Lest We Forget - Anzac Day Photography Tips

Image by Danielle Lancaster

With Anzac Day now drawing near we thought it would be a good idea to look at how we should be considering approaching our photography on the day.

ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War (1914-1918).

As a result, on this one day each year (25^th April) the whole of Australia ‘stops’ in a sign of gratitude and national pride. These solemn ANZAC ceremonies of remembrance are our way of saying thank you to ALL of the men, women and children (so many were under the age of 18) who have fought and died in the name of War.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable images and practise photo documentary styles of photography.

Here’s a few tips for your Anzac Day Photography:

Research about Anzac Day and the associated wars. It gives an insight into the men and women, conditions etc so you can appreciate what some of the people you are likely to photograph are experiencing on this day. It will also allow you to have a more interesting and involved experience on the day.

Stimulate your own creativity by seeking inspiration from other photographers in books, magazines and on the internet.

Know the route of the march, times, places, best spot to park etc and do a rec trip.

Observe closely – there will be little things happening in every crowd. A tear wiped, a child holding a placard, hands being held etc.

Make sure you get your exposure right! You may be photographing in a variety of lighting conditions and matrix metering may not always be the best.

Tell a story with your images.

Composition, composition, composition! 

Keep pressing the big button as often as possible!