Question
Documentary photography gives a straightforward and accurate portrayal of people, places, things, and events and is often used to chronicle events or environments both historical and in everyday life.
The umbrella of documentary photography can include everything from professional photojournalism to amateur, artistic, or academic pursuits, leaving a lot of room for personal interpretation and creativity—which is why it will be the focus of this activity!
You will be choosing from a list of topics (below) and using documentary-style photography to tell a story based on or related to your chosen topic.
Topics:
Family
Education
Examining a Subculture
Raising Awareness (This could be awareness about an issue that you want to explore, such as homelessness, immigration, the environment, etc., or something smaller like traffic or an issue within your school or home.)
Gender Roles
Forgotten Moments
A Day in the Life (Chronicle a day in the life of yourself, your parents, your siblings, your teacher, or any other person you have access to.)
My Town History
Early Risers or Night Owls (Capture the people who work or are active during the very early morning hours or very late-night hours.)
Friendships/Relationships/Marriage
While the topics may seem broad, that is a purposeful decision so that you have plenty of room to decide what story it is that you want to tell through your photographs. For instance, if you choose “Family,” you might choose to tell the story of how your family came to own a business or how your family became a blended family. These topics are merely starting points for you to then get creative and tell a story that is personal to you or that you are passionate about.
Planning
Keep in mind that when you shoot a documentary project you have to really consider and think about the storytelling aspect. You need to sort out what scenes and details you are hoping to capture and how to order your images in a way that makes the story clear. This may sound easier than it is because, in actuality, it requires ample planning and focus.
Before you begin shooting your photos, take the time to create an outline that identifies the story that you want to tell and the basic images that you’re hoping to capture. Create a shot list that includes all the possible locations you want to explore, along with other relevant information like shot size, scene number, shot type, camera angles, and other extra notes.
Another thing to remember is that documentary photographs are really never staged, only observed and, without intervention, captured—which is exactly what you should aim to do. This means that you may not be able to identify the exact scenes that you will capture in your outline but you should carefully plan and come up with options for how and where you will go to find images to tell the story that you want to tell.
Make sure that you get permission from anyone who is included in your images if you need to be in their personal space, workspace, or other areas that you may not usually be permitted.
Shooting
The instructions for this aspect of the activity are pretty simple: get your camera, grab your outline/shot list, and get out there and start taking pictures!
Your documentary photo series will need to have a minimum of six photos, though you may include more. You should also come up with a title for your series.
Once you have shot all your photos and chosen at least six to submit for this project, you will insert them into a slideshow presentation that includes a title slide with the title of your series, the topic that you chose from the list, and your name. Each photo should be inserted into its own slide. You may choose to include a title for each image or simply insert each image into a slide.
You also have the option of adding a personal statement on the last slide of your presentation that explains, describes, defines, or identifies anything that you want people who view your series to know. This is NOT mandatory; it is optional.
This means that you will have seven slides total as a minimum because each photo should have its own slide plus the title slide. If you choose to include a personal statement or additional photos beyond six, you may have more slides.
Please submit your outline and shot list along with your presentation. Save your materials to a Digital Photography 1b folder, in a sub-folder for Unit 1. It’s important to keep your images well organized as you’ll likely want to return to them – and possibly photographs that you took during Digital Photography 1a – and use them for your final Portfolio project at the end of this course.
Turn in your photos and your paper for this activity.
The umbrella of documentary photography can include everything from professional photojournalism to amateur, artistic, or academic pursuits, leaving a lot of room for personal interpretation and creativity—which is why it will be the focus of this activity!
You will be choosing from a list of topics (below) and using documentary-style photography to tell a story based on or related to your chosen topic.
Topics:
Family
Education
Examining a Subculture
Raising Awareness (This could be awareness about an issue that you want to explore, such as homelessness, immigration, the environment, etc., or something smaller like traffic or an issue within your school or home.)
Gender Roles
Forgotten Moments
A Day in the Life (Chronicle a day in the life of yourself, your parents, your siblings, your teacher, or any other person you have access to.)
My Town History
Early Risers or Night Owls (Capture the people who work or are active during the very early morning hours or very late-night hours.)
Friendships/Relationships/Marriage
While the topics may seem broad, that is a purposeful decision so that you have plenty of room to decide what story it is that you want to tell through your photographs. For instance, if you choose “Family,” you might choose to tell the story of how your family came to own a business or how your family became a blended family. These topics are merely starting points for you to then get creative and tell a story that is personal to you or that you are passionate about.
