
There will be times when you’re not completely happy with the work that you have shot on the day. Don’t worry, there is often a chance to return and carry out a re-shoot if you have developed a good rapport with your subjects. A re-shoots can result in better images as you are now familiar with the situation you are going to work in and can plan more effectively.
Back up
Always make sure that you have two copies of the photographs that you have taken from the shoot. Keep them in two different locations – for example, on a hard drive at home and one at work. This will cover you against fire and theft and make sure you always have a copy no matter what.
For more inspiration we’ve picked out six top documentary photographers for you to look at and learn from. Click on the links and take a look at their work:
Tom Stoddart : www.tomstoddart.com
James Nachtwey : www.jamesnachtwey.com
Don Mccullin : http://www.hamiltonsgallery.com/photographers/mccullin/mccullin.html
Nigel Millard : www.nigelmillard.co.uk
Charlotte Oestervang : www.oestervang.dk/
Andrew Testa : www.andrewtesta.co.uk/
