Photojournalism is about telling a story with pictures. For this reason, a photojournalist may not remove anything from the scene--at the scene or in photoshop--regardless of how distracting it is. This is because photojournalism strives to document reality and reveal the truth.
You are not presenting the truth if you photoshop out a telephone pole sticking up in the middle of your shot of Bush shaking hands with the governor because it breaks up your composion. You are not showing the reality if you move a shoe closer to the wreckage of a car a child died in during an accident.
A photojournalist works with what he or she has. However, this doesn't mean you cannot work around distractions. Distractions can be eliminated simply by shooting from a different angle or viewpoint. They can be reduced by using a telephoto lens and/or a small F-stop. A tight crop can also help reduce the distraction.
TIPS FOR THE NON-PHOTOJOURNALIST
1. The idea of working with the environment at hand can add a whole new universe to portraiture. Rather than taking the standard smiley face on a blank background, try to photograph your subject in his or her natural environment. If you're photographing a carpenters, photograph them in their workshop or at a job site. If you're photographing your grandmother, pose her on the sofa with the afghan she knitted near the family photos, etc. There is no limit, and most everyone's enironment contains a little something of themselves. An added bonus--being in one's own environment usually eases the subject and encourages rapport-building cnversation between photographer and subject.
2. Keep a watchful eye. I've seen (and on occasion taken) photos with things like telephone poles or tree limbs in line with people's heads, thus ruining an otherwise great portrait. Before you shoot and while you shoot look for distractions like this and avoid them as best as you can.
3. Get Close to the subject. This is not always possible or desirable, but usually, the closer you get to your subject, the easier it is to separate it from the background.
4. Shoot from different angles. Try clambering on the ground (getting dirty's half the fun)or getting up higher for a different perspective. Car hoods and rooftops make excellent perches outside, and I often carry a chair or footstool in the back of my truck should need arise. In a pinch preset your focus and raise your F-stop and hold the camera overhead or to the ground.
