Handing a student a camera and saying "go take pictures" seems simple, but without clear direction you're unlikely to get the results you're looking for. You want the right moments captured the right way, for a specific purpose.

BEFORE YOU SEND THEM TO THE WOLVES

• Talk Theme and Style: Make sure they understand the yearbook’s theme and visual tone. Is it bold and energetic? Calm and classic? This will influence how they frame their shots.
• Orientation Matters: Let them know whether you need portrait, landscape, or both. This is especially important for layout planning.
• Practice First: Have them do a trial shoot. Review the images together and offer feedback. It’s much easier to correct habits early than to fix a full folder of unusable photos later.
• Teach Team Photo Basics: Show them how to frame team shots with space around the edges for cropping. Remind them to take the photo even if a few team members are missing…it's better to have something than nothing.
• Go With Them At First: Accompany them to their first event. Show them how to introduce themselves to coaches, referees, and staff. Demonstrate what “getting close to the action” really means, because to a student that might mean sitting in the back row of the bleachers.
• Build a "Shopping List" of Must-Have Shots: A checklist gives a student a clear sense of purpose.

Here's an example for a basketball game:

1. Take photos before and after the game, as well as during (of course).
2. Dominant action shot, like a player making a layup from under the hoop.
3. Players watching from the bench.
4. 5+ shots of fans cheering.
5. Close-up action on the court (getting as close as possible, while still staying safe).
6. Coach and players in a huddle.
7. Pre-game warmups.
8. Post-game celebration or handshakes.
   
   

Here's an example for a chess tournament:

1. Players deep in concentration.
2. A dramatic checkmate moment.
3. Hands moving pieces mid-game.
4. Handshake before or after a match.
5. Wide shot of the tournament room.
6. Spectators watching quietly.
7. Winners receiving their award or trophy.
8. Group photo of all participants.