Page 109 - Jostens Yearbook_Adviser Guide

SHOT 7—SIGNATURE SHOT
7 GETTING MORE PHOTOS
A signature shot shows a decisive
moment of the story; most of the As mentioned in chapter three, having a student body that contributes to the yearbook
storytelling elements like setting often increases enthusiasm for it. Some staffs are reluctant to accept photos submitted by
and conflict are present in one their student body, relying on staff photographers to be everywhere and cover everything.
photo. In this case, the viewer is While this model is admirable, it is not realistic for many club and middle school programs.
reminded of the fun of the entire Many programs successfully manage to incorporate photography submitted by its student
Cupcake War event through a body. Here are a couple ideas.
snapshot of the moment.
1. Ask. Sending home flyers, posting announcements to the school or yearbook
SHOT 8—CLINCHER website, even email blasts can get the word out that the yearbook staff is looking

The clincher is the closing shot for content.
that ends the story. The clincher 2. Create a contest. Some schools make a contest and offer weekly prize drawings
conveys some form of resolution to students who submit photos. Prizes can be gift cards, a free set of autograph
or outcome. Without the use of any pages, even a free yearbook—whatever works within the program’s budget.
words, one glance at this photo
indicates the end of the story. 3. Get on social media. Students are already sharing their photo moments via social
Angela Valle: Texas High School, TX media outlets like Instagram. When you see a number of posts from a popular
concert or event, consider directly contacting those students and ask them to
submit their photos.
8

Remember: you don’t need to use every photo that’s submitted. The more ways you offer
your student body to submit and share, the more photos you have to choose from, allowing
you to incorporate the best, not the most.

Having more photos means you can
incorporate the best in your yearbook.

Sarah Silvia: The Prout School, RI

108 SECTION 5.1 PHOTOJOURNALISM PHOTOGRAPHY 109