PHOTOGRAPHY PRACTISE

1. PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BROADCAST MEDIA

 2 PhoChaptertography For Journalism.

Broadcast Media Photography 

1. Introduction to Broadcast Media Photography

Photography for broadcast media refers to the use of still images and motion visuals to support storytelling in television, news, digital streaming, and documentary production.

Focus: Visual storytelling that supports or complements moving images.

Mediums: Television news, online news portals, documentaries, interviews, promos.

 

 2. Role of Photography in Broadcast Media

(a)Visual Documentation: Captures stills for news stories, reports, and documentaries.

(b)Promotional Use: Photos used in banners, posters, website thumbnails.

(c)Continuity: Photos help maintain scene and shot continuity in TV production.

(d)Reference Material: Used for graphics, visual planning, and archival.

(e)Thumbnails & Titles: Used in TV listings and social media to promote content.

 

 3. Types of Photography in Broadcast Media

News Photography:

(a)Capturing real-time events.

Requires speed, accuracy, and ethical responsibility.

(b)Documentary Photography:

In-depth storytelling with visual narratives.

Often accompanies longer-form video documentaries.

(c)Studio Photography:

Behind-the-scenes and promotional shots for TV shows.

Controlled lighting and set environments.

(d)On-Location (Field) Photography:

Events, outdoor shoots, live reporting.

Often handheld or lightweight gear is used.

(e)Publicity/Promotional Photography:

Headshots, show posters, actor profiles.

Used in press kits and social media.

 . Essential Equipment

DSLR / Mirrorless Camera

 

Zoom & Prime Lenses (e.g., 24-70mm, 70-200mm)

 

Tripod / Monopod

Lighting Kit (for studio or on-location)

Audio Sync Tools (if shooting BTS or hybrid photo-video)

Portable Backdrops (for interviews/photoshoots)

Reflectors / Diffusers

 

 Camera Settings for Broadcast Use

Aperture: Wide for shallow depth of field (portraits), Narrow for events.

Shutter Speed: Must avoid flicker with TV lighting (e.g., 1/60 or 1/50 sec)

ISO: Adjust based on studio lighting or natural light.

White Balance: Set according to indoor (tungsten) or outdoor (daylight) conditions.

Aspect Ratio: Usually 16:9 for compatibility with video format.

 

6. Composition for Broadcast Photography

Follow the Rule of Thirds – aligns well with how screens display visual content.

Headroom and Lead Room – match framing conventions used in TV shots.

Symmetry and Balance – for promos, posters, and thumbnails.

 

Wide, Medium, Close-Up shots – to match standard video shot formats.

 Lighting Techniques in Broadcast Photography

Three-Point Lighting (Key, Fill, Back Light) – used for studio shoots.

Natural Lighting – used for field/photojournalistic photography.

Low-Key Lighting – creates drama, often used in crime or suspense series promos.

High-Key Lighting – clean, soft shadows; often used in newsrooms and comedy promos.

 

 Ethics in Broadcast Media Photography

Accuracy: Do not stage or misrepresent news scenes.

Consent: Always obtain permission for interviews or sensitive subjects.

Sensitivity: Avoid exploiting tragedies or vulnerable individuals.

Credit and Ownership: Respect copyright laws and give proper photo credits.

 

 Integration of Photography in TV News Production

Used as:

Cutaway visuals

 

 Editing Tools for Broadcast Photography

Adobe Photoshop – retouching, overlays, compositing

Lightroom – batch processing, color