80% of knowledge is learned visually. Writing knocks out an important sense, sight, so it is important to be as descriptive as possible when working on an article. Writers should think like photographers, observing and taking notes on every last detail. Photography and art are inspiring; study them!
A good article can be compared to a good photo. They can both be ranked, from average to excellent, using the following scale:
1. Informational
The writing or photo answers the 5 W's (who, what, where, when, why). This type of writing has facts without flavor. It is rarely memorable and is rarely moves a viewer/reader. It is a solid work, but won't change the world.
2. Graphically appealing
- Good photojournalists try to find cool ways to take a photo to make it more interesting (i.e., shooting through a window/keyhole, using a wide angle lens for a distorted perspective). A good photojournalist practices his/her craft. He/she edits and crops a photo, paying attention to the background and cleaning it out if necessary. A composition is about constructing reality to direct the eye.
- You must find your subject. Don't wait to make it interesting. Look for ways to make your photo/article interesting.
- Notice details. Take pictures and photos daily. If a photographer, take a picture, turn around, and take another picture. Often turning around and getting a new perspective creates a better picture. If a writer, take notes on your subject's sock color, way of speaking, and how they carry themselves. Find a way to make a routine assignment much more interesting. Details are essential.
- Writing a feature story on someone? Don't talk to them! Talk to the people around him; they will be the ones who really know him and can give you clues into his personality. Sit and watch him (not creepily, of course). Hang around and observe.
3. Emotional
Emotional photos and writing makes the reader feel something about the subject, instead of just intellectualizing about the story. Readers/viewers can relate to the work. Photos with emotion always work.
- Capture the subject's emotion, whether it is crying, laughing, hitting or hugging. This kind of journalism is about the feel, atmosphere, mood or energy of a place or person. In writing, the article documents an emotional impact, captures emotion and adds another dimension. Ask yourself: does the passage cause the viewer to react?
- Interview someone different. Don't just interview the winning team of the lacrosse game. Interview the losing team, a diehard fan, or the opposing team's coaches before the game.
- Ask specific questions and get details from multiple people. That way, you have such a clear, complete picture of the event.
- Humor and laughter are part of emotions. Quirky stories are the most read.
4. Intimate
Most private, hardest to define, but includes pictures/articles that make the reader feel close to the situation or in-tune with the subject. Intimate journalism, when done well, will always work.
- Treat your subject as important. Clean out background and get close. Figure out your strategy for taking pictures/reporting, hang out, and GET CLOSE TO YOUR SUBJECT.
- Look into eyes, heart, mind and soul of those involved.
- Reveal thoughts of characters directly (journalist does not overtly act as a filter).
- There must be conflict, or else no one will care about the story/subject. Why this person? Why now? When writing about a person, keep interviewing people until you find a conflict. The conflict and observations must connect the audience to the article/photo.
More Important Points
• Interviewing is not about getting quotes (anyone can get quotes), but getting information.
• Write with all of your senses. SHOW the reader what is happening, don't just state it.
• The Inverted Pyramid style of writing should be used ONLY for BREAKING news.
• Try driving around town to find people to write stories about with conflict, details and intimacy.
Compiled by Alison Chiasson. Based on a presentation by Joe Gisondi and Brian Poulter of Eastern Illinois University at the 2008 National College Convention.
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