Planning
Keep in mind that when you shoot a documentary project you have to really consider and think about the storytelling aspect. You need to sort out what scenes and details you are hoping to capture and how to order your images in a way that makes the story clear. This may sound easier than it is because, in actuality, it requires ample planning and focus.
Before you begin shooting your photos, take the time to create an outline that identifies the story that you want to tell and the basic images that you’re hoping to capture. Create a shot list that includes all the possible locations you want to explore, along with other relevant information like shot size, scene number, shot type, camera angles, and other extra notes.
Another thing to remember is that documentary photographs are really never staged, only observed and, without intervention, captured—which is exactly what you should aim to do. This means that you may not be able to identify the exact scenes that you will capture in your outline but you should carefully plan and come up with options for how and where you will go to find images to tell the story that you want to tell.
Make sure that you get permission from anyone who is included in your images if you need to be in their personal space, workspace, or other areas that you may not usually be permitted.
Shooting
The instructions for this aspect of the activity are pretty simple: get your camera, grab your outline/shot list, and get out there and start taking pictures!
Your documentary photo series will need to have a minimum of six photos, though you may include more. You should also come up with a title for your series.
Once you have shot all your photos and chosen at least six to submit for this project, you will insert them into a slideshow presentation that includes a title slide with the title of your series, the topic that you chose from the list, and your name. Each photo should be inserted into its own slide. You may choose to include a title for each image or simply insert each image into a slide.
You also have the option of adding a personal statement on the last slide of your presentation that explains, describes, defines, or identifies anything that you want people who view your series to know. This is NOT mandatory; it is optional.
This means that you will have seven slides total as a minimum because each photo should have its own slide plus the title slide. If you choose to include a personal statement or additional photos beyond six, you may have more slides.
Please submit your outline and shot list along with your presentation. Save your materials to a Digital Photography 1b folder, in a sub-folder for Unit 1. It’s important to keep your images well organized as you’ll likely want to return to them – and possibly photographs that you took during Digital Photography 1a – and use them for your final Portfolio project at the end of this course.
Turn in your photos and your paper for this activity.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
## Documentary Photography Project: Outline and Shot List
### Title of Series: "A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents"
### Chosen Topic: A Day in the Life
### Personal Story/Focus:
This project will chronicle a typical day in the life of my parents, showcasing their daily routines, challenges, and interactions as they navigate their roles and responsibilities. The aim is to present an authentic look into their lives to highlight both the mundane and significant moments that shape who they are.
---
### Outline:
1. **Introduction (Image 1 - Title Slide)**
- Title: "A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents"
- Topic: A Day in the Life
- Name: [Your Name]
2. **Morning Routine (Images 2-3)**
- **Shot 2:** My father making breakfast in the kitchen.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 1
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture the warmth of the morning light coming through the window.
- **Shot 3:** My mother reading the newspaper at the dining table.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 2
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Side angle focusing on her expression
- **Notes:** Highlight her immersed in the news, capturing her thoughts.
3. **Daily Commute (Images 4-5)**
- **Shot 4:** My father cycling/hiking to work.
- **Shot Size:** Long shot
- **Scene Number:** 3
- **Shot Type:** Action
- **Camera Angle:** Low angle from the side
- **Notes:** Emphasize motion and the environment around him.
- **Shot 5:** My mother driving to her job, with a focus on the steering wheel and her determined expression.
- **Shot Size:** Close-up
- **Scene Number:** 4
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Over-the-shoulder
- **Notes:** Include elements from inside the car for authenticity.
4. **Work Life (Images 6-7)**
- **Shot 6:** My father at his desk, engaged in a video call or discussion with colleagues.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 5
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture details of his workspace to convey his professional environment.
- **Shot 7:** My mother leading a meeting at her office, interacting with coworkers.
- **Shot Size:** Wide shot
- **Scene Number:** 6
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Slightly elevated
- **Notes:** Show the energy and collaboration in the workplace.
5. **Evening Activities (Images 8-9)**
- **Shot 8:** My father winding down at home—reading or watching TV.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 7
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Create a cozy atmosphere with low lighting.
- **Shot 9:** My mother preparing dinner and setting the table.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 8
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Close-up of her hands and the food preparation
- **Notes:** Focus on the details to convey warmth and care.
6. **Reflections (Image 10)**
- **Shot 10:** A moment of my parents sharing a laugh or conversation at the dinner table.
