Taking a good photo doesn’t just happen. Whereas I would just point my camera at my subject and press the button, Laura Pohl, a freelance photographer and SOC alumnus, taught us that it requires a lot of forethought and hard work to get a good shot.
Freelance photographer Laura Pohl demonstrates proper photography techniques for American University's journalism graduate students.
While she explained how terms factors like the shutter speed, ISO and T-4 all affect the quality of photos, the most important advice she gave us was to not be afraid to make mistakes. Rather than believing that she was born with a talent in photography, Pohl said that the way she learned was by practicing.
It is important to remember that although photographers may not necessarily be reporting on stories, they are still journalists and are expected to follow the same ethical standards as reporters. This idea of journalistic ethics can include such issues as not posing photos, but it also includes gray areas.
In addition to giving us advice about the technical aspects of taking a good photograph, Pohl took time to discuss the ethics of documenting events and when, if ever, a photojournalist should intervene.
