Monday 5 November 2012

Shooting Spot News


Before attending Loyalist College for Photojournalism I'd never heard the term "spot news".

During the first year (in 2nd semester), as part of the News Photography course, I needed to shoot a spot news photo.  The idea was unsettling.  Taking a picture of an accident, breaking news, fire, etc was daunting and I wasn't sure I could do it.  Speaking to the emergency personnel, stopping and shooting while someone is at a low point (or worse) was not something I wanted to do.   I ended up getting a shot of an accident on the 401 from my car (while stopped).  I couldn't even get out the car.  I didn't want to be in the way and felt like I didn't have the right to stop and ask questions.

401 EB near Camden East
A model train show
 This year (semester 3) I've gained confidence as a photojournalist.  I started subscribing to a few local twitter feeds that post alerts for accidents, fires, alarms and medical emergencies in my area.  I bought a reflective safety vest that now lives in the truck of my car.  And I've found myself going towards the accidents, instead of just passing or turning away.  I understand the need for the news to be covered and it can be part of my job.  I've been lucky that everything I've covered so far was just property damage and no lives were lost, but I know that will come.  Don't know how I'll deal with that but I'm going to keep trying to cover my community news, no matter the scene.

HWY38 - First photoj on scene - freelanced image to Kingston Whig Standard
HWY38 - First photoj on scene - freelanced image to Kingston Whig Standard
Small house fire in west end of Kingston - Was the only photoj on scene
First photoj on scene - freelanced image to Kingston Whig Standard
First photoj on scene - freelanced image to Kingston Whig Standard
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