What I learned on my day as a photojournalist
A local newspaper is hiring a full time photographer.
I got my stuff together and gave it a shot
Here is what I learned:
First of all, photojournalism demands top quality equipment. On a regular day you can expect to shoot a portrait then turn around and shoot sports. You need several thousand dollars of gear to do it properly.
Also, It seems that they teach something different at journalism school. To some, news is another word for honesty. Or, the highest form of news is objective and true. To some degree this attracts me to it.
On the other hand I feel constrained by the Prime Directive. I want to live in the world, not just observe it. Today I met some cool people. I wanted to play with my camera and create something. That is where I went wrong. It is not news anymore - it is art. Only one of these shots couldve been used in the paper.
Anyway, about the technique:
I found myself in the skate park after dark. A young group of riders was pulling tricks in a double concrete pool. I futzed with my gear and squeezed out a few digital shots with flash. (Note: once you go digital you will fall in love with a flash)
It was really black. I got the boys names but couldn't read the writing later. I am amazed they could land anything in that dark. Especially with the blinding flash in midair.
In the last few shots I switched to manual and set the camera for an 8 second f2 exposure. I would fire 1 or 2 flash bursts a few feet from the camera. Magic, no more lag time, and cool special effects.
One last thing:
It may not be the perfect career for me, but it is a step in the right direction.
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