Photojournalism with no credentials

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/28/2005 08:09:04 AM · #1

This morning, after dropping my wife off at work and driving home I was stopped at an intersection and noticed someone laying on the ground with people gathered around and a few cars and trucks awkwardly situated...it was clear that a pedestrian had been struck and they were waiting for the police/ambulance to arrive.

I grabbed my camera and got out of my car, by which time the paramedics had arrived. I stood there awkwardly taking 1 (one!) brief - and underexposed - photograph before feeling like an absolute voyeur with no credential or right to be there with my camera.

I live in a small town and I would feel so weird if somebody recognized me just standing there snapping photographs in the early morning of this lady who had just been struck. Help me out here, do any of you do pure freelance photography?

I've never sold anything nor had anything printed, so I just don't feel like a freelance photographer and therefore I feel like I shouldn't be taking people's pictures (journalistically speaking) and claiming to be a freelance photographer.

Should I just build up my confidence (and pj portfolio) by sticking with community events and 'happy' things for now?

deapee

Kodak V803

01/28/2005 08:14:18 AM · #2

Take the pictures if you see something interesting. Don't forget to get everyone's names too though if you do want to sell them to a paper or whatever.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/28/2005 08:17:41 AM · #3

...but this really doesn't address the nature of my post, deapee...I mean, you're right, it's important to get all the names and everything but I'm asking about the legitimacy of acting like a photojournalist when I'm clearly not...especially in delicate situations.

A photojournalist can (and must) say "It's my job to witness and report" where as I just feel like a voyeur...

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 08:19:06.

maxj

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/28/2005 08:28:16 AM · #4

i live by a pretty busy road were people often get themselves killed. I too, live in a small town, and i would never take a picture of an accidenmt lke that. Who does it serve? I'd feel guilty making money off of a tragedy like that, or even the thought of making money of that.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

01/28/2005 08:31:10 AM · #5

To loosely quote a wise man, George Costanza of Seinfeld, "If you believe you are a photojournalist, then you are!"

Back in November we had a Santa Claus parade in Montreal, I went with my Mark II and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS attached to it, I just went in the middle of the road shooting like I belonged just like the other PJ's. Nobody asked me anything. Some people wanted to pose for me to be in the newspaper! LOL. Here are some of the pics...

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 08:31:47.

nsbca7

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

01/28/2005 08:32:32 AM · #6

If you do not feel comfortable taking a photo like that perhaps it has little to do with having or not having press credentials. You felt like an intruder into someone's elses misfortune and pain. It takes a special (good or bad) kind of person to be able to do this type of photojournalism.

If you really want to know if you are cut out to take these tpye photos ask yourself this question: If that were my mother laying on the ground in her worst moment would it bother me that a stranger was standing over her with a camera just taking pictures while other selflessly helped her?

If you can honestly answer no to the question then you may be cut out for this type of photography.

If it was my mother I would be at least rude to the photographer, press credidentials or no.

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 08:33:47.

slindenman

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

01/28/2005 08:37:36 AM · #7

You're right. It is a delicate and intrusive situation to be in. If it's something you're truly interested in, then this may help.

//www.nppa.org

Perception is reality.

01/28/2005 08:49:46 AM · #8

Mike

Try standing back and photographing the paramedics. Record the good of the event. Photograph the scene, not the victim. Most publications I'm familiar with won't print the face or body of a victim.

Get familiar with the local police and fireman. Let them know who you are and what you're trying to accomplish. Offer free prints for them to post on the BB at work. Public officials always welcome opportunities for good press. They normally carry their own cameras for that purpose, but would relish better quality photos. They might even get your name in a publication; "Here's a photo (Mike took)...". Check with the public relations officer of each department.

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 08:50:52.

01/28/2005 08:51:17 AM · #9

Originally posted by doctornick:

I wouldn't have any problems with doing this...I'm talking specifically about negative situations.

nsbca7, I honestly believe that I could do this kind of photojournalism if I felt like it was my job to do so...In the same way, I'm not going to stop a kid from smoking a joint on the sidewalk but if I was a cop it wouldn't bother me to do so (stop the kid, not smoke the joint!).

01/28/2005 08:58:29 AM · #10

Originally posted by swagman:

I didn't see this post until now...this is incredibly helpful. A great idea, to focus on the good of the scene (both literally and philosophically). I realize these are baby steps but this attitude will be a great way to help me gain confidence.

Thank you swagman...

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

01/28/2005 09:00:22 AM · #11

Note: Your photos may end up having value later on for an accident investigator who couldn't get there until after the paramedics disturbed the scene.

BADDBOYY21

Nikon D300

01/28/2005 09:06:36 AM · #12

Well I have to say that I have no problem taking those types of pictures...maybe because I get paid to do it. I am a police officer and I am an fatal accident investigator/reconstructionist.

Personally, in my situation, the accident scene may be a crime scene so I have other officers keep the media and spectators far away. Im talking, closing the whole road where you couldn't take pictures with a 400mm lens if you tried.

zerocusa

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/28/2005 09:45:12 AM · #13

if you are paid to do it you just gotta do it...
here is a quote from a friend of mine about the tsunami incident in Sri Lanka.

"Here I witnessed the most heart-wrenching scenes. Bodies arrived in all sorts of vehicles. A van brought in eight bodies, each piled on top of the other. At another corner a couple held their daughter's body and cried aloud. This scene moved me deeply. I lifted my camera and captured the moment. This was not just another picture I needed to submit; it was the story of this grieving couple. I wanted to share this painful story with the world through my lens.

