June 26th, 2010

Saturday was my first day out, shooting an event on my own. My biggest hurdle to jump was getting proper information to go along with the photos I had taken. In the end though it worked out and had enough information, although I had to search out some people to get their information.

My overall lesson from that day, though, was all about captions. Who, what, when, where and why; these words I would repeat to myself. To sum it though, names, ages, town that they live in, why they were there, and a little personal history. For example "How long have you been participating in cycling competitions?" Things like that.

My other main goal was to maintain a professional demeanor and polite manor when talking to people. Not that doing that was a problem for me but it was certainly something to keep in mind. I shot mostly all day and was having a real good time of it. But what made it even better was going over the photos with Tony. Getting a second opinion and tips from a seasoned professional really made a world of a difference to me. For example, keeping low and framing up everything just like when someones head is cut off in a photo don't cut off the bicycle of a racer or the legs of a footballer. Its really amazing to have someone be able to give you the proper feedback you need. Friends and family only go so far.

What also made a world of a difference was having a second camera with a professional quality telephoto lens. My current lens is basic and isn't the best, but works just as well for now. In the future I must invest in some professional quality wide angle lenses. The size of the glass and the length of the aperture really can make a difference in some situations. Also as a photojournalist it truly would be best if I purchased a camera with a better fps rate. Never the less I will persevere with the camera equipment I have and not let it affect my ability to gauge a situation and find and image to evoke emotion and tell a story.

June 24th, 2010

Today was my first day as an intern at The Olympian on an assignment with my field supervisor Tony Overman, staff photographer. Our assignment was to go cover the birthday party of a woman, Marianne Andrews, who was turning 100 years old. The significance behind this event was she works out twice a week and she was celebrating this birthday by working out.

We arrived at Providence St. Peter hospital too meet with the hospitals P.I.O (public information officer). A P.I.O is the person in charge of handling the media for an organization. This person is the contact you talk with about the event before hand and the person who shows you where the event is happening. They also have the people whom we the media take photographs sign waivers to allow us to take there photo. Now this is not necessary for everyone to do in public you are allowed to take photos of whoever with or without permission. But since this is on private property, if we take a picture of someone and use it without proper permission since it was on private property legal action can be taken.

When we arrived Tony introduced himself and I to the subject of the story and the coordinator of the exercise program. Tony made a point of talking to the woman and the people around her and telling them to basically ignore our presence and go about there business as if we were not around. Furthermore it was important for him to talk to them about there day and Marianne's life in order for them to be comfortable with us.

As these elderly folks began to work out together we began to shoot. Tony was aware of there space but still was able to get close from a good distance. He also was aware of moments of emotions and when a certain smile or facial expression that illustrated the even happens. After a little workout the cake that was brought for Marianne was cut and 'Happy Birthday' was sung. Tony was clearly aware of where to shoot and when. More importantly how to shoot in order to frame up. Probably the greatest lesson for me was to be aware of the backdrop and where things are positioned. While this is a given in most situations I feel I've learned more from it being point out to me in my work and given the solution. Learning by doing is always the best.

After the cake was cut, Marianne sat down to eat and be interviewed by the reporter that had accompanied us. Afterwards Marianne went into the main exercise room where we photographer her doing her daily work out. Tony gave no quarter for this and shot her at every point while the reporter followed and we continued to talk. I was impressed at how comfortable Marianne was with us and Tony. The point being is that as a photojournalist you must be able to blend in and not stick out in order for the people to be comfortable and relaxed in their own environment so you can shoot them naturally.

Overall I feel this solidifies things I have read in books on photojournalism and really gives me more of memorable experience in the idea. I have learned so much from just a few hours of shooting and editing photos I'm so excited to continue working with The Olympian and Tony to further my work in journalism.