February 2026

Photojournalism

In February, you’ll plan, shoot, and print a photo series presented through a photojournalism lens.

Key Aspects of Lighting and Their Mood Effects

Quality of Light (Hard vs. Soft):
- Hard Light: Creates sharp, deep shadows, often used for dramatic, intense, or raw, textured scenes.
- Soft Light: Produced by diffused sources, it smooths over features, creating tender, romantic, or, in the case of overcast days, melancholic moods.
Direction of Light (Placement):
- Front Lighting: Illuminates the subject evenly, providing a safe, clear, and natural feel.
- Side Lighting: Emphasizes texture and depth, creating a dramatic, three-dimensional, or intense, moody look.
- Backlighting: Creates halos and silhouettes, offering a dreamy, cinematic, or dramatic atmosphere.
- Low Angle Lighting: Can create unsettling, mysterious, or dramatic, theatrical effects.
Color/Time of Day (Temperature):
- Golden Hour (Sunrise/Sunset): Produces long, warm shadows and a, romantic, nostalgic, or magical,, dreamy, mood.
- Blue Hour (Dusk/Dawn): Creates a quiet, cold,, moody, and serene, or, tranquil, atmosphere.
- Warm/Cold Tones: Warm (yellow/orange) lighting feels comforting and joyful, while cool (blue) light evokes sadness, mystery, or calm.
Intensity (Brightness):
- High Key (Bright): Minimal, soft shadows create a, cheerful, light, airy,, high-energy,, or, optimistic,, happy, mood.
- Low Key (Dark): High contrast with deep shadows creates, mystery,, drama, suspense,, sorrow, or, isolation.

Techniques for Specific Moods

Dramatic/Suspenseful: Use a single, strong,,, direct,, light source from the side (side-lighting) to create deep shadows.
Romantic/Serene: Utilize soft, diffused light, such as during the, golden hour, or, from a, large softbox.
Cinematic: Employ backlighting to create, separation from the background and a,, soft halo effect.
Intimate: Use low-intensity,,, soft, light to create a, warm, and inviting,,, cozy feel.

Photo 2 – February Unit

Photojournalism Series Project

Project Overview

In this unit, you will work as a photojournalist. Your job is to document a real subject, environment, or experience and present it as a visual story using a series of photographs.

This is not about staged or overly posed images. This project focuses on:

Observation
Real moments
Storytelling
Editing with intention

You may choose your own topic, but you must approach it as documentary storytelling.

Essential Question

How can a sequence of photographs communicate a real story or experience?

WEEKLY DEADLINES (Thursdays)

There are 3 major checkpoints. One part of the project is due each week.

Thursday, Week 1 – INSPIRATION + PLAN DUE

You must come to class ready for a full-class check-in.

Turn in:
✔ Inspiration Board (5–10 images)

Photojournalism examples
Mood, lighting, or storytelling inspiration
Visual ideas related to your subject

✔ Written Plan
Answer clearly:

What is your subject/story?
Where will you photograph?
Who is involved?
What types of moments do you hope to capture?
When will you shoot?

You should be ready to explain your idea out loud.

Thursday, Week 2 – SHOOT PROGRESS DUE

By now, you should be actively working like a photojournalist.

Turn in:
✔ Contact Sheet or Digital Image Dump

Minimum 40 images shot (or 2 rolls of film developed)
A mix of wide, medium, close-up, action, and detail shots

✔ Top 10 Image Selections
Show which images you think are strongest so far.

We will review to make sure:

Your story is clear
You have enough variety
You still have time to fill missing shot types

Thursday, Week 3 (Feb 26) – FINAL SERIES DUE

Final Deliverables:

✔ 5–8 Edited Final Images
Your images should:

Feel connected
Show a clear subject or story
Include a variety of shot types

✔ Captions for Each Image
Include:

Who
What
Where
Context (why it matters)

✔ Title for Your Series

✔ Short Written Reflection (1 paragraph)
What story does your series tell? What did you learn about photographing real life?

Required Shot Variety

Your final set should include:

Establishing shot (shows environment)
Medium interaction shot
Detail shot
Action shot
Human/emotional moment

Photojournalism Guidelines

✔ Capture real moments
✔ Minimal posing
✔ No fake scenes
✔ Only basic edits (exposure, crop, contrast, color correction)
✔ Be respectful of subjects

February 2026

Photojournalism

Photojournalism Series Project

Project Overview

Grading (100 Points)