Documentary Photography Workflows
Originated from Alexey Yurenev & Sonia Cook-Broen process workflow deepdive #1, January 15th, 2026 using transcript generated by Google Gemini.
Freelance Assignment Workflow
The standard workflow for documentary photojournalism assignments, typically spanning 1-5 days. This represents the most common type of work for freelance photographers.
Editor provides a super short description or editorial pitch—typically 3–5 sentences outlining the story. Often the photographer is called based on identity, beat, or location proximity.
Gather details: materials needed, time available, story goals. Request the already-written story if available to identify the subject or 'hero' of the piece.
Modern assignments often require both stills and video. The 'Express Desk' (fast mobile-only content) requires vertical photographs and video, often cropped to square.
Research can take hours or days depending on complexity. Understand the location, subject background, and necessary technical tools.
Google Image search the venue. Research how the subject/issue has been photographed before. Use tools like Image Atlas for visual research.
Look for ways to provide a different 'take' on the visual coverage. Avoid repetitive, expected shots. Editors may send references (sometimes extreme mood boards).
Long-form Feature Workflow
Features are long-form work spanning one day to months or years. The photographer is treated as the expert in their "beat" and drives the process.
Two Types of Features
| Type | Origin | Process | Typical Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | Developed with editor from day one | Collaborative throughout | Higher (e.g., $20K/month at NIO) |
| Pitch | Photographer brings existing work/idea | Work already complete or in progress | Lower flat fee (e.g., $500 buyout) |
The photographer drives scouting and shooting decisions as the subject-matter expert.
Check in with editor at specific cadence—often every two weeks. Send selects and brief written blurbs via email. Sometimes using raw, unedited files rather than fully captioned work.
Engage a 'consortium of professionals' for specific types of feedback during editing. Helps identify gaps and solidify the body of work.
For visually-driven pieces, the writer is often assigned late in the process. Hand off visual work AND all collected backstory—the writer relies on the photographer's information to write accurately.
Film & Analog Workflow
When shooting film, the process is slower and typically solo. The physical medium requires different organizational systems.
Drop off color film for professional development.
Use iPhone with invert accessibility function for quick negative previews before committing to professional scans.
Scan negatives yourself to save money. Reserve professional high-quality scans for final selects.
Twin Check System
Numbered stickers that correlate film rolls with notebook entries. This standardizes the archive and speeds up file retrieval by creating a physical link between analog notes and specific frames.
Commercial Workflow
Commercial work is the highest paying but operates under a completely different process with larger teams and less photographer involvement in file handling.
Key Differences
- Larger teams and budgets
- Creative director and art buyer involvement
- Digital tech handles all files and drives
- Photographer typically does not touch files
- Less focus on metadata entry by photographer
Metadata Value in Commercial
While historically lacking detailed credits, there's growing practice of posting full crew rosters (Instagram, etc.). The tool value lies in:
- Private archiving for photographer and client
- Searchable database for hiring (finding specific hair/makeup stylists, crew members)
Pre-Production Process
Shot List Development
Request the written story to identify subjects. Build shot list based on narrative needs. Consider what visuals will complement the written piece.
Digital Scouting Checklist
- Google Image search the venue
- Research prior coverage of subject/issue
- Use Image Atlas for visual research
- Review editor references (if provided)
- Identify opportunities for differentiation
Equipment Preparation
Based on research, determine necessary technical tools. For publications requiring video: prepare for both stills and motion capture. Set camera clock correctly for time zone accuracy (critical for online publications).
On-Site Shooting
Arrival Protocol
Arrive early to shoot the empty space and "pickup shots"—details and general venue images before action begins.
The Photojournalism Mantra
Plus: Always check views by looking up, down, and behind yourself.
Caption Collection (During Shoot)
Start collecting immediately—this cannot wait:
- Names and contact information
- Ages (and parent info for minors)
- Answers to: Who? What? Where? When?
- Quotes for extended captions
- Background information (if no reporter present)
Reporter Coordination
When working with a reporter:
- Request "blanket captions" for events (general background to supplement with specifics)
- Focus on people the reporter plans to quote heavily
- Prioritize being professional and easy to work with—editors value reliability over brilliance
Post-Processing
Software Options
| Software | Best For |
|---|---|
Photo Mechanic | Organization and captions (fastest) |
Lightroom | Download, organize, and develop |
Bridge | Adobe ecosystem browsing |
Critical Stage: Data Entry
The critical workflow stage is keywording and metadata input. Use presets during import to automate assignment code entry (triggers payment).
Metadata & IPTC Standards
Essential Metadata Location
The essential metadata lives in IPTC Core and IPTC Extension sections.
Key Fields
| Field | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Assignment number | Triggers payment processing |
| Credit Line | Photographer attribution | Essential for syndication |
| Caption | Who, What, Where, When | Extended captions include quotes |
| Keywords | Searchable tags | Critical for archive retrieval |
Export Specifications
- Online: Full-resolution JPEG in sRGB profile
- Print: TIFF in Adobe RGB 1998 color space (uncompressed, lossless)
Filing & Delivery
Delivery Methods
- New York Times: FTP server
- Others: WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive (no strong protocol preference)
Payment Flow
Payment typically occurs after publication. Some publications (e.g., NYT) allow partial invoicing before publishing for long projects. Invoice and expenses filed through online portal after uploading files.
Compensation Models
Assignment Work
- Day Rate + Expenses: Negotiated rate plus mileage, parking, etc.
- War Zone Premium: Double day rate (industry standard)
Feature Work
| Model | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Page Space | Paid per image based on publication space | $600/image, decreasing with density |
| Commission | Monthly rate for ongoing work | $20K/month (e.g., NIO) |
| Buyout | Flat fee for pitched work | $500 flat |
Non-Monetary Value
Compensation isn't solely monetary. High-profile publications offer significant exposure leading to:
- Subsequent opportunities
- Awards and recognition
- High-profile features for subjects
Audio Recording Setup
Equipment: DJI Microphone
- Internal memory: 8GB (several hours of recording)
- 32-bit float audio
- Built-in noise cancellation
- Continuous recording capability
Archiving & Storage
The Triple Backup Rule
- Copy 1: On-site (working drive)
- Copy 2: On-site (backup drive)
- Copy 3: Off-site (cloud or physical)
Naming Convention
Use strict numerical and chronological system. Always start with the year. This was emphasized as critical training—students often resist systematic naming, preferring their own methods.
Tools & Resources
Quick access to essential software, standards, and equipment for documentary photography workflows.
Software
- Photo Mechanic — ingest, organization, captions
- Lightroom — download, organize, develop
- Bridge — Adobe ecosystem browsing
Standards & Documentation
Research Tools
- Image Atlas — compare global image search results
Hardware
- DJI Mic 2 — 8GB internal, 32-bit float, noise cancellation
File Delivery
- FTP (NYT)
- WeTransfer
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
Export Specs
- Online: Full-resolution JPEG, sRGB
- Print: TIFF, Adobe RGB 1998
To Document
Workflows pending documentation from future process conversations.