Choice of camera, grade of film, and
placement of lighting all demand technical
photographic training. Since most RPs cannot
be expected to double as photographers under
ordinary circumstances, it is better to leave such
matters to a skillful and qualified cameraman.
Even RPs who are gifted as amateur photog-
raphers should not tread on the professional’s
toes by giving directions. Leave the technical
work to the expert.
Inspect the location. Remove the glasses,
coffee cups, and the litter. Have a window
washed or a section of a wall painted if it is
dingy. Also, make sure everyone is in proper
uniform and that they meet acceptable standards
of personal appearance.
Do not interfere with the photographer,
but be ready to assist if requested. Leave most of
the posing to the photographer.
Don’t overorder prints. Determine what
your print requirements are going to be so
as to avoid placing unnecessary requirements
on the photo lab. If contact prints are desired,
indicate this on the photo request or job
order.
SUBMISSION OF PUBLICITY PHOTO-
GRAPHS.—Publicity pictures are normally
printed on glossy paper, size 8 by 10 inches or
5 by 7 inches. Each print is numbered on the
back for ready identification.
The photograph caption should not be
written or typed on the back of the picture. It
should be noted on a separate strip of paper and
lightly fastened with rubber cement or scotch
tape either to the back or along the bottom edge
of the picture. The same number should appear
on the caption strip as on the print itself. Cap-
tions should be written in clear, concise
language. An ideal caption would consist of only
one line.
Remember that the glossy surface of the
print is brittle. Do not write or type on the back
since any break or crack may ruin the print for
purposes of reproduction. To protect the prints,
a sheet of stiff corrugated cardboard, cut to size,
should be inserted in the envelope with prints.
This should be done whether the package is to be
mailed or delivered by hand.
Slides and Filmstrips
Any photograph can be made into a slide.
Slides are used in all types and levels of
presentations and are relatively inexpensive to
produce.
Filmstrips are frequently used for educa-
tional purposes. The frames of the 35mm
filmstrip can be arranged in such a way that an
entire story or lesson can be contained in one
strip. A major disadvantage of filmstrips is that
they cannot be repaired (spliced) without losing
a portion of their information.
Transparencies
As used here, transparencies refer to large
vu-graph transparencies projected with over-
head projectors. Depending on the time factor,
the information to be presented, and the quality
of transparency desired, the production methods
may vary from information typed on clear
plastic to complex illustrations on colored
film. The standard size for a transparency is
7-1/2 x 9 inches (19 x 23 cm). At many Navy
and Marine Corps installations transparencies
are widely used to present information in
scheduled briefings. This medium is useful in
instances where the information to be presented
changes frequently and must be updated be-
tween briefings.
Motion Pictures
Motion pictures are used extensively in Navy
and Marine Corps training and information pro-
grams. Until recently, 16mm motion pictures
were the primary visual aid in these programs.
However, 16mm films are expensive to produce,
often more general in nature than is required by
the course curricula, and often become obsolete
in a short time because of changes in policy,
equipment, or procedures. Eight-millimeter
(8mm) single-concept films have replaced 16mm
motion pictures in many instances because 8mm
films are less expensive to produce, require less
expensive equipment for presentation, and can
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