is simple and familiar enough to the average reader so that
no lengthy word description is required.
Picture Story Within Text
The picture story within text actually presents two
separate but related stories. One story is told in words, the
other in photographs. Both are complete in themselves.
The text may be used without. the picture story, or the
picture story maybe used without the text. Nevertheless,
the combination of the two in a single layout makes the
spread much more effective than either would be alone.
Single Picture Story
The single picture story is the most basic form of
photojournalism. Single photographs, filled with impact,
allow the viewer to “feel” the action and thus become
involved with the subject.
The single picture story is similar to the lead
photograph used in a longer picture story. It sums up the
subject, evokes some emotion, or keys the action or the
setting. The single picture, while strong, is also simple
Every photographic situation is different so there is
no magic formula to tell you how to put impact or strength
into a photograph to make it meaningful. Occasionally, the
single meaningful picture is simply a matter of luck —
being at the right place at the right time. More often, the
photograph is the result of careful planning. In either
case, the event is only captured because of the
photographer’s timing (fig. 12-19). “Timing” means
capturing the moment of greatest significance. There is no
exact way of predicting that moment. To be successful,
you must anticipate what is coming and be ready when it
arrives.
Abstract Picture
You may be objective or subjective in your approach
to a subject. This is considered an abstract picture
approach. When you use the objective approach, try to
record the subject as faithfully as possible, presenting the
subject for the viewer’s own interpretation. When your
approach is subjective, you engage your own feelings in
your work. You approach the subject from the
standpoint of your reactions. You want the viewer to
Art Giberson
165.8
Figure 12-19.—Photograph used in a single picture story.
feel as you felt when you recorded the subject. With this
approach, the viewer is handed the reactions of the
photographer and sees the subject as the photographer saw
it.
It is the subjective approach that must be used to
photograph the abstract — thoughts, emotions, and so
forth. These are the subjects that primarily involve
feelings rather than facts.
A photograph that captures an abstract idea or
emotion conveys to viewers something with which they
can identify. It stimulates their imagination and causes
them to react emotionally.
To sense and capture abstract elements, you must
have an understanding of what makes people react.
Additionally, you must react yourself. You must see
beauty and ugliness, feel love or hate, wonder at the
12-21
