There are several ways of thinking about creating an adoption story with photographs or video; documentary or photojournalism on the one hand, and a combination of portraits and essays on the other. Try both styles and see which "works" for your personality, and the story you want to tell. Look, anticipate, pre-visualize, shoot, and then continue to look some more. Try to capture the emotion of the moment, not just the picture in the camera.
Formal vs. informal
Photojournalistic versus portraiture. Documentary versus posed. Telling an adoption story will involve many "in the moment" shots because it is a moving process, one that you are both an emotional participant in, and trying to be an objective reporter of. Balance this dilemma with planning what you want to accomplish, and the opportunities to capture more formal "posed" shots.
The natural look
To capture natural-looking images it is important to be accepted, to be prepared to capture those moments you see. At times, such as first arriving at an orphanage, or meeting a birthmother, it helps to introduce yourself, enjoy your own experience, and then as you become part of, or in tune with the moment, try to capture it.
Capturing the moment
Be unobtrusive and sense what is going on around you. Have a sense of who the players are, and what their relationships have been, or will be to you or your child. Focus on faces because faces reveal emotions.
Get in Close
Getting in close has the photographic importance of framing images and isolating significant items. It carries the psychological act of getting close to your subject, and it is best accomplished as the subject becomes comfortable. A soothing voice and a calm manner will make your taking these shots more comfortable for all. It emphasizes emotion, or the moment to the viewer of your finished album or video.
Action Shots
The best photographs capture the peak of emotion, as the best video captures the moments before, during, and after that peak. Especially because so many shots you will be taking will involve your child, be anticipating reactions, and be prepared for unpredictable opportunities. With the advent of autofocus cameras with high speed motor drives, and video capture, the technical act of capturing peak action is easier than ever.
Background and Surroundings
Be aware of backgrounds and how they relate to your subject. As you look through the viewfinder your eye needs to scan the whole frame to ensure the backgrounds are not distracting. Particularly true with portraits where you have more choice, select backgrounds with graphic elements that enhance the image you are trying to capture.
Color and Mood
The elements of light and color are two of the main ingredients for great photography. In a foreign country be aware of colors unique to that country in clothing, a national flag, or the buildings around you. The time of year or prevailing weather can be captured as part of the color of the memory. Be aware of time of day, and as light changes in both intensity and color in the late day, consider using a flash to highlight images and bring out the warm light of late afternoon.
Capturing/shooting for post-production
With digital imaging you are not only the photographer. You can be the lab, and add emphasis or interpretation to photographs and video in the "editing" process. Photographs can now be modified and used as an artful design element, or altered by cropping and changing the lighting with a post-production filter. The world of album design has been revolutionized by layouts incorporating scanned elements, "adjusted" photographs, artistic text, and customized layouts. Magazine style montage pages allow you to tell your story by bringing in elements and emphasis after the events. Digital video can be edited, adding text, transitions, photographs and music or voice over.
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