A lesson in making something from nothing.
Posted by Tim Gruber | Filed under Uncategorized
One of my recent assignments dealt with the one year anniversary of a carbon monoxide leak that sent over 100 people to the hospital and killed one. It happened on a local campus with people who were staying in the dorms as a part of a faith ministries conference. We all know it’s hard to photograph something that already happened, but I had hope since there was a memorial service scheduled for later that day.
Soon those hopes were shattered as the campus PR person said they didn’t want any cameras at the service or any cameras going into the dorms where the leak happened. So there I was moment less.
The reporter had an interview setup with Judy, a lady who nearly died in the incident. She was found 3 hours after everyone else, but managed to gain concisenesses after being passed out on her bathroom floor to call 911.
The writer asked if I wanted to shoot the portrait first, but I let him go head with the interview. I didn’t have anything in mind for a portrait either so I was hoping during the interview I might get an idea as she told her story. I try to sit in on the interview process whether I have an idea or not. I see it as a great opportunity for my subject’s to see that my interest in their story is sincere and it helps to build a rapport. It becomes an added bonus when your subject says something that sparks an idea.
Judy believing strongly in her faith said the reason she survived that day wasn’t due to luck, but a higher spirit watching over her. With that said I knew what I needed to incorporate in my portrait. After the interview I did a quick walk through of the building and found the skylight you see below. It may not be the best portrait I ever shot, but considering the lack of visual opportunities thrown my way earlier in the day I was happy to walk away with this.
As much as I’m for new media there was still something neat about seeing it run six columns on A1. Only thing I had to ignore was the type over it.
After shooting the portrait I hung around for awhile at the registration table hoping to capture a moment or two. As photojournalists you quickly learn that some of the best possibilities for moments come with people coming and going. It’s in that initial interaction or final good-bye that you’ll find the moment we so often seek.
Thomas is battling 3 different forms of cancer and the doctors told him he wouldn’t live past October; it’s July. “All this love keeps the cancer back so it can’t get out,” he told me. I agree.
What did I learn from the day? Nothing new for the seasoned photojournalists out there but hopefully it’ll help someone.
1. Sitting in on an interview can lead to potential photo ideas. Much in the same way audio leads you to good pictures.
2. Increase your odds of capturing moments and emotion by looking to situations when people are coming and going.
3. There’s a reason we’re called photojournalists and not photographers. Be a journalist and get quotes to go with your images. It’ll make them that much more meaningful.
Further Reading:
Tags: internship, photojournalism