YEARBOOK PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Are your photos missing the moment? Do your spreads lack strong visual storytelling? Walsworth Yearbooks provides expert guidance, practical tips and real examples to help students shoot with purpose, improve image quality and capture authentic moments that bring stories to life.

Photo by Kennedy Csereszndye

START HERE

Start with the Yearbook Suite Curriculum, which walks through camera fundamentals and photojournalism concepts in a yearbook context.

To purchase your own copy of “Photojournalism: Telling Stories with Images,” click here.

Already with Walsworth? Sign in to Yearbook Help to access “Photojournalism: Telling Stories with Images” and more photography resources.

THE CAMERA AND THE LENS

Great photos start with understanding your gear. These resources guide staff through camera operation and technical photography fundamentals, helping students master settings, choose the right lens and create stronger images that support clear visual storytelling.

Trying to Figure Out What Kind of Cameras to Buy For Your Program?

Trying to figure out what kind of cameras to buy for your program?

“Find the Picture-Perfect Mirrorless Camera for Your Yearbook Photography Needs” guide breaks down camera options by real school scenarios, not specs for tech nerds.”

Photo by Connor Upchurch

Wondering Why So Many Schools Are Switching to Mirrorless Cameras?

Wondering why so many schools are switching to mirrorless cameras?

“Top Four Reasons to go Mirrorless with Your Yearbook Cameras” blog explains the practical advantages for student photographers, including speed, size and performance in low light.”

Photo by Tripp Brown

EXPOSURE: APERTURE, SHUTTER SPEED AND ISO

Exposure is the foundation of every great photo. These resources help students understand how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to control light, motion and image quality, giving them the technical confidence to make intentional choices in any situation your staff photographs.

Why are my photos so dark?

Why are my photos so blue?

Why are my photos so streaky?

Why are my photos not in focus?

Get answers to the top 4 yearbook photography questions with simple tips to fix dark, blurry, streaky or unfocused photos.

COMPOSITION GUIDELINES, STORYTELLING AND EDITING

Strong photos do more than look good. These resources help students apply composition guidelines, think visually about storytelling and edit with purpose so each image adds meaning, clarity and impact to the spreads your staff creates.

How can I improve my photography storytelling?

This episode of That Yearbook Podcast with Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan focuses on how to set the stage for a smoother, stronger finish to the yearbook year. Sabrina and Jim share practical advice on improving photo storytelling, so photos work together to tell a complete story, not just capture isolated moments, and call out common photo habits that can weaken coverage.

How do I take spread-worthy photos?

This training video features photo expert Mark Murray and explores how intentional photo planning transforms yearbook coverage. Learn how photo stories, shot lists and varied perspectives help photographers and writers work together to create spreads where every image serves a purpose and tells a different part of the story.

How do I cover a variety of sports?

Elevate your yearbook photography with this free training from Clint Smith, expert instructor from Texas High School. Learn proven strategies and techniques for organizing your photography team, equipping them with the right gear and capturing award-winning images throughout the school year.

How do I tell photo-centered stories?

Explore photo-editing tips and things to consider when capturing the perfect moment in “Great Photography: The Heart of Storytelling” with Mark Murray, Mike Taylor, CJE, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan.

How do I edit my photos?

Featuring veteran yearbook adviser Jim McCrossen, this training video offers invaluable insights on the art of photo cropping and the ethical considerations that must guide yearbook photography practices.

GET INSPIRED

Great ideas come from seeing strong work. The Photo Contest Gallery gives students real examples of award-winning photography, helping them spot trends, study techniques and find inspiration they can apply to their own visual storytelling.

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EXPLORE EVEN MORE

Need even more resources to elevate your staff’s photography? Check out our multimedia content that focuses on the how and why behind effective yearbook photography and storytelling.