As a photojournalist, I cannot be emotional. Had I chosen to cry during that moving moment, I would have missed a truly moving picture. I would have let down the people of Sri Lanka. Despite the stress and danger, seeing my picture appearing on newspapers and websites worldwide was a great consolation. I know I have not let down the people who suffered and lost so much in this tragedy. I know I have recorded their experience the best way that I could."

//www.ap.org/pages/about/whatsnew/wn_011805.html#THIAN

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

01/28/2005 10:15:12 AM · #14

"Credentials" are not required.

Take all the photos you want and stay out of the way while doing so. If you want to act like a photojournalist, you would definitely need to collect the who/what/when/where/how/why info to accompany the photo. Snap a lot of shots, not just one or two.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

01/28/2005 11:08:01 AM · #15

Hmm...seems there's a lot of point-missing going on here. swagman and nsbca7 understood what I was saying, judging by their response.

I understand that credentials are not required...that sounds nice, but how do I respond when somebody looks at me in disgust and says "why are you taking pictures?"

1) if I work for the paper, I say "I'm a reporter for the Sentinel-Review".

2) if I'm a freelance with past sales, prints, experience, anything(!), I could say "I'm a freelance photographer and hope to submit these to the paper"

3) at present, I can just awkwardly mumble that I want to be a photographer when I 'grow up'...their condescending stare in response would be met with my sympathy, because they're asking themselves "what is this guy doing here?" and I understand the reason for their questioning...and subconsciously ask myself the same thing. "What am I doing here?"

anyhow...

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 11:08:54.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

01/28/2005 11:19:04 AM · #16

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

anyhow...

Just tell them that you are a hobby photographer. If they give you flack, take it as you may. Anyone who asks you why you are taking pictures in a situation as you described is not worthy of an answer anyway :)

Prof_Fate

01/28/2005 11:26:53 AM · #17

You are a witness to a news event. If the President is shot, that is big news. If Spot is run over that is news too, just not big news.

Our local TV stations have and even ASK for pics of local news - most recently floods and such.

About 18 months ago i was in a car accident. a pic of me/them/it was in the paper the next morning and on the website. they ran the pic again a few days later when they got the names of the involved. based on the time of events, and what was in the pic, it was taken by someone who stumbled on the scene I beleive. just seems hard to beleive that a 'credentialed' reporter would be at the right place and time, at 4 pm on a sunday afternoon on a stretch of country road.

If you do not feel comfortable, then don't do it. Anything you do the first time will make you feel uncomfortable. I an a waiter. When i first started i was nervous walking up to a table to ask for the order - i am not now. back in college i was on the paper - i had no issues with taking pics. I have more issues now with taking pics...LOL

Why are you taking the pics? If you are going to attempt to sell them to hte paper/TV, etc, then fine. If it is for your own personal 'pleasure' than perhaps that is not fine. if it is to be entered on DPC as a road sign ('ped xing') then you are off in a gray area i suppose.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/28/2005 11:29:40 AM · #18

Mike

A photojournalist is there to tell a story through his photos.
That's your answer. You're there to get the story of what happened. Maybe by showing others the story, you may prevent a similar situation.

It all depends on why you're there.

I'm also a cop and certified technical accident investigator. I also have a small group of media people I specificly allow into a perimeter. They know what not to do, and also what I need. They know that because we've talked about it. They'll provide me images I need, they get the photos they need.

You said you're from a small community. That's why I suggested you meet the service personnel in your area. Do they have a rider program? Once they get to know you, and understand what you're doing, you may actually find them helping you.

Depends on your department, of course.

Added later: think of all the 9/11 images. The one that most stands out in my memory was a candid portrait of a tired and filthy firefighter, still on the scene after an ungodly number of hours. The world responded to those images; without them the entire event would have been 'faceless'. The response to those images helped a lot of people find closure.

As someone else stated, Spot on the roadway isn't big news, except to a few. I've seen communities respond to a simple human interest story in a manner that made the victim's feel better: feel as if they weren't alone.

Go out and make that kind of image.

Does that mean you should get the image at any cost? I don't think so. I doubt you'll have that problem, else this thread wouldn't exist.

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 11:43:58.

Gringo

Nikon D2X

01/28/2005 11:35:53 AM · #19

Thatcloudthere, This has always helped me in this situation.

"You can't change what happend" but you can document the event with pictures so the truth of the event will remain.

lawless

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/28/2005 11:39:36 AM · #20

I have the exact same issue. The urge to grab the camera and start shooting a situation is strong...almost as strong as the voice in my head saying, 'what if someone asks, who are you and what the hell are you doing here?' Can you lie? Mumble off something about a freelance photographer for a local paper? The other thing is, I realize that the chances of this photo actually making into the paper is slim, so....Am I just taking photos for my personal gallery. Sort of feels selfish.

I obviously have more questions then suggestions for you, but this is a question I have had myself for some time now.

01/28/2005 11:49:54 AM · #21

Lawless

Why lie? A photojournalist caught in a lie loses all credibilty.

Give the 'reason' you're there, not some lie about who you are.

There's a magazine out there, can't remembe the name, whose soul purpose is to provide credentials for aspiring photographers. They actually put out the magazine, directed at its members, and run stories on the members.

You'll find them in major bookstores, such as Borders. There's a subscription for the magazine, and you can order press kits. They'll even do up letters for sporting events, getting a press pass for members.

If I remember the name, I'll post it. Never used it myself, but if it makes you feel better, having valid credentials *shrug* it's probably worth the money.

Message edited by author 2005-01-28 11:50:58.

//archives.cjr.org/year/99/2/credentials.asp

01/28/2005 11:56:43 AM · #22