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Documentary photography is a genre of photography, where photographers capture a memory of events or environment that is relevant to history and historical moment and everyday life of people, places etc. The main aim of documentary photography is to act as an eyewitness to what was happening as at that time. Documentary photographers are most times called photojournalist
Unlike every other genre of photography documentary photography has its peculiarity and things to look out for when documenting people, places, or events.
TIPS FOR DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
- RESEARCH: Before going to document anybody, place, or event, it is important you make your research about whatever your going to document. This would enable photographers to get familiar with either culture or tradition of that place or person.
- INTERACT WITH THE SUBJECT IF POSSIBLE: In order to achieve a particular look or whatever you want to achieve as a photographer, it is best you interact with your subject by approaching and starting a conversation with them before the shoots starts. This will help them feel comfortable and more relaxed while you shoot.
- TELL STORIES FACES AND EMOTIONS: Photographers should not forget that they are storytellers so they should get ready to take close-up shots. The more reason why you need to interact with your subject. Showcasing your subject’s face and emotions would help you tell a story, which is one of the purposes of documentary photography.
