Page 120 - Jostens Yearbook_Adviser Guide

Students should also pass a basic camera proficiency exam that includes any of the following: CHECK IT OUT
■ where batteries go in ■ how to change SD/CF ■ lens caps and body caps To best maintain camera equipment, a system for
the camera cards safely ■ how to format or clear a checking equipment in and out is needed. Here are
■ how to charge batteries ■ how to change out a lens SD/CF card some ideas to get your system set up.

■ where the SD/CF card goes ■ when and why to use ■ any basic camera settings ■ Keep equipment locked in a closet or locker. All
lens filters that might be helpful materials are locked when not in use.
■ Use a sign out/in sheet. It can hang on a
ON ASSIGNMENT clipboard near the equipment closet. Require
that either the adviser or an editor initials it when
While there are a number of ways to determine photo assignments, they all start with a basic calendar of events.
Photo sign-ups may be posted on a list in the classroom or on a digital board system like Trello, signupgenius, equipment is checked out and returned.
or even Google sheets. Students sign up for or are assigned to cover events. Some programs require that all ■ Consider using sign in/out cards. When a
yearbook staff members complete a minimum number of assignments per deadline or grading period. This can be student returns their equipment contract and
a completion grade. passes their camera proficiency exam, they earn
a camera check out card and are eligible to
Middle school students don’t generally have easy access to transportation, so try to be flexible. Success is found check out equipment. To check out equipment,
when offering coverage opportunities fall at various times and days of the week.
the adviser or editor places the student card in a
check out envelope, much like those in the back of
SUPPLIES a library book. When the item is returned, the card

On assignment, students should have a clear understanding of what equipment they are to have with them is replaced. Consider having separate cards that
including any or all of the following: a camera, appropriate lens(es), microfiber cloth, a SD/CF card, a battery, can be earned when a student masters proficiency
a back-up SD/CF card and battery, photo exposure guide, relevant tip-sheets, paper and pen, and a their for different types of equipment (tripod/monopod,
staff ID badge. sports lens, flash, etc.).
■ If your budget allows, consider using an electronic
asset management tracking system that scans
equipment that has a barcode or QR code as it is
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A PHOTO SHOOT? checked out and returned. Name, number,
color-code or identify each camera in some way.
WHAT DO I BRING? Make sure equipment is clearly labeled.
■ A camera & case ■ CF or SD card(s) ■ Photo exposure guide(s)
■ The appropriate lens ■ A charged battery (or 2) ■ Paper & pen
■ Microfiber cloth (in case) ■ An event report sheet ■ Photographer’s pass ■ Package each camera with its own unique SD/CF
WHAT MAKES A GREAT PHOTO? card, battery and case. Label each piece to match.
■ Photo is clean & in focus ■ Faces, not products ■ Variety (not all the same
Example: Red camera, red battery, red card, etc.
■ Good action, better reaction ■ Solid composition person/people)
BEFORE:
1. Once you’ve been given an assignment, gather your supplies. ■ Have different locations for SD/CF cards that are
2. Format your SD/CF card to remove unwanted images. empty and available versus those that have images
3. Check all equipment before leaving the classroom, especially batteries.
4. Be sure transportation (if necessary) is arranged.
waiting to be uploaded.
DURING:
1. Take pictures! Lots of them; 100 per 30 minutes. ■ Have clearly marked batteries that are charged
2. Turn around. Shoot in 360°. Get photos of the players and crowd, action and reaction.
and need to be charged.
3. When not taking pictures, take notes. Interview.
AFTER: ■ Consider a battery charging station. A cart
1. Upload images from CF/SD to external hard drive and follow naming guidelines.
placed somewhere in the classroom with multiple
2. Check in all equipment with adviser/editor. Report any issues. File event reports.
3. Rate and review photos. Select your favorite photos—on average, 20 favorites for
every 100 photos taken. power strips and chargers that students can
4. Upload favorites (not to exceed 75 for any one event) for use in design program.
easily access.
■ Run periodic spot checks on equipment check out
procedures. During deadlines, students sometimes
get overwhelmed and fail to follow the rules. Lax
© 2018 by Jostens, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
attitudes lead to lost equipment.

120 SECTION 5.4 EQUIPMENT CHECK OUT AND MAINTENANCE PHOTOGRAPHY 121