We keep a large number of photos from events, stories and research centers on Flickr that you can use for CAFNR-related projects.
How to download photos from Flickr
- Go to Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafnr
- Choose your photo. (View albums or use search). Click on the photo to load it.
- Click on the arrow pointing down and choose the size you want from “View all sizes”. “Original” will be the largest and appropriate for print. The large and medium sizes work well for PowerPoint, email or the web.
- Once the size of photo chosen loads, choose “Save File”.
Portraits
Contact CAFNR Web, cafnrweb@missouri.edu, to find out how you can update your CAFNR portrait.
Photo releases
Be sure to use release forms when taking photos.
Event photography tips
Be prepared
Arrive early. Take some practice shots. Crank up ISO to avoid flash. Just take the photos. You want action and sense of movement.
Meter off your hand to see light: the skin on your hand will be similar to faces.
Have backup equipment, batteries, lenses and camera.
Get the necessary shots
Photos will be used to document that this event happened: need language to show what the event is to provide context (is there a banner? PowerPoint slide with event name? Poster? Sign on wall? Include event branding).
Who are the important people at the event? Make sure there is someone who can help point out who you should focus on (donors, important alumni, visiting dignitaries). Get the “grip and grins.”
Water bottles can kill a shot; you can always ask to move them.
You have to break the ice sooner, rather than later. Break through that wall and things will get easier. Nobody is going to get hurt. Say “Can I take your photo?” and make them laugh, make a joke, make fun of yourself, pretend the camera doesn’t work.
As you shoot, check your screen for composition, eyes closed, too dark, etc.
If you have a press pass, display it on a lanyard.
Zoom with your feet by moving around
Do not be afraid to get all the different angles: behind, in front, sitting down. You have to move around! The idea is that you sneak around until someone tells you not to. You aren’t hurting anybody, just getting photos.
You have to predict things. Anticipate. What are they talking about? Focus on the subject.
Rules of photography:
- Look for emotion and intimacy
- Find nice lighting (natural light is best: can you pose your subject next to a window?)
- Compose using the rule of thirds
- Experiment
Use the wide (scene setters), medium (portrait), tight (brochure) guidelines
Wide
Shoot wide for context, not up close. For example, a hug or kiss at a wedding. Context makes the photo. Shoot standing ovations wide. Get media included, like people getting interviewed on camera.
When shooting overall, shoot form the corner. The room opens up and it looks better.
Medium
If shooting a portrait, ask subject to remove name tag. For best lighting, have subject stand next to a window, not directly in front of it. Window light is the best light. If you have to use flash, have them step away from the wall so there isn’t a shadow.
Look for moments, layers and engagement.
Nobody likes their own photo.
Look for action such as smiling or reaching. Layer people in group shots.
Tight
Shoot tight on brochures and other things, like cupcakes.
“If your photos aren’t good, you aren’t close enough,” famous quote by Robert Capa.
Tips based on notes by Genevieve Howard from the CAFNR Photography Training Session with Shane Epping, June 27, 2013