- **Shot Size:** Wide shot
- **Scene Number:** 9
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture their expressions and connection, representing family bonds.
---
### Conclusion:
This documentary photography project will offer a heartfelt glimpse into the everyday lives of my parents, revealing the beauty in their routine and the love that binds our family together. I aim to convey authenticity through candid shots and thoughtful composition.
---
### Presentation:
- **Slide 1:** Title slide (A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents)
- **Slides 2-10:** Individual photos matched with descriptions if necessary.
- **Optional Final Slide:** Personal statement about the significance of family and daily routines in shaping who we are.
---
### Additional Notes:
1. **Permission:** Ensure I obtain consent from my parents for photographing them in their personal and work spaces.
2. **Flexibility:** Stay adaptable to capturing spontaneous moments that tell the story.
3. **Equipment Check:** Prepare camera, ensure charged batteries and enough memory space for the shoot.
This project not only focuses on capturing images but also preserving moments filled with emotion and significance, reflecting the lives of my parents in a documentary style.
### Title of Series: "A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents"
### Chosen Topic: A Day in the Life
### Personal Story/Focus:
This project will chronicle a typical day in the life of my parents, showcasing their daily routines, challenges, and interactions as they navigate their roles and responsibilities. The aim is to present an authentic look into their lives to highlight both the mundane and significant moments that shape who they are.
---
### Outline:
1. **Introduction (Image 1 - Title Slide)**
- Title: "A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents"
- Topic: A Day in the Life
- Name: [Your Name]
2. **Morning Routine (Images 2-3)**
- **Shot 2:** My father making breakfast in the kitchen.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 1
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture the warmth of the morning light coming through the window.
- **Shot 3:** My mother reading the newspaper at the dining table.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 2
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Side angle focusing on her expression
- **Notes:** Highlight her immersed in the news, capturing her thoughts.
3. **Daily Commute (Images 4-5)**
- **Shot 4:** My father cycling/hiking to work.
- **Shot Size:** Long shot
- **Scene Number:** 3
- **Shot Type:** Action
- **Camera Angle:** Low angle from the side
- **Notes:** Emphasize motion and the environment around him.
- **Shot 5:** My mother driving to her job, with a focus on the steering wheel and her determined expression.
- **Shot Size:** Close-up
- **Scene Number:** 4
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Over-the-shoulder
- **Notes:** Include elements from inside the car for authenticity.
4. **Work Life (Images 6-7)**
- **Shot 6:** My father at his desk, engaged in a video call or discussion with colleagues.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 5
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture details of his workspace to convey his professional environment.
- **Shot 7:** My mother leading a meeting at her office, interacting with coworkers.
- **Shot Size:** Wide shot
- **Scene Number:** 6
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Slightly elevated
- **Notes:** Show the energy and collaboration in the workplace.
5. **Evening Activities (Images 8-9)**
- **Shot 8:** My father winding down at home—reading or watching TV.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 7
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Create a cozy atmosphere with low lighting.
- **Shot 9:** My mother preparing dinner and setting the table.
- **Shot Size:** Medium shot
- **Scene Number:** 8
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Close-up of her hands and the food preparation
- **Notes:** Focus on the details to convey warmth and care.
6. **Reflections (Image 10)**
- **Shot 10:** A moment of my parents sharing a laugh or conversation at the dinner table.
- **Shot Size:** Wide shot
- **Scene Number:** 9
- **Shot Type:** Candid
- **Camera Angle:** Eye level
- **Notes:** Capture their expressions and connection, representing family bonds.
---
### Conclusion:
This documentary photography project will offer a heartfelt glimpse into the everyday lives of my parents, revealing the beauty in their routine and the love that binds our family together. I aim to convey authenticity through candid shots and thoughtful composition.
---
### Presentation:
- **Slide 1:** Title slide (A Day in the Life: The Everyday Journey of My Parents)
- **Slides 2-10:** Individual photos matched with descriptions if necessary.
- **Optional Final Slide:** Personal statement about the significance of family and daily routines in shaping who we are.
---
### Additional Notes:
1. **Permission:** Ensure I obtain consent from my parents for photographing them in their personal and work spaces.
2. **Flexibility:** Stay adaptable to capturing spontaneous moments that tell the story.
3. **Equipment Check:** Prepare camera, ensure charged batteries and enough memory space for the shoot.
This project not only focuses on capturing images but also preserving moments filled with emotion and significance, reflecting the lives of my parents in a documentary style.