Sometimes it's difficult to choose which type of media you'll tell your story with - photos, video, writing only. Sometimes the subjects dictate what they're most comfortable with and the decision is made for you.
It's my feeling that if you can tell a story through video, that's the route to go. Giving a face, and voice, to a subject matter is akin to inviting the viewer into the story. The nuances you can capture through visual storytelling or information sharing can trump even the most well-written piece. We recently had a situation where a patient, who is a very gifted photographer, didn't want to be filmed, but was more than okay providing a voice-over for his personal photographs. We edited it all together, and the subsequent four-part video was very well received in all mediums it was posted to.
On the flip side (no pun intended), not everyone is eloquent or comfortable in front of the camera, and hitting all points can be difficult, especially when you're dealing with illness and healthcare. If this is the case, then perhaps an article with accompanying photos do the story more justice than a video can.
What it all comes down to is this - plan. Before you step out the door with a camera, or a Flip, or your DAT, talk to your interviewee if possible to see what they're comfortable with. Determine what, if any, ancillary material you'll need such as additional interviews or supportive information. Play out the story in your head, and attempt to determine how you would like to receive the information.
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