Whether you're a new or experienced Yearbook Advisor,
Photo Editor, or Editor-in Chief; one of
the biggest challenges to start the year is motivating your yearbook staff and
student photographers. Fortunately, the
fall is filled with firsts. The emotions
of the first day of school, the fun of
the first pep rally, the confusion of freshmen finding their way, and the
excitement of the first athletic events;
all followed by things like homecoming, powder puff and the fall
play. By Thanksgiving, you've had a
virtual feast of photo opportunities.
The key is to be ready to take advantage of all that fall has to offer.
Starting NOW. If
you have a photo editor, plan with him/her to begin taking photos immediately
instead of waiting for the first yearbook staff meeting. Have your school events calendar handy and
determine which of those events are important to capturing and documenting the
unique personality and spirit of your school and student body. Starting with opening weeks of school. Make sure you have a handful of staffers
clicking away from the moment they get off the bus or get out of their car
until the final school bell sounds. And if you have a yearbook theme, keep it in
mind and create visual ideas of how to incorporate that theme into your
pictures and carry it through the book.
Then convey those ideas to your staff photographers (and your studio
photographer) and ask them to contribute to the process by coming up with ideas
of their own. You can't get great
pictures if your photographers don't understand the story you're trying to
tell.
Finally, give each yearbook staff member an assignment (ask
your studio rep for a sample photographer assignment sheet) which includes
specific shots and candids you're looking for, as well as instructions to show
their own style and creativity. Have them photograph their name on a piece of
paper at the beginning of each assignment so you can keep track of who shot
what, and then sit down with them and go over their pictures when they turn
them in. You can even set up a photo
critique day with your Lors Photography representative. This way you can analyze strengths and
weaknesses early on in the process, and find at least 5 or 6 student photographers who will serve you effectively
and efficiently throughout the year. And
before the final leaves begin to fall, you'll have enough photo files to finish
your first deadline, and for a fast start to a fabulous year!
For more tips and tutorials throughout the school year, be sure to follow Lors on Twitter @schoolphoto and on Instagram @lorsphotography
