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A Lesson in Weather-related Photojournalism

By Chris Corradino on February 10, 2015

 

The New York Institute of Photography is the world’s largest online photography school, and because we are, we often publish fun and useful photography tips. Please enjoy!

No matter where you live, bad weather can make for a great story. Watch the local news and you'll often see examples of this. From the polar vortex to the summer heat wave, there are endless possibilities to photograph. On a slow news cycle, the weather can even be the lead story. For budding photojournalists, these present a great opportunity to build a portfolio.

As you head out to capture these images, it helps to keep notes for your captions. Use your smart phone or a small notebook to jot down any pertinent info. A proper caption includes the five W's - who, what, where, when, and why.

Keep in mind, you want to capture the news, not become it. You'll need to take extra steps to keep your gear dry and yourself safe. An alternative to expensive waterproof housing is a clear shower cap. Place it over your camera and lens and shoot through it. Have a charged phone, emergency roadside kit, granola bars and drinking water. These can make all the difference should you get stranded.

Want to learn photography? NYIP offers nine great online photography courses to choose from. Request a free course catalog today.

About the Author

Chris Corradino is the head of the photography mentor program at NYIP. Just like all of our mentors, he is also a professional photographer. See Chris's photography lesson from last week for more.