Preparation is the Key with Doug Menuez

Ready to explore ways to take your long term photo essay and turn it into something tangible like a published book that you can use to help bring attention to the issue you are covering and possibly even raise funds? There are all manner of book publishing, corporate sponsorships and avenues for building a solid structure for your project, but here is a photo essay basic rule of thumb I follow religiously, and have to revisit often: do your homework!

If you want to make great pictures, you have to thoroughly understand your subject. Learn everything you possibly can about the issues at hand and, if they are pertinent, the underlying politics; medical, scientific, and economic factors; and the history, language, music and culture of your subjects. Dig deep and go beyond Wikipedia and the obvious—read everything every written that you can find. Then call local experts and people working in the field. Figure out the best NGO's working on the issue, if any, and try to tap into their experience. Preparation is the key to unlocking great pictures and creating a compelling photographic essay. And, of course, luck favors the prepared!

Learn more from Doug in his workshop
The Human Experience: Making a Difference with Your Photographs
with Doug Menuez
February 13 - February 19, 2011

Visit his web site www.dougmenuez.com to see what he's up to.